AI-Driven Film Triumphs at Istanbul Film Festival

Swiss-Kenyan director Damien Hauser's film "Memory of Princess Mumbi" has made history by winning the Golden Tulip Award at the 45th Istanbul Film Festival, marking the first time a feature film created with artificial intelligence has received the top honor at a major film festival. Set in the year 2093 within the fictional African country of Umata, the film combines elements of romance and mockumentary, centering on a love triangle involving a film director named Kuve, an aspiring actress, and a prince. Hauser noted that the film's creation was heavily reliant on AI technology, despite his intention to produce a narrative that AI could not replicate.

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The Istanbul Film Festival, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), ran from April 9 to April 19, 2026. Under the artistic direction of Kerem Ayan, the festival has adopted a more global approach, integrating both Turkish and international films into its main competition while still showcasing dedicated sections for local cinema. This year’s festival also featured a revitalized Meetings on the Bridge market component, led by former Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival chief Basak Emre and Pinar Evrenosoglu.

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In addition to the Golden Tulip for "Memory of Princess Mumbi," the festival awarded the Special Jury Prize to Bi Gan's "Resurrection," which explores a movie monster's journey through a century of Chinese history. The Best Director award was shared by Lise Akoka and Romane Gueret for their coming-of-age film "Summer Beats," while the Best Screenplay award went to Markus Schleinzer and Alexander Brom for "Rose," featuring Sandra Hüller. Turkish films dominated the acting categories, with Inci Sefa Cingöz winning Best Actress for her role in "Those Who Whistle After Dark," and Kemal Burak Alper receiving Best Actor for "Dead Dogs Don’t Bite."

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The success of "Memory of Princess Mumbi" at the Istanbul Film Festival highlights the increasing acceptance and recognition of AI-generated content in the film industry. This trend raises questions about the future of filmmaking and the role of technology in creative processes, as filmmakers like Hauser navigate the balance between human creativity and artificial intelligence.

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Damien Hauser expressed that he could not have completed "Memory of Princess Mumbi" without AI, emphasizing the paradox of creating a film that AI itself could not produce. The festival's organizers have praised the event's new format, which aims to enhance the visibility of both local and international cinema.

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While the festival has been lauded for its innovative approach, some critics have raised concerns about the implications of AI in creative fields, suggesting that reliance on technology may undermine traditional filmmaking practices. However, specific dissenting voices or detailed critiques were not prominently featured in the sources.

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“make a movie that AI could never make.” — Damien Hauser, Director

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