2026 Comedy Category winner: The Prompt Floor Mehdi Saqi 

What was the original creative spark behind your film, and why did you choose to tell this story using AI?

Mehdi Saqi: The original idea came from imagining what happens inside an AI video model. I loved the thought of turning it into a real workplace, where a film crew is trying their best to respond to our requests. Using AI to tell this story was a no brainer, since the story itself takes place within the AI world, and is packed with easter eggs on AI pop culture.

How did working with AI change your role as a filmmaker, artist, or storyteller during the process?

Mehdi Saqi: It mostly opened doors and gave me more freedom to bring my vision to life. AI allows you to wear multiple hats at once: screenwriter, designer, director. For me, it isn’t really about working faster, it’s about having more time to focus on what matters most, the performances, the emotional beats and the story I want to tell.

Where did you feel most in control of the work, and where did the technology surprise you?

Mehdi Saqi: I’ve always felt most in control during the writing process. It’s where I spend the most time, grounding ideas into a clear vision and building the rhythm and narrative, especially when it comes to comedy. Once that foundation is in place, I can enjoy creative freedom within that controlled story.The technology surprised me in the small unexpected moments. Though the performances and deliveries were carefully prompted, subtle happy accidents would sometimes emerge in a character’s expression or timing, adding something even better than what I had initially imagined.

What part of the film feels most personal to you?

Mehdi Saqi: Beyond the comedy and satire, I wanted to tell a story about our evolving relationship with creativity and technology. We’ve never relied so much on machines, yet paradoxically, I’ve never felt more human. Just like in the film’s final scene, I love the idea that interacting with technology can sometimes help us better understand ourselves and connect more deeply with what makes us human.

What does being part of MetaMorph 2026 mean to you at this moment in the evolution of AI storytelling?

Mehdi Saqi: This recognition is especially meaningful because it’s the second year in a row that I’ve had the honor of winning at MetaMorph. The evolution since last year has been incredible. It truly feels like we’re witnessing the early chapters of a new creative language.

AI storytelling is evolving rapidly and I believe we’re moving toward a future where it will simply be considered storytelling. Beyond the technical innovation, what excites me most is the emergence of new voices, perspectives and talents. These tools are opening doors for storytellers who may not have had access before, and I’m grateful to be part of that conversation.