1. Overview
The Chicago AI Film Contest (“Contest”) is organized by Playground Pastime/The Referral Store, LLC (“Organizer”) to celebrate diversity, challenge AI bias, and showcase innovative storytelling from underrepresented communities. By participating, entrants agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions.
2. Eligibility
* Open to AI artists worldwide, with a special emphasis on underrepresented communities, including but not limited to people of color, Indigenous groups, and cultural minorities.
* Participants must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission.
* Each entrant must submit an original AI-generated film that aligns with the contest theme.
3. Submission Categories
Participants may submit to one or more of the following categories:
* Long AI Film: Original AI-generated film between 3-5 minutes in length.
* Short Form AI Film: Original AI-generated film between 1-3 minutes in length.
* Music Video: An original AI-driven music video between 1-4 minutes in length (entrants must secure rights for all music used; see Section 4).
Each submission must be unique if entering multiple categories.
4. Submission Guidelines
Originality, Rights, and Permissions
* All submissions must be original works created by the entrant using AI video tools.
* Entrants are solely responsible for securing all necessary rights and permissions for third-party materials used in their films, including but not limited to: music, sound recordings, images, artwork, performances, trademarks, and copyrighted materials.
* Use of commercial music is permitted only if entrants have secured the proper licenses. Playground Pastime does not verify rights or permissions, and expressly disclaims liability for any disputes, claims, or copyright violations. Entrants agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Organizer, its partners, and sponsors from any resulting liability.
* Neither the Organizer nor its jurists investigate or attest to the authenticity of an entrant’s statement of authorship or rights secured. By submitting, entrants represent that they have obtained all necessary rights.
Content Standards
* Submissions should be respectful and free from offensive, discriminatory, or explicit content. Unacceptable content includes, but is not limited to:
* Material that violates or infringes upon another’s rights, including privacy, publicity, copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights.
* Content that is indecent, lewd, pornographic, obscene, profane, hateful, defamatory, slanderous, or libelous.
* Material that promotes discrimination or contempt based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, age, disability, or serious disease.
* Content that promotes illegal activities, violence, or the use of firearms/weapons.
Material unlawful in any jurisdiction where the submission is created.
Technical Requirements
* Format: MP4
* Resolution: 1080p maximum
* Length:
Short Form: 1–3 minutes
Long Form: 3-5 minutes
Music Video:1-4 minutes, must follow rights rules
Entry Fee
* Early Entry: $35.00 USD October 1 - November 30, 2025
* Regular Entry: $45.00 USD December 1-31, 2025
* Extended Entry: $55 USD January 1-31, 2026
* All fees are non-refundable and charged per video submission.
Multiple Entries
* Each entry must be distinctly different if submitting to multiple categories.
* Additional entries require a separate applicable fee per submission.
5. Submission Process
* Complete the online submission form (available when submissions open).
* Upload your video following the technical specifications.
* Provide a brief description (150 words max) outlining your creative process and the AI tools used.
* Upload two high-resolution images that best represent your video.
* Pay the appropriate entry fee via the secure payment portal.
6. Contest Timeline
* Submissions Open: October 1, 2025
* Deadline for entry into People's Choice Award Voting: December 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST
* Deadline: January 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST
* People’s Choice Award Voting: February 15-28, 2026
* People’s Choice Award Winners Announced: March 2026
* Winners Announced: April 1, 2026
7. Judging Criteria
* Creativity and Originality: Unique storytelling and concept execution.
* Technical Quality: Effective use of AI tools and production techniques.
* Artistic Expression: Emotional impact and aesthetic quality.
* Alignment with Theme: Strong representation of diversity and combating AI bias.
* Storytelling Impact: Thought-provoking and insightful messaging.
8. Winner Selection and Notification
* Selection Process: A panel of judges with expertise in Artificial Intelligence, traditional art, storytelling, screenwriting, photography, music, and diversity will evaluate submissions.
* Notification: Winners will be notified via email using the contact information provided.
* Verification: Winners may be required to provide proof of eligibility, complete an affidavit of eligibility/liability release, and grant permission for publicity as a condition of receiving the prize.
* Disqualification: Failure to respond to notification within the specified time frame or to provide required documentation may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner.
9. Prizes and Recognition
* Winning films will be featured at the Chicago AI Film Festival 2026.
* Selected works will also be showcased on social media channels, livestream events, and the official Playground Pastime YouTube platform.
* Additional prizes (such as AI tools, subscriptions, or sponsorship awards) may be announced.
10. Rights and Usage
* Entrants retain full ownership of their work.
* By submitting, entrants grant Playground Pastime/The Referral Store, LLC a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to feature, promote, and showcase their videos in:
Festival screenings and related events
Social media promotions and livestreams
YouTube and other digital platforms
Editorial or sponsor features (if applicable)
* Entrants will always receive proper credit when their work is used.
11. Disqualification and Refund Policy
* Entries containing plagiarized, offensive, or inappropriate content will be disqualified without refund.
* Entry fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
* Late submissions will not be accepted.
* The Organizer reserves the right to disqualify any submission subject to copyright or ownership disputes.
12. Publicity
By participating, entrants agree to the use of their name, likeness, and submission for promotional purposes without additional compensation, unless prohibited by law.
13. Limitations of Liability
The Organizer is not responsible for:
* Incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by entrants, errors, or equipment.
* Technical failures of any kind.
* Unauthorized human intervention.
* Technical or human error in the administration or processing of entries.
* Injury or damage caused directly or indirectly from participation or prize use.
14. Ownership – Organizer’s Reservation of Rights
The Organizer reserves the right to:
* Disqualify individuals tampering with the entry process or violating rules.
* Cancel, suspend, or modify the Contest if fraud, technical failures, or other uncontrollable factors impair its integrity.
15. Contact Information
For questions, support, or additional details, please email: info@thereferralstore.com
