AI Film Series Named Finalist in Los Angeles
The vertical drama series Mountain of Graves has earned a finalist spot at the third annual Neu Wave AI Film Festival.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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The AI-produced vertical drama series Mountain of Graves was selected as a finalist at the Neu Wave AI Film Festival in Los Angeles. Produced by DragonStudios.ai, the series is part of the Topwave Vertical Films Competition held during LA Tech Week.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the growing utility of generative AI in professional film production. The project also serves to platform African narratives on a global scale through mobile-first, vertical storytelling.
DragonStudios.ai produced the 10-episode drama entirely through AI filmmaking platforms. The production is optimized for mobile viewing using a vertical video format.
The players
DragonStudios.ai
This production company utilizes artificial intelligence platforms to generate cinematic content.
Buka Africa
This organization commissioned the series to help showcase African stories on an international stage.
Donovan Marsh
He is a writer who collaborated on the production of the Mountain of Graves series.
Steven Cholerton
He is a writer who collaborated on the production of the Mountain of Graves series.
Phuti Lehong Buka
He is a writer who collaborated on the production of the Mountain of Graves series.
The details
Commissioned by Buka Africa, the series was written by Donovan Marsh, Steven Cholerton, and Phuti Lehong Buka. The work is featured as part of the Topwave Vertical Films Competition, which is integrated into the broader schedule of LA Tech Week.
Timeline
The finalist selection was publicized on 28 September 2026.
The festival plans to announce competition winners on 14 October 2026.
The Tech Race
The focus on AI-generated vertical content reflects a broader shift away from traditional, horizontal cinema toward mobile-native storytelling. This trend positions AI-specialized studios against legacy production houses in the race to capture attention on smartphone platforms.
This development indicates that high-quality, long-form content is becoming easier to produce for mobile screens. Viewers can expect a wider variety of AI-generated vertical dramas appearing on mobile-first streaming platforms in the coming months.
The takeaway
The rise of AI-produced series shows that advanced tools are democratizing the ability to create professional-grade vertical content. Creators interested in this medium should prioritize optimizing their narratives specifically for mobile viewing habits.
What happens next
The Neu Wave AI Film Festival will announce the competition winners on 14 October 2026 in Santa Monica.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence.
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