The Melbourne AI Film Festival acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. We recognize the diversity, imagination, and rich storytelling traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which continue to inspire creativity and innovation in cinema.

Amidst the sociocultural tensions that lie beneath the surface of AI usage for creative purposes, we at MAIFF believe that artists have been granted a weapon that can be wielded to slay the demons that block creative processes and pave the way for innovation in storytelling and cinema.

This year we seek to address the stigma of using generative AI for film and add onto the discourse of how AI can be a useful tool for the creator with an insightful session with our panel. Our showcase of films will not only help push the boundaries of creative storytelling, but also highlight how the use of modern technological tools can unlock new levels of creativity and innovation in cinema.

The festival will take place at a prestigious venue in Melbourne, to be announced soon. Our esteemed jury, comprising internationally recognized filmmakers and AI cinema innovators, will also be revealed shortly. Stay tuned for the full festival program and updates!

Awards & Prizes

Best Australian Narrative Film

Best Australian Animation Film

Best Australian Documentary Film

Best International Narrative Film

Best International Animation Film

Best International Documentary Film

Rules & Terms

Eligibility Criteria:

• The inaugural Melbourne AI Film Festival is open to individuals worldwide, aged 18
years and above, whose submissions incorporate AI-generated content.

• For Australian-based categories, applicants must reside in Australia at the time of
submission. Australian citizenship or permanent residency is not required; residence
in any state or territory of Australia is sufficient.

• Each submitted film must designate one creator (individual) as the official entrant. In
the case of collaborative projects or team-based works, the designated entrant (e.g.,
director or team leader) will be regarded as the film’s representative. If an award is
granted, it will be presented solely to this nominated individual.

• By submitting a film, applicants agree to comply fully with the official regulations of
the Melbourne AI Film Festival.

Submission Guidelines:

• Submitted films must 1 - 12 minutes in length.

• Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.

• All films must incorporate AI-generated elements. The use of live-action footage,
animation, or archival material is permitted, and films are not required to be 100% AI-
Generated.

• Submissions must include the final version of the film, with full credits, as well as a
promotional poster.

• Films must have been completed no earlier than May 2024. Works previously
screened at other festivals are eligible; world premieres are not required.

• If music, footage, or any copyrighted material is used, it is the responsibility of the
filmmaker to secure all necessary rights and permissions prior to submission.

• There is no limit to the number of films an individual may submit, however each film will be counted as a separate entry.

• Films may address any subject matter; however, the pre-selection jury will curate up
to 5 films per category.

• Submissions must be made exclusively via FilmFreeway. Entries received via email will not be considered.