Imax Brings AI Generated Films to the Big Screen

Imax, the titan of immersive cinema, is venturing into a new frontier: artificial intelligence. In a landmark move, the exhibition giant has announced a partnership with Runway AI to bring a curated selection of AI-generated short films to its massive screens. This collaboration marks a significant moment where cutting-edge technology meets the traditional Hollywood movie-going experience.

A New Cinematic Experience AI Films on the Big Screen

From August 17th to August 20th, audiences in ten major U.S. cities will have the chance to see the future of filmmaking. Imax will screen the shorts from Runway’s 2025 AI Film Festival as a single, compelling program. The limited run will be available in:

• Los Angeles
• New York
• San Francisco
• Chicago
• Seattle
• Dallas
• Boston
• Atlanta
• Denver
• Washington, D.C.

The showcase will feature diverse and imaginative films like More Tears than Harm, a painterly exploration of a challenging childhood in Madagascar, and Jailbird, the true story of a chicken that becomes a companion to a prisoner in a compassionate rehabilitation program.

"The IMAX Experience has typically been reserved for the world’s most accomplished and visionary filmmakers," said Imax’s Chief Content Officer, Jonathan Fischer. "We’re excited to open our aperture and use our platform to experiment with a new kind of creator." Runway co-founder Cristobal Valenzuela added that "the quality, variety and storytelling of these films deserves a premium viewing experience."

Redefining Hollywoods Relationship with Tech

This partnership could signal a major shift in how Hollywood engages with new technology. While the rise of streaming created friction with theater owners, this collaboration with an AI firm is framed as mutually beneficial. Instead of competing for viewers, AI tools could become a source of fresh, innovative content that draws new audiences to the big screen. It’s a move that positions exhibitors as partners in innovation rather than gatekeepers resisting change, though the potential for AI's personalization to also enhance at-home viewing remains.

The Rise of Runway AI in Filmmaking

Runway, based in New York, is at the forefront of the AI filmmaking revolution. Its annual film festival has grown exponentially, with this year's event generating 6,000 submissions and drawing large crowds in both New York and Los Angeles. "Three years ago, this was such a crazy idea," Valenzuela said at the New York event. "Today, millions of people are making billions of videos using tools we only dreamed of." The company has been actively courting the industry, signing formal deals with established names like AMC Networks and Lionsgate.

Hollywoods Dual Perspective on Artificial Intelligence

As AI tools become more sophisticated, they have sparked a passionate debate within the film community. The technology has both terrified and inspired the imaginations of those who work in film. While some worry about AI replacing human artists and diluting the soul of cinema, others champion it as a revolutionary tool that could unlock unprecedented creativity and herald a new golden age of storytelling. This Imax-Runway partnership is a bold step directly into the heart of that conversation.