Indywood's ‘Being’ wins ‘Best AI Visualised Film’ at IFFI Goa CinemaAI Hackathon 2025

Indywood's Being

has won the prestigious Best AI Visualised Film Award at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) - CinemaAI Hackathon 2025. The film, which explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and cinematic creativity, was selected from over 500 entries from 18 countries worldwide.

This award represents a significant milestone in Indywood's creative progress and formal entry into AI-driven cinematic innovation. The film was presented on Tuesday, November 25, at Waves, Film Bazaar, and garnered positive feedback for its unique visual expression and creative interpretation of memory.

Being, set in the mist-laden groves of north Kerala, tells the story of a childhood moment that forever reshaped a life, tracing the echo of fear, vulnerability, and strength.

Conceptualised by storyteller Sumeshlal, the film was visually crafted by Alby Nataraj, with creative support from Bichu Venu under Wonderwall Media Network.

Producer Sohan Roy stated that winning this award is a major milestone for Indywood. “Being shows how technology and emotion can coexist beautifully, and this recognition strengthens our resolve to explore the future of storytelling through AI-driven creativity,” Roy added.

Over the years, Indywood has been involved in a variety of creative and industry-changing projects, including large-scale film productions, international co-production opportunities, film industry expos, talent development programs, and technology-driven cinema solutions.

It has also been a key factor in supporting high-quality independent programming and exposing developing creative talent via its global network.

Other winners of the CinemaAI Hackathon included Remory by Atomeist for Most Innovative AI Film, The Red Crayon by Kalpanik for Best AI Film, Final Monsoon Echo by Rajesh Bhosle for Best Sound Design and Lost and Found by Samresh Shrivastava for Best Storytelling.

Sujay Sen, executive VP and global head of interactive services at LTIMindtree, presented the awards alongside chief growth officer Krishnan Iyer and IFFI festival director Shekhar Kapur.

The CinemaAI Hackathon, organised by IFFI in collaboration with NFDC and LTIMindtree, served as India's first major forum for exhibiting the creative potential of artificial intelligence in cinema. With the participation of 500+ innovators from 18 nations, the hackathon included a 48-hour competition in which the top ten teams made a 2-minute film based on a mystery theme disclosed during the event.

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa is scheduled to take place from November 20 to November 28.