The development of information technologies and digitalization are among the strategic priorities of Turkmenistan's state policy being implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In this context, the key objectives include the active introduction of modern technologies across all sectors, along with the broad application of artificial intelligence in various fields, including the media industry.
Considerable attention is also being devoted to expanding international cooperation, including the study of international best practices in these fields and the participation of Turkmen representatives in major forums on artificial intelligence and global technology governance. Such engagement not only contributes to enhancing the professional expertise of Turkmen specialists but also creates promising opportunities for the country's technological advancement.
Further strengthening international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence is expected to be supported by the upcoming Astana AI Film Festival (AAIFF 2026)—the first international festival dedicated to films created using AI technologies—which will be held in Kazakhstan. Media organizations, creative teams, and individual creators from around the world, including Turkmenistan, have been invited to participate. The festival's General Information Partner is the Republican State Enterprise "Television and Radio Complex of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan" under the Administrative Office of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which includes the Kazinform International News Agency.
The central theme of the AAIFF 2026 competition is "The Future Worth Living In." Participants are offered a unique opportunity to present their own vision of the future through the use of artificial intelligence. The festival's Open Section will feature five award categories: Best Director, Best Visual, Best Story, Best Concept, and Best Character. The principal requirement is the creation of a Full AI short film with a maximum running time of ten minutes. The total prize fund amounts to US$1 million.
The festival organizers place particular emphasis on ensuring that all submitted films comply with copyright requirements. Entries will be evaluated by an international panel of experts, film directors, producers, and representatives of the creative technology industry. The organizers are also considering the use of an AI-assisted jury to conduct the preliminary selection of submissions. Following the evaluation process, 25 winning works will be selected: 10 in the Main Section and 15 in the Open Section. Applications will be accepted until 15 August 2026. Film screenings and the awards ceremony are expected to take place in Astana from 28 September to 1 October 2026 as part of Astana AI Week, a week dedicated to artificial intelligence.
The participation of representatives from Turkmenistan in the festival will help promote the country's creative content on the international stage, providing an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of Turkmen specialists in the field of artificial intelligence to a global audience. At the same time, the event will offer valuable opportunities for exchanging knowledge and experience with international colleagues, as well as for learning about the latest technologies and emerging trends in this rapidly developing field. Furthermore, the competition provides broad opportunities for establishing new professional contacts and expanding productive cooperation with international studios and technology companies, thereby contributing to the continued development of the AI sector in Turkmenistan. Most importantly, successful participation in this prestigious international festival will help strengthen Turkmenistan's image as a country that is open to innovation and modern technologies.
