Call for Entries — CRAFT: SmartPhilm 2.026

SmartPhilm Fest returns — smarter, bolder, more future-facing. On May 1, 2026, join us in Addis Ababa for CRAFT: SmartPhilm Fest, powered by Zeleman. This edition celebrates not just stories made on smartphones — but stories shaped by intelligence, innovation, and impact.

Why This Edition Matters
SmartPhilm has always been about accessibility, creativity, and mobile-first storytelling. In CRAFT: SmartPhilm Fest, we’re leaning into the smart — shining a light on how technology like AI can deepen creativity, and how urgent global issues like climate change demand new narratives. This is more than a festival — it's a lab for the next generation of storytellers and changemakers.

Awards & Prizes

🏆 Awards & Recognition
Winners will be honored in categories such as:
- SmartPhilm Grand Jury Award
- People’s Choice
- Smart Cinematography, Screenplay, Documentary, Cause, Sci-Fi, Emerging Talent, & more
- Craft Special AI Prize (for AI / Environment films)

Finalists and winners will receive:
- Digital laurels + certificates
- Physical trophies (where possible)
- Screening at our Addis event + virtual exposure

Rules & Terms

🎬 What We’re Looking For
All films must be shot entirely on a smartphone or mobile device — true to our roots — but they can be enhanced or complemented using artificial intelligence tools. This year we’re amplifying three theme streams:

1. AI & Humanity — Films that explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, creativity, identity, ethics, and the future of society.
2. The Changing Earth — Stories rooted in environment, sustainability, ecological futures, and community resilience.
3. Core Voices — Narrative, Documentary, Experimental, Animation, Social Justice, and Youth categories — continuing our mission of authentic mobile storytelling.

Submission Guidelines
- Film duration: minimum 1 minute, maximum 10 minutes (including credits)
- All footage must be captured on a mobile device (smartphone, tablet, etc.). You may use external mics, lenses, or lighting equipment. You are also allowed to use AI throughout the filmmaking process.
- Films submitted in any language are welcome — please include English subtitles or transcript where possible.
20 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jean-Paul Wall

    Really fun and great networking

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Denzel Owoo

    Very grateful to be part of this festival

    May 2024
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  • H. D. Timmons

    Great festival for smartphone filmmakers and I am thriller and honored to have my first short film selected. Highly recommend this festival.

    March 2024
    Helpful
  • Jimena Larraguivel

    Incredibly honoured to have been selected. Great to have been able to see everyone’s incredible work. Thank you! Until next time. Jimena

    March 2024
    Helpful
  • Marcelo Lagreze

    It was an honor to have been selected and screened with my two documentaries short films.
    Best for all the team.

    March 2024
    Helpful