The Division of Arts and Machine Creativity at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (https://amc.hkust.edu.hk/) is thrilled to announce the 2nd HKUST AI Film Festival with the theme : "New Boundaries, New Life".

Building upon the foundation laid in our inaugural festival, this year we deepen our exploration into the very essence of AI film. We are not merely witnessing the evolution of filmmaking tools, but actively engaging with fundamental questions about what film becomes when the camera is replaced by AI models and prompts. This festival serves as a critical platform to examine how AI is being integrated into the filmmaking process—from subtle enhancements to complete reimaginations of production workflows. We explore the spectrum of human-AI collaboration: How should AI be integrated? In what ways? And to what extent?

This year, we seek to initiate "AI Film New Wave Movement"—one that recognizes the profound possibilities ahead while turning toward critical humanistic reflection. While the current landscape of AI filmmaking dazzles with spectacular visuals and novel forms, we observe a troubling void at its core—works that are visually stunning yet emotionally hollow, technically impressive yet expressively shallow. In response, we ask: Can AI film inherit and evolve the legacy of realist film theory? Can it become "Asymptote of Life" rather than "dream-making"?

This festival champions a vision where AI filmmaking does not abandon the humanistic concerns that have defined film's greatest achievements, but rather reimagines them through new technological means. We seek to reshape the Nouvelle Vague's core principles—strong authorial voice, authentic expression, and deep engagement with lived experience—within the context of AI creation. The question is not whether AI can generate beautiful images, but whether it can serve as a medium for genuine human expression, for works that resonate with the complexities of existence rather than merely showcasing algorithmic capabilities. We invite filmmakers, theorists, technologists, and audiences to join us in this essential dialogue about how AI can deepen rather than diminish the humanistic dimensions of film, forging a path where technological innovation serves authentic artistic expression.

Awards & Prizes

The winners will be rewarded with an additional prize from a $30000+ HKD prize pool !!

【AWARDS for Main Competition】

BEST FILM AWARD
BEST DEBUT AI FILM AWARD

BEST TECHNICAL INNOVATION AWARD
BEST HUMAN-AI COLLABORATION AWARD

BEST REALIST EXPLORATION AWARD
BEST AUTEUR EXPRESSION AWARD

BEST LOCAL CULTURAL EXPRESSION AWARD
BEST CROSS-CULTURAL DIALOGUE AWARD

BEST FILM AWARD: The highest honor of the festival, awarded to the film that best exemplifies the fusion of technical innovation, artistic expression, and humanistic depth.
BEST DEBUT AI FILM AWARD: Dedicated to emerging voices in AI filmmaking, this award celebrates the most outstanding debut AI film.
BEST TECHNICAL INNOVATION AWARD: Awarded to the film that demonstrates the most innovative use of AI technology in filmmaking. This includes novel applications of AI agents, models, or workflows that significantly advance the technical capabilities of AI film.
BEST HUMAN-AI COLLABORATION AWARD: Celebrates films that exemplify exceptional synergy between human creativity and AI capabilities.
BEST REALIST EXPLORATION AWARD: Honors films that engage with realist film theory, seeking to become an "Asymptote of Life" rather than mere "dream-making." This award recognizes works that use AI to explore, document, or reflect upon lived experience with authenticity and depth.
BEST AUTEUR EXPRESSION AWARD: Celebrates films that demonstrate strong authorial voice and personal vision within AI filmmaking.
BEST LOCAL CULTURAL EXPRESSION AWARD: Honors films that authentically represent and explore local cultures—whether from Hong Kong SAR, Mainland China, or other Asian regions.
BEST CROSS-CULTURAL DIALOGUE AWARD: Recognizes films that successfully bridge cultural boundaries, fostering understanding and dialogue between different cultural perspectives through AI filmmaking.

As a pioneering AI film festival, we recognize that traditional film awards may not fully capture the unique dimensions of AI filmmaking. Our award structure reflects:
1. The Dual Nature of AI Film: Balancing technical innovation with artistic expression.
2. The Human-AI Collaboration: Recognizing that AI filmmaking is fundamentally about the relationship between human creators and AI tools.

