Don't Wait for Permission. Green Light Yourself.
From script to screen in 30 days.
GenAI Narrative: Creator-in-Residence | Vol.1 is a selective, four-week creator incubation sprint designed to develop the next generation of AI-native storytellers.
Presented by Stars Collective, in association with Stars International Film Festival (SIFF), powered by Leyline.
★ Stars Collective may select the winning project for investment and development into a feature-length film or full series
GenAI Narrative is a long-term official program of the STARS International Film Festival (SIFF). Volume I proudly launches in collaboration with Leyline AI as the inaugural edition.
Program Snapshot
Cohort Size
10 creators
Format
4-week intensive sprint
Content Types
Short Film, Advertising, Music Video
Program Dates
February 5 – March 5, 2026
Application Period
January 14 – January 28, 2026
Selection Announcement
February 3, 2026
Final Film Deadline
March 5, 2026
April 2026
Awards from SIFF
What You'll Get
From Leyline
- Pro subscription for 6 months post-program
- Priority generation queue for all video outputs
- Weekly workshop with the Leyline team
- 24/7 WhatsApp group for technical support
- Featured placement across Leyline's gallery and marketing channels
From Stars Collective & SIFF
- Invitation to the Stars Collective filmmaker community
- Mentorship sessions and Guest Speakers from Hollywood executives and industry leaders
- Access to Stars Collective private events and global network
- Awards recognition from Stars International Film Festival
- Stars Collective may select the winning project for investment and development into a feature-length film or full series
Application Requirements
AI Film Sample
A 30–90 second AI film created using Leyline or other AI tools
Creative Statement
300 words: What story will you tell in 30 days?
Portfolio Link
Your portfolio or reel showcasing previous work (AI or Non-AI)
How It Works
Submit Your Application
Upload your AI film to our gallery, then complete the application form with your creative statement and portfolio.
Four-Week Sprint
Selected creators join weekly workshops, mentorship sessions, and receive 24/7 technical support.
Showcase & Awards
Receive awards from SIFF, and compete for feature development investment.
Program Deliverable
Selected creators will produce an original AI-integrated short film, commercial, or music video (2–3 minutes). Leyline must be used as the primary production pipeline. Hybrid workflows (live-action + AI) are encouraged.
Meet the Jury
Industry leaders from Hollywood, international film festivals, and the Television Academy evaluating your work.
Roel Reiné
Award-winning Director
Netflix, Disney+, Marvel, Paramount+
Dutch Academy Award winner for Best Director known for visually stunning, action-driven films. Recent work includes Line of Fire and Classified for major studios and streaming platforms.
Gabe Klinger
Filmmaker
Venice, Berlinale, Rotterdam
Born in São Paulo, Brazil. Before making films, he worked as a film studies professor, critic and programmer. Directed feature films including Porto and Isabel, with festival recognition spanning Venice, Berlinale, and Rotterdam.
Caiqin Zhan
Producer
Sony Pictures, James Wan
Producer on festival selections including Playland and Nezouh (Venice audience award winner). Credits include The Garfield Movie ($230M+ worldwide), plus work with James Wan and Sony Pictures.
Eric W. Shamlin
Creative Executive
Emmy Board of Governors, AI Task Force Chair
A polymath whose career spans business, creativity, and technology. Emmy, Peabody, and Cannes Lions recipient. Founding Governor for Emerging Media at the Television Academy and AI Summit host.
Our Creators
Presented By
About Stars Collective
Stars Collective is a Los Angeles–based film finance and production company behind The Garfield Movie (2024) and The Monkey (2025), working closely with Patrick Wachsberger, Sam Raimi, Donna Gigliotti, Rob Minkoff, and other A-listed filmmakers.
About Stars International Film Festival
Launched in Los Angeles in 2023, SIFF has established itself as a global platform for international cinema. Led by Lifetime Honorary Presidents Han Sanping and Donna Gigliotti, SIFF honors industry leaders for their contributions to cross-media and global storytelling.
About Leyline
Leyline is at the forefront of AI-native entertainment, equipping creators with professional-grade pipelines once reserved for major studios. Backed by Primavera and guided by senior advisors across deep tech and entertainment.
Important: Creators retain full ownership and copyright of all original ideas, treatments, outlines, scripts, and final audiovisual works. Participation in this program grants Stars Collective and Leyline a non-exclusive right to showcase the work for promotional and program-related purposes, as well as a right of first consideration for potential development or distribution discussions.
Questions? Contact Alayla Zhan at jenniferzhan@starscollective.com
The Only Permission You Need Is Yours.
AI lets you iterate like a pro—ten versions before lunch. Applications close January 28, 2026.