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The Austin AI Film Festival is a two-day conference and film competition in Austin, Texas that will hold it's 2nd annual live event in October 2026. We spotlight the best and most original generative films made by humans with the help of AI tools. Our mission is to empower creators, elevating new voices pioneering techniques in this rapidly evolving space.
The festival showcases films and hosts panels and networking events with leading minds in filmmaking, AI and technology. We serve as a hub for developers shaping the future of storytelling and creators leveraging that power.
*Film must be between the length of 20 minutes and 60 minutes in any narrative genre such as horror, drama, comedy, scifi, or action. This category does not include documentaries, music videos, commercial or branded films, student films, or non-linear/experimental films. Please refer to the specific categories below for those submission types. A majority of the visual content must be created using artificial intelligence–assisted creative tools (“AI Assistance Tools”). AI Assistance Tools may include, but are not limited to, generative image or video systems, AI animation tools, AI visual synthesis tools, AI music and speech tools and other machine-learning–based production technologies. Use of photographs, video footage, or other non-AI imagery as references, source material, or training inputs for AI-generated shots is permitted, provided the final visual output is primarily produced through AI-assisted generation or transformation.
*For films between 5 minutes and 19 minutes 29 seconds long, in narrative genres such as horror, action, drama, science fiction, and comedy. This category does not include documentaries, music videos, commercial or branded films, student films, or non-linear/experimental films. Please refer to the specific categories below for those submission types. A majority of the visual content must be created using artificial intelligence–assisted creative tools (“AI Assistance Tools”). AI Assistance Tools may include, but are not limited to, generative image or video systems, AI animation tools, AI visual synthesis tools, AI music and speech tools and other machine-learning–based production technologies. Use of photographs, video footage, or other non-AI imagery as references, source material, or training inputs for AI-generated shots is permitted, provided the final visual output is primarily produced through AI-assisted generation or transformation.
*For films between 1 minute and 4 minutes 59 seconds long in any narrative genre such as horror, action, scifi, drama, comedy. This category does not include documentaries, music videos, commercial or branded films, student films, or non-linear/experimental films. Please refer to the specific categories below for those submission types. A majority of the visual content must be created using artificial intelligence–assisted creative tools (“AI Assistance Tools”). AI Assistance Tools may include, but are not limited to, generative image or video systems, AI animation tools, AI visual synthesis tools, AI music and speech tools and other machine-learning–based production technologies. Use of photographs, video footage, or other non-AI imagery as references, source material, or training inputs for AI-generated shots is permitted, provided the final visual output is primarily produced through AI-assisted generation or transformation.
*Film can be any length and in any genre or format. Film must combine traditionally captured live-action footage with AI generated visual elements. AI may be used to augment, modify, or generate portions of the live action film, including but not limited to visual effects, compositing, background generation, character or object creation, stylistic transformations, or fully AI-generated shots or sequences integrated into live-action footage. To qualify for this category, the primary structure of the film must include live-action cinematography, with AI technologies used as a creative or technical component within the final work. The festival reserves the right to determine eligibility and classification of submitted works for the above described categories.
*Film can be any length and must function as 1 episode or pilot in a larger series from a narrative genre such as horror, drama, action, or comedy. This category does not include documentaries, music videos, commercial or branded films, student films, or non-linear/experimental films. Please refer to the specific categories below for those submission types. A majority of the visual content must be created using artificial intelligence–assisted creative tools (“AI Assistance Tools”). AI Assistance Tools may include, but are not limited to, generative image or video systems, AI animation tools, AI visual synthesis tools, AI music and speech tools and other machine-learning–based production technologies. Use of photographs, video footage, or other non-AI imagery as references, source material, or training inputs for AI-generated shots is permitted, provided the final visual output is primarily produced through AI-assisted generation or transformation.
*For Music Videos where a majority of the visual content was created using artificial intelligence–assisted creative tools (“AI Assistance Tools”). AI Assistance Tools may include, but are not limited to, generative image or video systems, AI animation tools, AI visual synthesis tools, AI music and speech tools and other machine-learning–based production technologies. Use of photographs, video footage, or other non-AI imagery as references, source material, or training inputs for AI-generated shots is permitted, provided the final visual output is primarily produced through AI-assisted generation or transformation.
*For non-linear or non-narrative AI films of any length. A majority of the visual content must be created using artificial intelligence–assisted creative tools (“AI Assistance Tools”). AI Assistance Tools may include, but are not limited to, generative image or video systems, AI animation tools, AI visual synthesis tools, AI music and speech tools and other machine-learning–based production technologies. Use of photographs, video footage, or other non-AI imagery as references, source material, or training inputs for AI-generated shots is permitted, provided the final visual output is primarily produced through AI-assisted generation or transformation.
*For AI Documentary films of any length. A majority of the visual content must be created using artificial intelligence–assisted creative tools (“AI Assistance Tools”). AI Assistance Tools may include, but are not limited to, generative image or video systems, AI animation tools, AI visual synthesis tools, AI music and speech tools and other machine-learning–based production technologies. Use of photographs, video footage, or other non-AI imagery as references, source material, or training inputs for AI-generated shots is permitted, provided the final visual output is primarily produced through AI-assisted generation or transformation.
*For AI movie trailers or series trailers of any length. A majority of the visual content must be created using artificial intelligence–assisted creative tools (“AI Assistance Tools”). AI Assistance Tools may include, but are not limited to, generative image or video systems, AI animation tools, AI visual synthesis tools, AI music and speech tools and other machine-learning–based production technologies. Use of photographs, video footage, or other non-AI imagery as references, source material, or training inputs for AI-generated shots is permitted, provided the final visual output is primarily produced through AI-assisted generation or transformation.
*Submitting student and/or student team must be currently enrolled in a college or university. Film can be any length and may be in any genre or format. A majority of the visual content must be created using artificial intelligence–assisted creative tools (“AI Assistance Tools”). AI Assistance Tools may include, but are not limited to, generative image or video systems, AI animation tools, AI visual synthesis tools, AI music and speech tools and other machine-learning–based production technologies. Use of photographs, video footage, or other non-AI imagery as references, source material, or training inputs for AI-generated shots is permitted, provided the final visual output is primarily produced through AI-assisted generation or transformation.
*Includes ads, branded content and marketing pieces created using AI tools, of any length. Entries may include both commissioned commercial work and speculative advertisements created independently of the brand represented. Submitters must confirm they have the legal right to exhibit the work and that it does not violate any trademark, copyright or other intellectual property rights. If the film is not commissioned or endorsed by the brand represented, it must be clearly identified as speculative work not affiliated with the brand. The Film Festival reserves the right to request clarification regarding brand authorization and to determine final eligibility for this category. The majority of visual content must be created using artificial intelligence–assisted tools (“AI Assistance Tools”), including generative image or video systems, AI animation tools, visual synthesis tools, and other machine-learning–based technologies.
Matisse Tolin
Co-Founder, Director of Marketing
Aaron Sanchez
Founder, President
Ayca User
Executive Director