October 30, 2026 – November 1, 20268:30 AM – 9:30 AM DailyLocation: Register to See Address (Vancouver, BC – Unceded Territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations)

Why We're Back for Round Two

Last year's gathering brought 250 of us together to unpack AI's raw edges—films made on a shoestring, panels tackling IP issues head-on, and ceremony centering time as irreplaceable. We're expanding because the tech keeps moving, and so do we. This is space for stories the old system ignored: Indigenous protocols from the start, queer and BIPOC creators grabbing tools without gatekeeper hurdles, and animators shifting gears instead of stalling out. Sci-fi's our steady guide—HAL's gaze, Blindsight's probes—helping sift through the noise for clarity. Straight up: we're curating thoughtfully, blending scouts with submissions, no exploitative fees. Community drives it—show up, add your take, challenge us. Thick skins welcome; better ideas win.

What's On Offer

• Films with Depth: 20-30 selections, pulled from networks and open calls. Narrative explorations, experimental pieces cutting costs dramatically, cultural blends from around the world, and docs facing industry shifts squarely. Chosen for resonance, not flash.
• Panels That Dig In: Bay Raitt on crafting emotional CGI, Philippe Pasquier on consent-based models respecting heritage, Luke's Tiny Go strategies for turning job loss into next steps. We'll wrestle ethics: training data fairness, AI as quirky collaborator, meaningful over polished.
• Workshops That Build Skills: Practical sessions on Comfy UI, Runway, Nuke—iterate fast, integrate seamlessly. Covers VFX demos, style experiments, and Indigenous AI approaches. Leave with tools you can use.
• Community Connections: Filmmaker Q&As, WIP feedback, real networking—ByteDance collabs, SFU insights, monthly screenings from January. This setup supports scholarships and retraining because we back our words with action.

Tickets

Your support keeps the nonprofit running—youth programs, worker transitions, cultural work. Scholarships available if needed; reach out.

Request to Join – We check for fit to keep the group solid.

Hosted By

• Kris Krüg (@kriskrug | [email protected]): Planting sci-fi roots in AI since the start, calling out the system's flaws, growing this from meetups to something lasting.
• Kevin Friel: Workflow expert at Curious Refuge, guiding thousands through practical AI shifts.

Presented by BC + AI Events: BC's people-first AI hub—multi-modal, grounded.

Get in Touch

For queries, partnerships, submissions (opening June 2026). Refund Policy: Full refund 7 days before; partial after. #Arts & Culture | Territory Acknowledgment: Honoring xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, səl̓ilwətaɬ lands and ways—respect as the base.

Partners: Rival Technologies, ByteDance, HR MacMillan Space Centre, SFU SIAT, UBC Emerging Media Lab, Curious Refuge, CG Pro, Ethos Labs—allies who understand.

If this misses the mark, say so; we're refining as a group. See you at the event or monthlies.