These awards are designed not merely to recognize achievement, but to guide and inspire the future development of AI filmmaking as an attractive and powerful form of cinematic art.

**OFFICIAL SELECTION**

Creators of selected films may have an opportunity to present their work with travel grant to partially cover their trips and registration fee wavier and dinner banquet invitation.

【AWARDS for AI Vertical Shorts Section】

BEST VERTICAL FILM AWARD

BEST VERTICAL FILM AWARD: The highest honor in the AI Vertical Shorts Section, awarded to the most outstanding vertical short that demonstrates exceptional achievement in AI-generated content.

【AWARDS for Student Work Section】

BEST STUDENT FILM AWARD

BEST STUDENT FILM AWARD: The highest honor in the Student Work Section, awarded to the most outstanding student short that demonstrates exceptional achievement in AI-generated content.

【AWARDS for AI Music Section】
This category recognizes creators who demonstrate exceptional narrative ability and technical transparency in AI-assisted composition.

-BEST AI MUSIC PRODUCTION AWARD: Awarded for overall production maturity and musical craftsmanship, including compositional structure, technical execution, and screening readiness.
-BEST MUSIC AWARD: Awarded for breakthroughs in musical storytelling and the creative use of AI that transcends algorithmic output.

Rules & Terms

【AI Film Main Competition】

**CRITERIA & ELIGIBILITY**

- Film quality: Storytelling impact and overall production quality.
- Use of AI techniques: Creative integration of AI and effective use. The submitters must include a file in the format of PDF documenting how the film is created, including what AI tools are used, the time spent for production, AI filmmaking workflows, screenshots and pictures with corresponding instructions and explanations of filmmaking process.
(PDF file links from cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Baidu Pan, OneDrive, Quark Pan, etc. are all acceptable.)
- Duration: The films submitted to the Main Competition must be over three minutes long.
- Language: Films that contain languages other than English must include English subtitles.
- Films previously submitted to the past editions of the Festival will not be reconsidered.

**SUBMISSION FORMATS**

-Initial Submission (for selection purposes):
Video format: MP4 or MOV,
Resolution: 1080p,
Codec: H.264,
Audio: Stereo,
Subtitles: Burned-in subtitles.

-If Selected for Official Screening:
Resolution: Minimum 1080p, preferred 2K or 4K,
Audio: Stereo or 5.1 surround sound,
Selected films may be required to provide a DCP version for theatrical screening.
DCP technical specifications:
- Image Size: HD, Full, Flat or Scope (2K or 4K),
- Encoding: JPEG 2000,
- Bitrate: ≤ 500 MBit/s,
- Frame rates: 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps,
- SMPTE and INTEROP DCP are all acceptable.

【AI Vertical Shorts Section】
- Duration: Videos must be under 10 minutes in length.
- Format: Content must be designed for vertical screens (portrait orientation).
- All rules and terms from the Main Competition apply.

【Student Work Section】
- Duration: Videos must be over 1 minute in length.
- Format: Same as the Main Competition.
- All rules and terms from the Main Competition apply.

【AI MUSIC Section】

No specific scenarios is required for this section. We encourage creators to explore the intersection of technology and humanity. Use music as a narrative tool for an "invisible film," using sound to extend the unspoken boundaries of "New Life" and "New Boundaries."

1. Criteria & Eligibility
-Theme-based: Creations should align with the festival theme: "New Boundaries, New Life." There are no additional scenario restrictions, allowing creators full imaginative freedom within this theme.
-AI Requirements: Follow the Main Competition standards for AI transparency and copyright. Detailed documentation will be required only if the work passes the initial screening.

