Founded at MIT in early 2023, Global AI Film Hack is one of the earliest and most internationally recognized platforms dedicated to AI Filmmaking, media art, and next-generation storytelling. Each year, it brings together filmmakers, artists, researchers, technologists, students, and creative pioneers from around the world to explore how AI is transforming the language of film, digital media, and immersive experience.

​This global event is primarily virtual with in-person kickoffs at Cinequest & SXSW, and Finale Summit & Festival at MIT on April 18-19. We welcome participants from every country, age 18 and above. With rolling admissions, flexible start times, and free credits for every team, participants can jump in and start building right away. Over 3 weeks, you’ll receive online workshops while collaborating with a worldwide community.

👁️ This year’s theme: Open Your Eyes

​Not simply about vision,
but about perspective, presence, and consciousness.

​We invite creators to move beyond image and into presence,
to build AI characters across 2D, 3D, live-action hybrids, and interactive media.

​Not just visible, but vivid.
Not just generated, but felt.

​

​🎬 What You Can Create
Short Films · Micro Drama · Music Videos · Interactive & Immersive Experiences

​

​✨ Why Join
• $50k+ free credits and awards from our Creative Partners

​• Premiere your work at MIT
• Gain global exposure through partners like SXSW, Cinequest, BeijingIFF!
• Present your work through talks & showcases

​• Internship & Full-time Job opportunities

​• Fellowship like Autodesk research Residency
• IP incubation & long-term collaboration

​• Connect with global filmmakers, researchers, and industry leaders

Awards & Prizes

🏆 Tracks and ​Prizes

​• Short FilmTrack

​Best Film, Best Animation, Best Leading Character, Best Supporting Character, Best Narrative, Best Visual, Best Music & Sound, Best Creative AI

​• Innovation Track

​Best MicroDrama, Best Music Video, Best Interactive Film, Best XR Film

​• Partnership Track

​Autodesk Award, Flick Award, OpenArt Award, TapNow Award, Pixverse Award

Rules & Terms

1. Theme Relevance
Your film should explore the 2026 theme “Open Your Eyes”.

2. AI Relevance
Your film should incorporate at least one AI tool or model from our Creative Partners. Free Credits will be provided.

3. Originality
Your film should be created specifically for this hackathon and not previously submitted in other events, film festivals, or competitions.

4. Content
Your film is appropriate for the general public, and does not contain inappropriate or unlawful materials.

5. Copyright
Your team has all rights necessary to submit the Film, including without limitation, the title or rights in any content, trademarks, artwork, text, and/or music featured in the Film Submission.

6. Acknowledgment
Your film should include a credit for the “2026 Global AI Film Hack @ MIT ” and logo at the end of the film (see below), as well as text credits to all the AI tools and models you use.
https://www.mitaifilmhack.com/2026hack​​

7. Publicity
By submission, you grant the Global AI Film Hack @ MIT and its partners the right and license to use, distribute, and publicly display the film and related information for use in research and marketing, without any additional approval or consideration.

8. Overdue
The submission process requires detailed information and takes about 20 minutes. Please plan accordingly. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.

9. Visuals
Film Posters and key images are required for submission.
​
10. Language
Films must be in English or include English subtitles.

​11. Length and Format
For Short Film, XR, Interactive Film, 3–8 minutes long.
For MicroDrama, 5 episodes, each under 2 minutes, vertical format.
For Music Video, 3-5 minutes long.​​​
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Roos Van der Jagt

    I created a short film that blended surreal fashion aesthetics with a narrative about digital identity collapse—entirely made with AI video, sound, and script tools. It was selected for final screening, and the audience response was powerful. I left the event not only with a finished project, but also with a renewed sense of what’s possible when storytelling and emerging tech collide.

    April 2025
    Helpful
  • sally peng

    This is a very good competition

    March 2025
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  • qin wen

    I am very happy and honored that my work "Chaotic Art" in collaboration with MERJIC has been shortlisted for the 2025 MIT AI Film Hackathon "Dance of Life". Thank you to the organizers and judges for their support and recognition!! I look forward to seeing better and more in-depth works from creators this year!

    March 2025
    Helpful
  • Carolina Herrera

    Great experience for experimental filmmakers!

    February 2025
    Helpful
  • Jonny Sabbath

    Excellent organization, inspiring cohort, thoughtful training. Highly recommend.

    March 2024
    Helpful