A total of 10 student teams coming from various universities across Western Visayas completed their artificial intelligence or AI-assisted film trailers after attending the SineAI Talks and Workshop as part of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VI’s 2025 AI Fest event this August.

The SineAI Talks last July 14 held at the RDC Hall of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Region VI, where the student teams learned about the fundamentals of AI, AI integration in the creative industry, and AI applications in filmmaking, animation, music scoring, and others, and ethical issues in using AI particularly in terms of creative ownership and fair use.

Experts in AI, prominent creatives, and legal minds joined during the SineAI talks, including DOST Balik Scientist, Dr. Felipe P. Vista IV; Filipino-American artist and futurist Kristian Kabuay; renowned filmmaker Direk Auraeus Solito, also known as Kanakan-Balintagos; independent Ilonggo filmmaker Jonathan P. Jurilla; Executive Director of the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc., Daniel Enriquez; independent filmmaker Michael Lacanilao; lawyer and entrepreneur Atty. Lcid Crescent Fernandez, and Director of the Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPhil), Atty. Emerson G. Cuyo.

The SineAI Workshop, on the other hand, tackled hands-on use of generative AI in creating meaningful stories aligned with this year’s theme for SineAI, “Dumdumon ang Kinaiya: Dayawon ang Kinaandan.”

Leading the workshop is Gavin Lim, a Singaporean filmmaker and producer, who taught students how to use various AI tools in producing their very own AI-assisted films. The student teams were also mentored by Jonathan P. Jurilla and another Ilonggo filmmaker, Emmanuel A. Lerona. The workshop was held last July 16-18 at the Research and Extension Building of the West Visayas State University (WVSU).

The student teams are now gearing up to create their 3- to 5-minute short films, which will be screened on August 12, 2025, as part of the 2025 AI Fest activities in Iloilo City. The short films will highlight local talents in the use of generative AI in storytelling and filmmaking. The SineAI screening schedule will be officially announced through the 2025 AI Fest official Facebook page and website.

The top 3 short films will be selected from the 10 submissions and will be awarded during the Closing Ceremonies of the 2025 AI Fest on August 13.

SineAI highlights the importance of embracing AI as a tool in the creative industry. The event is organized in partnership with West Visayas State University (WVSU). (NABFactuar/DOST VI)