2. Submission Formats
The submission process is divided into two stages to simplify the initial entry:

-Stage 1: Initial Submission (For Screening)
Creators only need to submit the following via the FilmFreeway platform or provided link:
a.One audio file: High-quality WAV or MP3 file.
b.Project Description: A brief introduction to the work, including the title, creator/team name, and a short synopsis (within 200 words).

-Stage 2: Shortlist Requirements (Post-Screening)
If the work passes the initial screening, the committee will contact the creator to submit the following supplementary materials within 7 days:
a.Workflow PDF: A detailed document featuring a workflow overview, key prompt excerpts, major human edits, and iteration notes.
b.Project Files/Stems: Core individual tracks (e.g., original AI tracks, human post-edit tracks, vocal/instrument tracks) or DAW project packages to verify the creative process.
c.Assets: One high-resolution cover image

3. Exhibition & Safety
-Installation: Shortlisted works will be presented in the Archive Pavilion, using a headphone pick-up/return listening setup.
-Hearing safety: Please keep the loudness at a safe, comfortable level, and avoid harsh high frequencies or extreme dynamics for headphone listening.

【IF YOU SUBMIT YOUR WORK(S), YOU AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING RULES】

*WORKS*

Works must fulfilled the corresponding submission requirement.

*SCREENING*
The festival programming team reserves the right to assign selected films to the most appropriate screening section.

*COPYRIGHT & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY*

By submitting your film/music, you affirm that you are the rightful owner of the work and have obtained all necessary rights, clearances, and permissions for all content within it, including but not limited to music, visuals, and the likeness of any real individuals (e.g., actors, public figures).

AI-generated content used in submissions should respect third-party copyright and intellectual property rights. All submissions must be original works created by the entrant.

The organisation team is not liable for any copyright infringements conducted by the entrant, and any conflicts should be resolved by the parties involved.

The festival organisers reserve the right to disqualify and remove any submissions that violate these rules or any applicable laws.

GRANT OF RIGHTS

By submitting your film and associated materials (including but not limited to the video file, PDF documentation, trailer, stills, and poster, collectively "the Submission Materials"), you grant the organisation team a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use the Submission Materials for the following purposes:

Screening: To showcase the film during the AI Film Festival and any associated events.

Promotion: To use portions of your film (e.g., clips, trailers), stills, and posters for promotional purposes on social media, the official website, press releases, and other relevant platforms.

Education & Archives: To use the Submission Materials for educational purposes and to archive them as part of the festival's historical records.

Academic Research: To analyse, study, and use the Submission Materials (specifically including the PDF documentation detailing the AI creation process) for non-commercial academic research. This includes, but is not limited to, the creation and publication of academic papers, reports, articles, and presentations that cite, describe, or analyse the submitted works. In all such academic uses, the Festival will ensure that you are credited as the creator of the work.

SUBMISSION CONFIRMATION

By submitting your film, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to all the rules and terms set forth in this document. You warrant that you have the full right and authority to grant the rights outlined herein.

Submitting the same work through multiple channels, whether on the same platform or across different platforms, will not increase your chances of winning.

8 Reviews
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  • Javier Gracia Alcaine

    An absolutely exemplary organization. I’ll definitely participate again.

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Gabriela Cardona Walther

    I am deeply grateful to have been part of the selection of HKUST AIFF 2026. Having won Best AI Film is a true honor, deep congratulations to all filmmakers and the Film Festival Team!

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Cuneyt Ozturk

    I’m grateful that my film was recognized as a finalist, and I truly appreciate the opportunity.
    While I initially wished the communication had been a little clearer, I’m happy to have now received the certificate and official follow-up from the festival team.
    Thank you to HKUST AI Film Festival for the recognition and for including my work among the finalists.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Chung-Hsuan Lu

    Well, the festival itself is not bad.
    However, despite my film being selected, I got neither notification nor connection from HKUST.

    I even didn't know the festival has come to an end.

    May 2025
    Helpful
  • zhixiang ye

    What a great film festival! The organizers were very professional and invited many heavyweight guests in the industry to share. It was a great experience!

    April 2025
    Helpful