On Oct. 16, Access Sacramento will celebrate 26 years of A Place Called Sacramento. The festival is a celebration of local filmmakers, human passion, and creativity.
One film in this year’s program was created using generative AI. The filmmaker complied with the rules in place for the 2026 program and we believe it would be unfair to apply a new standard after submissions were accepted.
We have heard the concerns raised by members of Sacramento’s filmmaking community. Our rules did not adequately anticipate this rapidly changing technology, and we should have started this conversation earlier.
Access Sacramento and the filmmaker understand this work is fundamentally different from the other nine films so it will screen during a separate part of the PCS ceremony as an out-of-competition presentation. It will not be eligible for awards.
AI is already changing filmmaking and the creative economy. We believe this moment calls for an open conversation about the role of AI in filmmaking. Following the festival, Access Sacramento along with Sacramento Film + Media and CFAA will begin working with filmmakers, educators, and community members to shape that conversation, leading to a public convening in early 2027.
To ensure clarity in the future we will work with the filmmaking community to develop clear standards for the 2027 PCS program.
Access Sacramento has been, and always will be, human centered. Technology will change. Our commitment to people, creativity, and local stories will not.
Access Sacramento continues to push for civil discourse, and we want to create thoughtful dialogue on this issue.
Share your perspectives, questions, concerns, and ideas about AI and filmmaking at: TalktoUs@accesssacramento.org.