How the AI Film Festival is Putting Belgrade on the Map for AI Diplomacy

In an age where artificial intelligence is redefining industries, cultures, and inter national relations, Serbia is stepping into the spotlight with a bold and innovative move: the AI Film Festival. This pioneering event, hosted in Belgrade, isn’t just another film festival—it’s a strategic leap toward establishing Serbia as a key player in the global AI ecosystem in the film and art fields.

A NEW ERA OF AI DIPLOMACY
The AI Film Festival, sets to debut this year (15-16 March 2025), is one of the first of its kind, dedicated entirely to the exploration of AI in film. But beyond showcasing cutting-edge cinematic experiences, the festival represents a broader ambition: positioning Serbia at the forefront of AI diplomacy. By fostering collab orations with AI creators and film festivals fr om Greece and France —nation recognized as leader in AI innovation and AI Action Summit host country —Serbia is building bridges that go beyond the traditional realms of culture and technology. These global collaborations are not just about sharing knowledge; they’re about creating a new dialogue wh ere Serbia can act as a facilitator of AI ethics, creativity, and policy. The partnerships with Greece’s AI film community- Lumina Larissa Greece first AI Film festival, and France burgeoning AI scene bring together diverse perspectives that are crucial in shaping the future of AI on a global scale.

WHY BELGRADE? A SYMBOL OF SERBIA’S TECHNOLOGICAL RENAISSANCE
Belgrade, a city synonymous with creativity and technological prowess, con tributes its deep-rooted expertise in AI. Serbia, with its rapid technological growth and vibrant film industry, adds a unique blend of storytelling tradition and cut ting-edge AI experimentation. Ethnographic Museum, one of the oldest museums on the Balkans, was estab lished in February 1901 and the first permanent exhibition was opened on Sep tember 20, 1904. Echoes of AI Film Festival — chance to watch all the winners plus honorable mentions of our festival, a curated selection with some of the best AI f ilms made in 2024 will be in Ethnographic museum. Ideal for those who liked the f ilms and now want to bring some friends to share the joy, are curious about the future of content creation and creativity. Up to now Ethnographic Museum had 33 International Festival of Ethnological Film with significant result of the previous festival editions - a video-archive including around 1250 ethnographic films fr om 80 countries. 

GPAI Belgrade Ministerial Declaration - diplomatic success for Serbia
On 4 December 2024, the Ministers and representatives of the Global Partner ship on Artificial Intelligence, met in Belgrade, for the Summit, under the leadership of Serbia. Following the Summit, 44 countries have now embraced the Declaration proposed by our country, which is a remarkable accomplishment. The adoption of the Belgrade Declaration is a major diplomatic success for Serbia. We must recog nize that not all countries are at the same level of technological advancement. The Declaration emphasized the importance of sharing information and results with the global community, enabling all nations to benefit fr om advancements in AI.
Global Collaborations: The Power of Cross-Cultural AI Innovation
The partnerships driving AI Film Festival are as diverse as they are strategic. France, known for its ethical approach to AI development and strong government backing, brings a perspective that prioritizes human-centered AI. The Artefact AI Film Festival stands out as a space for expression dedicated to creativity leveraging new technologies. This festival, open to all — filmmakers or novices — emphasizes the rise of artificial intelligence in the production and creative process. The theme of this first edition, titled “Reality(s)”, will explore the transformative changes we encounter in the era of technological advances, and the experiences that seeds and prompts offer us. The short films will be tasked with examining how the perception and acceptance of our surroundings are disrupted by the emergence of artificial intelligence in our daily lives. The Larissa Lumina AI Short Film Festival explores how artificial intelli gence serves as a catalyst for augmented imagination, propelling progress along uncharted paths and heralding the advent of an economy wh ere inspiration is the principal currency. The festival honors the exceptional human talent behind the creation of groundbreaking storytelling forms. International Film Festival of Larissa IFFL, will serve as the main host venue which is already running for 16 years. Together, these collaborations not only elevate the festival but also create a platform for Serbia to engage in the global conversation on AI. By bringing together these international voices, AI Film Fest becomes more than a festival—it’s a diplo matic stage wh ere ideas on AI governance, ethics, and creativity can be exchanged.

BOOSTING SERBIA’S SOFT POWER THROUGH
AI In the world of international relations, soft power— the ability to shape the preferences of others through appeal and attraction—has become as important as traditional forms of diplomacy. AI, as a transformative force, offers a new avenue for countries to project their values and influence. For Serbia, AI Film Festival rep resents a unique opportunity to enhance its soft power by aligning itself with the forward-thinking world of AI and digital creativity. Through the festival, Serbia is not only showcasing its commitment to embracing advanced technologies but is also positioning itself as a mediator in the global AI dialogue. This role could lead to Serbia playing a part in future discussions on AI policy, ethical standards, and international AI collaborations.
A Vision for the Future
As AI continues to evolve, so too will the platforms that foster its growth. AI Film Festival is just the beginning for Serbia’s foray into AI diplomacy. The festi val’s success could pave the way for further collaborations, positioning Serbia as a thought leader in AI ethics, storytelling, and innovation. By hosting a global com munity of creators and technologists, Serbia is not just participating in the AI rev olution—it’s helping to shape it. With AI Film Festival, Serbia is lighting the way for a new era of AI-powered diplomacy, where art, technology, and international relations converge. It’s a bold vision, one that could redefine Serbia’s place on the global stage and set a precedent for how nations can use cultural platforms to drive technological and diplo matic progress.
The Road Ahead
As the AI Film Festival draws closer, all eyes are on Serbia. This pioneering event could be the catalyst that not only transforms Larissa into a global tech hub but also repositions Serbia as a critical player in the AI diplomacy landscape. By connecting with AI innovators fr om France and Greece, Serbia is taking a significant step toward a future wh ere technology and culture can drive international collaboration and understanding. Serbia’s journey into AI diplomacy is just beginning, but with AI Film Festival, it’s already clear: the world is ready to listen.