AUS joins the conversation on the future of storytelling at AI Film & Ad Festival Dubai

As a knowledge partner of the AI Film & Ad Festival Dubai, held in Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) during Dubai AI Week 2025, American University of Sharjah (AUS) took part in an event that brought together creatives, technologists and storytellers exploring the possibilities of AI in filmmaking.

Assistant Professor Mohammed Mamdouh from the AUS College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) moderated a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring voices from across the creative tech space. “What made the night so powerful wasn’t just the innovation on display, but the reminder that the future of filmmaking is not something that will shape us, it’s something we have the power to shape ourselves,” he said. “It was an honor to host this extraordinary panel at the Theatre of Digital Arts in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, as part of the AI Film Fest Amsterdam & Dubai, where some of the boldest voices redefining cinema gathered to share their visions.”

The festival also featured a screening of a short film by CAAD student Maria Beirakdar. “Screening my AI film at the festival was a truly wonderful and surreal experience,” she said. “It was incredibly rewarding to see my work presented alongside projects by top industry creatives. It was also a great honor to collaborate with my CAAD professors; their guidance played a huge role in shaping a project that could stand confidently in front of such an accomplished audience. This experience opened my eyes to an exciting new medium for storytelling: filmmaking through AI.”

The festival offered students and faculty alike a chance to reflect, connect and imagine new ways of creating, and sharing, stories.

“Identifying and engaging with opportunities like the AI Film & Ad Festival plays an important role in enriching the experience of our university community,” said Alanood Aldhaher, Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing at AUS. “Being Knowledge Partners is a testament to AUS’ commitment to engaging with emerging conversations that push the boundaries of knowledge, creativity and innovation. These platforms not only spark inspiration and dialogue, but also enable our students, faculty and staff to connect with global thought leaders, explore new ideas and actively shape the future of creative industries.”