South Melbourne AI Generated Short Film Festival

The South Melbourne Short Film Festival returns for its second edition, and this time we are turning our lens toward the most talked-about shift in modern filmmaking: artificial intelligence.

Born from a simple belief that short cinema deserves a real audience, our inaugural festival brought a programme of international films to a sold-out room in South Melbourne. Now we are asking a bigger question. As AI reshapes how stories are made, what does it mean to create, to author, and to move an audience?

We are calling for short films that are made with, shaped by, or made in response to artificial intelligence. Fully AI-generated films, hybrid human and AI works, and traditional films that explore AI as a theme are all welcome. We care about one thing above all: a story that stays with us.

Selected films will screen at Crown Visual Studio in the heart of South Melbourne, in front of a live audience and an international judging panel drawn from the filmmakers of our first festival. The evening will also feature a panel conversation on the future of storytelling in the age of AI.

This is Melbourne's first festival dedicated to AI in short film. Come be part of the conversation.

Awards & Prizes

Selected filmmakers will receive an official Festival Selection certificate and public acknowledgement across our festival platforms and promotional channels.

Rules & Terms

By submitting your film to the South Melbourne Short Film Festival, you agree to the following:
Ownership & Rights

You confirm that you are the rightful owner of the film and have full authority to submit it. You confirm that all music, visuals, and other content used in your film are either original, licensed, or in the public domain.
Use of AI

If your film uses AI-generated content, you confirm that you have the right to use and exhibit that content, and that it does not infringe on the rights of any third party. We welcome AI-generated, AI-assisted, and traditional films. You are encouraged to note in your submission which AI tools, if any, were used.
Screening Permission

By submitting, you grant the festival the non-exclusive right to screen your film at the event. You also allow the use of stills, posters, and short clips (under 30 seconds) for festival promotion.
Format

Films must be submitted through FilmFreeway. Selected filmmakers may be asked to provide a high-resolution screening file (MP4 or MOV).
Length

Maximum runtime: 20 minutes, including credits.
Selection

All entries will be reviewed by the festival committee and judging panel. Submission does not guarantee selection. Decisions of the festival are final.
Liability

The festival is not responsible for any copyright infringements or disputes that may arise from submitted works.