AIFFI® AI FILM FEST
OFFICIAL RULES & TERMS
For full details and the latest updates, please visit our official website: www.aiffi.org, where these Rules & Terms are published and maintained.
1. Eligibility of Submissions
We accept original audiovisual works that comply with one or both of the following conditions:
The work explores or represents the potential or real-world consequences of artificial intelligence (AI), whether in present day or the future. This includes, but is not limited to, the ethical, philosophical, environmental, social, technological, and psychological impacts of AI systems. Representations can be direct or indirect, intentional or accidental, optimistic or critical.
The work has been created using substantial AI technology or tools in one or more stages of production. Accepted tools include AI for scripting, storyboarding, image or video generation, AI voice synthesis, sound design, AI-based animation, machine learning editing platforms, or generative design software.
2. Accepted Formats
The AIFFI® Festival accepts short-format audiovisual works that incorporate artificial intelligence as part of their creative or technical process. Submissions are open to a broad spectrum of genres, styles, and production methods, provided they comply with the following conditions:
The work must have a total runtime of 40 minutes or less.
The use of artificial intelligence may occur at any stage of production, including but not limited to: writing, visual generation, animation, sound design, editing, or compositing.
Accepted works include, but are not limited to:
Fiction or narrative short films
Documentary or non-fiction short films
Music videos and audiovisual experiences
Experimental or concept-based works
Animated shorts (2D, 3D, AI-assisted, procedural, or stop-motion)
Commercial, promotional, or branded content
Submissions must fall within at least one of the following recognized formats:
Narrative (fictional or story-driven content)
Documentary (non-fiction or observational works)
Experimental (formally or conceptually non-traditional works)
Animation (in any technique or medium)
Hybrid (projects that combine human and AI contributions)
Fully AI-Generated (works created entirely through AI tools)
There are no restrictions regarding artistic style, visual aesthetics, language, or cultural origin. All entries will be evaluated based on originality, conceptual clarity, and the creative application of artificial intelligence within the filmmaking process.
3. Technical Requirements
To maintain screening quality and eligibility, submissions must adhere to the following technical standards:
• Resolution: Minimum 1280x720 pixels; Preferred: 1920x1080 (Full HD) or 4K UHD
• Frame Rate: 23.976, 24, or 25 fps (constant frame rate only)
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 preferred; 4:3, 2.35:1, or other cinematic formats accepted if justified artistically
• Audio Requirements: Stereo or 5.1 surround; clear dialogue; no clipping or excessive background noise
• Accepted Codecs: H.264 (MP4), ProRes 422 (MOV), or DCP for cinema screenings
• File Delivery Formats: MP4, MOV, or DCP (Digital Cinema Package)
• Subtitles: Mandatory in English for all non-English dialogue; burned-in or embedded in separate SRT file
• 4. Language and Translation
English is the official language of the AIFFI FILM FEST. If the dialogue of the submitted work is in any other language, subtitles in English are required. Translations must be accurate and reflect both literal and contextual meaning.
5. Entry Fees
Entry fees are charged per project and per category. All payments are final. No refunds will be issued, even in case of disqualification or withdrawal.
6. Multiple Entries and Resubmissions
AIFFI® embraces the depth of creative exploration and encourages participation from both emerging and established voices in generative cinema. Therefore, the following is permitted:
• Submitting the same project to multiple eligible categories, provided there is a clear alignment with each category’s curatorial focus.
• Entering multiple distinct projects by the same filmmaker or creative team, with no limit on quantity.
• Resubmitting previously entered works in future festival editions or competition cycles, as long as they have not been awarded the AIFFI® Grand Prix in a prior edition.
Each entry will be independently reviewed by the selection committee and jury based on artistic excellence, narrative innovation, and originality in the use of AI-driven tools.
7. Detailed Statement of AI Usage
Submitters must provide a detailed statement regarding the use of artificial intelligence in their production process, including:
• The specific type of AI tools or technologies used.
• The estimated percentage of work generated or influenced by AI at each stage.
• Whether AI models trained on proprietary or third-party data were used.
• A reflection on the impact of AI usage on the creative process and the final result.
8. Transparency and Ethics of AI
Submitters must include a statement on the ethical considerations taken into account when using AI, including aspects of copyright and potential algorithmic biases. AIFFI FILM FEST reserves the right to question or disqualify films where the use of AI is deemed unethical or significantly infringes upon third-party rights.
9. Responsibility for AI Training Data Usage
Submitters are responsible for ensuring that the data used to train any AI model employed in their film does not infringe upon copyrights or other applicable laws.
