Android Dreams: AI Film Fest Amsterdam #2

Enter the future of cinema, where imagination and technology converge.

Enter the future of cinema, where imagination and technology converge.

On Saturday, February 28th, 14:00–18:00, Droog became the stage for Android Dreams by AI Film Fest Amsterdam, showcasing visions of utopian and dystopian futures through AI storytelling. AI Film Fest Amsterdam is hosted by MadHatter Studios.

This edition brings together a unique collision of traditional film expertise, commercial innovation, and avant-garde AI artistry. 

PROGRAM

AI Short Film Screening (14:00–15:00) Experience a curated selection of the world’s most compelling AI-generated short films.

This session features a special screening of “Lily”, the 9-minute masterpiece by Tunisian filmmaker Zoubeir Jlassi, winner of the inaugural $1 Million AI Film Award by Google Gemini (January 2026). The program also includes exclusive premieres of the latest works by Roman Lapacz and MadHatter Studios, showcasing how motion is carved from algorithms and light is shaped into matter.

Panel Discussion (15:00–16:00) Moderated by Alya Yumrukçal (Droog)

Following the screening, this panel brings together voices from across the European creative ecosystem to share inspirations, processes, and the ethical challenges of working with emerging tools.

Speakers:

• • Asad Ayub: CEO & Founder of MadHatter Studios and host of AI Film Fest Amsterdam. MadHatter has been at the forefront of the AI filmmaking revolution. Some notable clients include: Luma, Google, Subway, and Dunkin’. AI Film Fest has expanded internationally, hosting events in Dubai, Milan, Riyadh, Warsaw, Berlin, Budapest & Paris. Asad has been a musician, writer and filmmaker for 15 years. 
  • Massimo Benvegnú: A seasoned film expert with decades of experience, Massimo brings a rich historical perspective to the conversation. His background includes programming for the prestigious EYE Film Museum and working for global institutions including the Venice Film Festival and Locarno Film Festival.
  • Roman Lapacz (Mr.Oan): A French Art Director and AI filmmaker based in Amsterdam. Roman began his career in advertising (London, Turin, Paris) before turning his passion for shaping ideas into striking images toward the world of AI filmmaking, where he now crafts intricate prompts and immersive stories.

• Alya Yumrukçal:The film and documentary programmer based in Amsterdam, currently curating @droog, where she coordinates a diverse, independent and experimental cultural program. Her programming focuses on questions of identity, community and global storytelling, creating spaces for under-seen voices and cultural dialogue.

AI Film Workshop (16:00–18:00) A hands-on deep dive into prompting for images, video, and sound. This session offers practical workflows for your own AI-powered projects, with a special emphasis on the latest A.I. filmmaking tools from Google. Whether you are a novice or a pro, learn how to translate abstract ideas into concrete visual narratives.

Drinks & Networking (18:00 – …) Ideas flow better over some refreshments—stick around to connect with the speakers, fellow dreamers, makers, and future collaborators.