AI for the Future Festival

Eligibility & Submission Guidelines

We accept submissions that:

a) Engage with AI and the Future of Governance
Works that explore AI’s impact on society, ethics, climate, gender, human rights, culture, or global governance—whether direct or indirect, hopeful or critical, speculative or documentary.

b) Utilize AI in the Creative Process
Works that significantly incorporate AI tools in writing, image creation, sound, performance, editing, or worldbuilding.

c) Are Non-AI but Thematically Aligned
Exceptional works that do not use AI but strongly resonate with our UN-aligned themes (CSW, HLPF, UNGA, COP, climate justice, gender equity, youth, human rights, cultural diversity).

We welcome (but are not limited to):

Films (Shorts & Features) – narrative, documentary, experimental, hybrid, essay film, or animation

Music Videos & Visual Albums

Web/TV Pilots or Series Episodes

AI-Generated or AI-Enhanced Visual Storytelling (video poems, motion pieces, immersive works)

Spoken Word / Performance Pieces with AI visuals or sound

Works may be completed in any year, but preference may be given to recent projects and premieres.

Submission Agreement

By submitting, you acknowledge and agree that:

The festival may use your poster, trailer, synopsis, images, and stills for promotional purposes, including our website, social media, FilmFreeway, partner platforms, educational events, and media outreach.

Entry fees are non-refundable.

You may submit the same work to multiple UN-aligned categories if relevant (e.g., CSW + HLPF themes).

All non-English works must include English subtitles.

All written materials (including scripts) must be in English or accompanied by a full English translation.

The festival has full discretion in selecting, programming, and awarding submissions. All decisions of the judges and selection team are final and non-negotiable.

The festival does not offer screening fees or rental fees for selected works.

Content & Technical Standards

We do not accept:

Content that promotes extremist ideologies, hate speech, or harmful disinformation (at the festival’s discretion).

Films primarily designed to promote a partisan political campaign or agenda.

Non-consensual synthetic media (e.g., deepfakes of real individuals used without consent).

Submissions that do not meet basic technical standards (e.g., severely compromised audio, no subtitles for non-English dialogue, or video resolution below 720p HD).

Selection & Awards

Selected works will be notified according to the timeline listed on FilmFreeway. While we strive to adhere to all dates, the festival is not responsible for schedule changes caused by external partners or UN-aligned events.

If your work wins in its category, you may receive:

A digital Award Certificate

The option to order an official festival trophy

Possible additional recognition or opportunities from festival partners and sponsors (where applicable)

Eligibility for special spotlights linked to major international observances (e.g., World Creativity and Innovation Day, Earth Day, International Youth Day, Human Rights Day, World Environment Day)

The festival selection team determines which works are:

Screened in-person at UN-adjacent or partner venues (CSW, HLPF, UNGA, COP, etc.)

Showcased online or in hybrid formats

Highlighted in thematic conversations on AI governance, climate, gender, youth, and human rights.

Preference may be given to world premieres, regional premieres, or works not yet widely available online.

If your work is chosen for a live screening event, you will receive:

Two (2) festival passes per selected work, granting access to festival screenings (subject to venue capacity)

Access to designated festival conversations, panels, or networking spaces, where possible

Travel, lodging, and other expenses remain the responsibility of the filmmaker/artist.

Submission Requirements

If you wish to be considered for individual craft recognition (e.g., directing, cinematography, sound, performance), please include the relevant name(s) in your cover letter or project details on FilmFreeway.

All submitted photos and press assets should be properly labeled with:

Talent/creator name

Submitter’s name

Submission title

Date/year of production

Students applying for any student-category discounts (if offered) must provide a valid student ID (middle school, high school, college, or university).

Screening copies (if selected for live or hybrid events) must be delivered in the requested format at least 14 days before the scheduled screening date.

Disqualification & Festival Rights

The festival reserves the right to disqualify any submission at its sole discretion if it:

Violates these terms

Infringes on copyright or intellectual property rights

Contains hate speech, incitement, or abusive content contrary to the spirit of the festival

By submitting, you confirm that:

You own or have secured all necessary rights (including music, images, archival footage, and AI assets) included in your work.

You authorize the festival to use promotional materials (stills, posters, trailers, synopses) for marketing, publicity, and archival purposes.

You understand that the festival may reassign your work to a different category if it better aligns with a specific UN theme or showcase window.

The festival is not liable for any copyright or IP disputes; the responsibility lies with the submitter. If relying on Fair Use, you are encouraged to consult frameworks such as the Documentary Filmmakers’ Best Practices in Fair Use.

If consent to use your materials or data is revoked, your submission may be withdrawn from consideration or programming.

Final Terms & Agreement

All rules, eligibility criteria, and guidelines are subject to change without prior notice.

Participation in the festival implies full acceptance of all rules, terms, and conditions.

By submitting, you confirm that you have the authority to commit the work for exhibition and that all key collaborators are aware of and agree to the submission.

Submitters consent to the festival processing their personal data for festival-related operations (selection, communication, accreditation, promotion). Data will not be sold to third parties.

📩 Questions?
Contact us at hello@aiforthefuturefest.com