Welcome to the third edition of the RAIF, Rome AI Festival by VIA, the definitive global crossroads where Generative AI meets the apex of the creative industries. Following a sold out debut and a groundbreaking second edition that united reality with artificial imagination, RAIF returns to the Eternal City to chart the next great epoch: The Age of the Integrated Creator.

RAIF remains the ultimate bridge. We don't just screen content; we forge the infrastructure connecting the world’s most visionary GenAI directors, promptengineers, technical directors, and synthetic artists directly with the studios, streamers, and tech titans rewriting the rules of entertainment.

Rules & Terms

1. GENERAL ELIGIBILITY
1.1. Open to filmmakers and photographers worldwide.

1.2. Completion date: Projects must be completed after January 1, 2024.

1.3. Minimum age: 18 years.

1.4. Language: Non-English films must have integrated English subtitles.

2. PROJECT & AI ELIGIBILITY
2.1. Tracks:

Short Films: All genres. Max 20 mins (inc. credits).

Photography: Single images or series (up to 10).

2.2. Mandatory AI Requirement: Projects must utilize Generative AI as a significant creative component.

2.3. Mandatory "AI Statement": Applicants must include a 100-300 word description of tools (e.g., Kling 3.0, Runway, Midjourney) and processes used in the "Cover Letter" section.

3. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS
3.1. Ownership: The Applicant retains 100% ownership of the Project’s copyright.

3.2. Grant of Exhibition License: By submitting, the Applicant grants RAIF a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to screen the Project during the Festival (physical and digital) and use excerpts (up to 30 seconds), stills, and posters for promotional purposes.

3.3. Escape.ai "Best of Fest" Channel: Selected "Best of Festival" winners and "Official Selections" may be invited for featured distribution on the Rome AI Festival Channel on Escape.ai.

By submitting, you agree that if selected for this "Best of" showcase, RAIF may host your film on the Escape.ai platform for a period of 12 months. This is a non-exclusive agreement; you maintain the right to distribute your film elsewhere.

3.4. Computational & Analytical Use: * The Applicant grants RAIF the right to analyze the submitted Project and its metadata for the purposes of curatorial research, trend reporting, and festival-related technical optimization.
This includes the right to process the film data for internal quality assessment and the improvement of the Festival’s screening technologies.

4. REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES
4.1. The Applicant warrants they have all necessary rights, including AI-generation tool licenses and traditional clearances (music, talent, etc.).

4.2. The Applicant agrees to indemnify RAIF against any third-party claims.
7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Marcel Rutschmann

    I had a very positive experience with the Rome AI Festival 2026.

    Being selected for an Honorable Mention was a great recognition, especially within such a forward-thinking and competitive space focused on AI-driven storytelling. The festival clearly values innovation and is open to new forms of filmmaking, which is extremely important for creators working with emerging technologies.

    Communication was smooth and professional throughout the process, and the platform itself is well-structured and easy to navigate. The overall quality of the selected projects reflects a strong curatorial direction and a genuine interest in pushing the boundaries of cinema.

    For filmmakers exploring AI as a creative tool, this festival is definitely worth considering — both as a showcase and as a place to connect with like-minded creators.

    Looking forward to seeing how the festival evolves in the coming years.

    April 2026
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  • Alexandre Rillos

    It was an honor to participate in the festival.
    eccellente!!!

    January 2026
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  • Ivan Krapivin

    The hosts asked the permission to download my film and I can hope that it was even seen!

    January 2026
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  • Kirill Karnovich-Valua

    Thanks to the jurors and to the organisers of the Rome AI festival for honoring our film! Hope to come and attend in person for the next edition!

    January 2026
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  • Nikolaos Stampoulopoulos

    I'm deeply thankful to the organizers and jury for honoring my AI short, Sky Walking, with the Best AI Narrative award at the very first edition of this festival. Even though I couldn't attend the screening in person, communication was excellent. I hope the festival grows bigger in the next years, the people running it have put a lot of effort and deserve it.

    January 2026
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