Festival start: 15 May 2026
Festival end: 16 May 2026
AIMF (AI Media Festival) is 501(C)(3) Non-profit Organization. The AI Media Festival is an international event showcasing films, music, and art created with AI or computer-generated imagery (CGI). The festival highlights filmmakers, artists, and digital content creators who integrate AI throughout their creative process—from scriptwriting and animation to editing and scoring—placing them at the forefront of multimedia storytelling.
Our festival explores the creative connection between human imagination and artificial intelligence across diverse categories including Narrative Films, Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror, Music Videos, Student Projects, Trailers, Digital Art, and beyond.
From emerging creators experimenting with AI tools to established artists pushing into new creative spaces, AIMF provides a platform to amplify voices, build global connections, and explore the limitless possibilities of storytelling.
AIMF — "The Future of storytelling. Today".
AIMF Awards Presentation - Semi-formal Gala Dinner & Awards Show
AIMF honors excellence in AI-powered storytelling, recognizing visionary creators with custom-crafted awards and international acclaim.
At AIMF, we celebrate excellence, creativity, and innovation in independent filmmaking. Each year, outstanding achievements across all categories are honored with our signature Crystal Tarzana International Film Festival Award — a beautifully handcrafted crystal trophy, custom-engraved with the winner’s title and category.
These prestigious awards symbolize not only artistic excellence, but also the passion, dedication, and vision that define our global filmmaking community.
Official Festival Laurels: Professionally designed laurels for promotional use.
Featured Recognition: Prominent mention in AIMF press releases, festival website, social media, and future showcases. AIMF proudly honors outstanding achievement in AI-powered storytelling with crystal-engraved trophies, official Festival Laurels, and global recognition.
AIMF – Rules & Terms
1. AI Requirement
All submissions must incorporate Artificial Intelligence in the creative process. This may include AI and computer generated visuals, audio, scripts, editing, or any other part of the media production pipeline.
2. Original Work
By submitting to AIMF, the entrant confirms that their work is original, does not infringe upon any copyright or intellectual property rights, and that all necessary rights and permissions have been secured, including for music, imagery, and AI-generated elements.
3. Submission Format
All submissions must be provided via Festhome with a secure online screener. We do not accept physical submissions. Works must be final versions — rough cuts are not accepted. If accepted, a DCP version of the project may be requested for screening purposes.
4. Subtitles
All non-English language entries must include English subtitles.
5. Duration Guidelines
Please review category guidelines for any specific time limits.
6. Multiple Entries
Filmmakers may submit multiple entries. Each submission must be accompanied by a separate entry fee.
7. Student Category
To qualify for the Student Film category, the project must have been completed while enrolled in an accredited educational program. Proof of student status is required.
8. Entry Fees
All entry fees are non-refundable. Discounted rates may apply during specific submission windows.
9. Selection & Notification
Selections are made by the AIMF programming team and/or appointed jury. Decisions are final. Selected filmmakers will be notified via Festhome and may be asked to submit additional materials for promotion.
10. Exhibition Rights
By submitting, you grant AIMF the non-exclusive right to screen, use excerpts, stills, and/or promotional materials for social media, marketing and publicity purposes.
11. AI Ethics & Compliance
We welcome innovation but do not accept works that promote violence, hate speech, misinformation, or unethical use of AI (e.g., deepfakes of real people without consent). AIMF reserves the right to reject or disqualify entries that conflict with our rules or our values.
Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Shorts
Short Films >1' 15'<
Fee-8%
PRO 33%
Early60$55.2$
40.2$
30 Nov 25
Standard60$55.2$
40.2$
31 Jan 26
Late60$55.2$
40.2$
31 Mar 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Mar 26
Save up
19.8$
Submit
This category is for science fiction short films that explore advanced technology, otherworldly futures, or speculative realities — all brought to life with the help of artificial intelligence or CGI. Award: Best AI Science Fiction Short
Music Videos
Short Films >1' 5'<
Fee-8%
PRO 33%
Early60$55.2$
40.2$
30 Nov 25
Standard60$55.2$
40.2$
31 Jan 26
Late60$55.2$
40.2$
31 Mar 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Mar 26
Save up
19.8$
Submit
Music videos created utilizing AI technology to enhance the storytelling. Let your song or music and the machine’s vision come together in a creative fusion. *Note: Music can be original does not have to be AI generated. Award: Best AI Music Video
Animated Shorts
Short Films >1' 15'<
Fee-8%
PRO 33%
Early60$55.2$
40.2$
30 Nov 25
Standard60$55.2$
40.2$
31 Jan 26
Late60$55.2$
40.2$
31 Mar 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Mar 26
Save up
19.8$
Submit
2D, 3D, or generative animation using AI for creation, enhancement, or automation. This includes motion design, frame interpolation, AI character rigging, and more. Award: Best AI Animated Short
Narrative - Best International
Short Films >1' 15'<
Fee-8%
PRO 33%
Early60$55.2$
40.2$
30 Nov 25
Standard60$55.2$
40.2$
31 Jan 26
Late60$55.2$
40.2$
31 Mar 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Mar 26
Save up
19.8$
Submit
Category: Narrative short films incorporating AI or CGI in any stage of development or production. AIMF celebrates visionary filmmakers who embrace emerging technology to push the boundaries of storytelling. We want to see what creators around the world are imagining, designing, and building with AI — from concept to final frame. Award: Best International AI Short — recognizing outstanding innovation, creativity, and technical achievement in AI-assisted filmmaking.
Digital Art
Short Films 15'<
Fee-8%
PRO 33%
Early60$55.2$
40.2$
30 Nov 25
Standard60$55.2$
40.2$
31 Jan 26
Late60$55.2$
40.2$
31 Mar 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Mar 26
Save up
19.8$
Submit
Pushing the boundaries of visual poetry, technique and conceptual AI-powered digital art. The only limitation is your imagination. Award: Best AI or computer generated Digital Art.
Student Showcase - (Age 17 or younger)
Short Films >1' 15'<
Fee-8%
PRO 33%
Early60$55.2$
40.2$
30 Nov 25
Standard60$55.2$
40.2$
31 Jan 26
Late60$55.2$
40.2$
31 Mar 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Mar 26
Save up
19.8$
Submit
AI-generated or AI-assisted films created by young artists in K–12th grade. AIMF encourages young creative individuals, to showcase their work, and inspire and champion them towards a future in the entertainment industry. Age must be 17years old or younger and must provide a valid school Student ID to verify school and student enrollment. Award: Best AI Student Film (17 and younger)
Narrative - Best in the US
Short Films 15'<
Fee-8%
PRO 33%
Early60$55.2$
40.2$
30 Nov 25
Standard60$55.2$
40.2$
31 Jan 26
Late60$55.2$
40.2$
31 Mar 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Mar 26
Save up
19.8$
Submit
Category: Narrative short films made in the United States incorporating AI or CGI in any stage of development or production. AIMF celebrates visionary filmmakers who embrace emerging technology to push the boundaries of storytelling. We want to see what creators around the world are imagining, designing, and building with AI — from concept to final frame. Award: Best in the US AI Short — recognizing outstanding innovation, creativity, and technical achievement in AI-assisted filmmaking.
Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods.
-8%
Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods. 