10. Copyright and Ownership
Submitters must own all rights or provide licenses for the use of:
• Video clips
• Images and stills
• Music and sound design
• Scripts and story material
• AI-generated assets (if created using third-party platforms). Submitters will need to provide details regarding the ownership of these assets, including the terms of service of the AI platforms used.
11. Representation of Persons and Likenesses with AI
It is emphasized that the use of AI to create representations of persons (real or fictional) and voice synthesis to imitate voices requires obtaining the necessary permissions and addressing the corresponding ethical implications.
12. Labeling and Metadata
All files must be labeled with:
• Submitter’s name
• Project title
• Date of submission
• Role of each individual shown (if applicable)
13. Selection and Judging Process
Selections are made by a rotating panel of industry professionals, festival programmers, academics, and previous award winners.
AIFFI AI FILM FEST reserves the right to reject or disqualify any submission without explanation.
Categories may be reassigned at the jury’s discretion if the work fits better elsewhere.
Judges’ decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
14. Awward Categories and Recognition
AIFFI® Grand Prix – Best AI Short Film (Recognizing the most outstanding short film created with the support of artificial intelligence.)
Best International AI Short
Best Student AI Short
Best AI Short Film Director
EXCELLENCE IN AI CINEMATIC CRAFT
Best AI Cinematography (Celebrating technical excellence and craftsmanship enhanced through AI tools.)
Best AI Editing
Best AI Sound Design
Best AI Production Design
Best AI Visual Effects
AI STORYTELLING & MUSICAL COMPOSITION
Best AI Original Script (Honoring innovation in AI-assisted writing.)
Best AI Adapted Script (Honoring innovation in AI-assisted writing based on existing material.)
Best AI Original Score (Honoring innovation in AI-assisted musical creation.)
Best AI Original Song (Honoring innovation in AI-assisted musical creation.)
AI GENRE EXPLORATIONS
Best AI Animated Short (Recognizing creative applications of AI in animation.)
Best AI Sci-Fi Short (Recognizing creative applications of AI in science fiction.)
Best AI Music Video (Recognizing creative applications of AI in music videos.)
Best AI Commercial / Brand Film (Recognizing creative applications of AI in commercial or brand films.)
All winners will receive an Official AIFFI FILM FEST Digital Certificate and digital laurels for promotion. Eligibility to purchase an engraved trophy will be offered to all winners. In-kind prizes and recognitions from AI technology sponsors and industry partners may be awarded (subject to availability). Over $10,000 USD in total prizes and awards will be granted throughout the competition.
15. Use of Promotional Materials
By submitting, you grant AIFFI AI FILM FEST permission to use your project’s promotional assets (poster, stills, trailer, synopsis, etc.) for:
Publication on www.aiffi.org/festival, Festhome, and affiliated sites
Social media, press releases, educational programs, press kits, and printed materials
16. Use of Film Excerpts for Promotion
By submitting, you authorize AIFFI AI FILM FEST to use excerpts (up to 15 seconds) from your film in official festival trailers, nominee montages, press teasers, or award recaps.
17. Disqualification and Inappropriate Content
We reserve the right to disqualify entries that:
Promote hate, violence, racism, discrimination, or extremist ideologies
Serve as propaganda or promotional material for political or religious organizations
Do not meet technical or artistic standards expected by an international jury
18. Public Screenings and Premieres
World premieres are strongly encouraged. Preference will be given to projects not yet released to the public or distributed online. For unreleased films, trailers and posters must be provided upon official selection.
19. Final Screening Deliverables
Final screening copies must be delivered no later than 14 calendar days prior to the festival event. Late deliveries may forfeit screening eligibility. Projects selected for premiere screenings must also submit:
• Official poster (high resolution)
• Final trailer (under 2 minutes)
• Film stills and director’s statement
20. Attendance and Festival Access
If selected for screening:
Submitters will receive two complimentary festival passes per project.
One invitation to the Opening Night Gala per selected category.
Travel, lodging, and visa costs are the responsibility of the participant.
21. Community Engagement and Media Consent
Selected participants agree to actively engage with AIFFI AI FILM FEST’s global community initiatives. This includes, but is not limited to:
Participating in online interviews, virtual panels, and community webinars.
Sharing creative insights through social media clips or festival-produced short features.
Providing video testimonials and behind-the-scenes material when requested.
Authorizing the festival to share relevant excerpts, quotes, and visual elements from your film for marketing and educational use.
In addition, selected projects screened during the festival (virtual or physical) grant AIFFI FILM FEST the right to include audience reactions, photos, or clips from screenings in festival recap content and promotional compilations. If filmmakers or team members are present at in-person events, they may appear in official photography and video materials used for future editions or press coverage. All such use will be respectful, professional, and in line with international festival standards.
22. Panels and Workshops on AI in Film
Selected filmmakers may be invited to participate in panel discussions or workshops focused on the use of AI in filmmaking, organized by the AIFFI FILM FEST.
23. Specific Evaluation Criteria for AI
The AIFFI FILM FEST jury may take into account specific criteria related to the use of AI when evaluating films, such as the originality of its application, its impact on narrative or aesthetics, and its contribution to the exploration of AI-related themes.
24. Student Submissions
Students must present a valid institutional ID. Student films are eligible for general and student-specific awards.
25. Fair Use and Documentary Standards
Use of third-party material under “fair use” must adhere to legal precedent. We recommend consulting: Documentary Filmmakers’ Best Practices in Fair Use.
26. Privacy and Data Use
Personal data collected through Festhome or www.aiffi.org will be used solely for:
• Festival operations and scheduling
• Jury coordination
• Contact and updates
• Accreditation and media logistics
27. Communication
All official communication will be conducted through the email address associated with your Festhome profile. Failure to respond to official notifications may result in disqualification.
28. Legal Liability and Indemnity
The submitter agrees to indemnify and hold AIFFI FILM FEST harmless from any claims involving:
• Copyright infringement
• Defamation, misrepresentation
• Trademarks or improper crediting
• Unauthorized use of AI or voice likenesses
29. Amendments and Policy Changes
The AIFFI FILM FEST reserves the right to update, amend, or revoke any clause within these Rules & Terms without prior notice. Changes will be reflected immediately on www.aiffi.org.
29. Jurisdiction and Legal Scope
These terms are governed by international intellectual property law and audiovisual exhibition standards. Any disputes shall be resolved under the jurisdiction of the organizing body of AIFFI FILM FEST.
30.Clause on Originality, Authorship Verification, and Responsible Use of AI
AIFFI – International Festival for AI-Generated Short Films maintains a strict ethical framework to preserve the integrity, originality, and legitimacy of all participating works. By submitting to AIFFI, each applicant agrees to the following legal obligations:
1 Authorship and Originality
All submitted works must be entirely original and created by the individual or collective officially credited in the submission form. Submissions must not contain plagiarized content, nor may they include works generated by third parties without explicit authorization or collaborative credit.
Falsifying or misrepresenting authorship in any form—whether by falsely claiming credit, submitting content previously released under another name, or impersonating another creator—is strictly prohibited.
2. Verified Attribution and Credit Integrity
The person or team submitting the film must be the verifiable author(s) and creator(s) of the work, including its narrative, artistic direction, technical execution, and final delivery.
All submissions must include:
Accurate identification of the individuals or team responsible.
Proper crediting in the film itself and all submitted materials.
A clear and truthful description of AI tools used, including:
Type of models (e.g. video, image, audio generators)
Creative intent and human-AI interaction
Workflow or technical integration process
At AIFFI’s discretion, additional documentation or proof of authorship may be requested during the selection process, including but not limited to: project source files, behind-the-scenes content, creative logs, or sworn declarations.
3. Sanctions for Misrepresentation
Any submission found to involve plagiarism, identity fraud, or fabricated information shall face the following consequences:
Immediate disqualification from the current edition
Permanent ban from all future editions of AIFFI
Public disclosure of the violation on AIFFI’s official channels
Notification to other international festivals, industry organizations, and platforms
Forfeiture of any award, recognition, or official selection, if already granted
AIFFI reserves the right to pursue legal remedies under applicable intellectual property and fraud legislation if the infraction causes reputational or material damage.
4. Final Declaration
Participation in AIFFI implies full acceptance of these terms. The festival is founded on transparency, creativity, and ethical responsibility—values that are not negotiable.
31. Final Declaration and Consent
By submitting to AIFFI FILM FEST, you:
• Confirm all collaborators and stakeholders consent to the submission.
• Acknowledge full acceptance of these Rules & Terms.
• Waive any right to contest selection outcomes, jury decisions, or screening assignments. Understand that AIFFI AI FILM FEST aims to uphold industry standards akin to prestigious institutions such as Cannes, Sundance, and the Academy Awards (Oscars).
These terms are publicly available at www.aiffi.org/terms and serve as the governing legal and ethical framework for all festival activities.
