Festival start: 25 July 2026
Festival end: 25 July 2026
Daejeon International AI Film Festival (DIAIF)
Where Technology Meets Human Imagination.
Located in Daejeon, the science and technology capital of South Korea and home to the Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone, DIAIF is the most experimental platform for the future of cinema. We don't just screen videos; we ask: Is AI a creator or a tool? Can human emotion coexist with algorithms?
[Why Submit?]
1.AI-Specialized Focus: We spotlight works that experiment with future cinematic languages, including generative AI, hybrid production, and AI-based storytelling.
2.Selective Screening Opportunities: Winning films and a curated selection of up to 10 outstanding works will have the opportunity to be showcased in a special session at the Daejeon International Short Film Festival, scheduled for late October. This provides a powerful platform for your work to engage with a live cinema audience beyond the initial selection.
3.Symbolic Location: Hosting an AI film festival in the heart of Korea’s R&D center provides a powerful narrative asset for your film’s PR.
4.Visibility for Creators: Unlike mega-festivals where films can get lost, we ensure every selected director and work is introduced with clarity and focus.
5.Pioneer Status: Join the first generation of AI creators. We value the title of "AI Cinema Pioneer" and provide official laurels to commemorate your achievement.
6.Experience True AI Cinema & Global Networking
Submit your work to DIAIF and gain exclusive access to a robust networking platform connecting you directly with fellow filmmakers, AI tech leaders, and industry professionals. We are committed to fostering genuine community through an official dinner and private reception featuring authentic Korean local cuisine. Here, you won't just screen your film; you'll build lasting global partnerships and explore the future of AI cinema in a convivial atmosphere.
[What We Seek]
Generative AI-based short films
Human-AI collaboration projects
Works exploring technology, ethics, and future society
Experimental formats, web-based videos, and interactive cinema
Duration: Under 10 minutes
"Winners will receive the Official DIAIF Laurel and a Digital Certificate. Top-tier selections will be invited for a special showcase at the Daejeon International Short Film Festival."
DIAIF Awards & Prizes
1. Best AI Film (Grand Prize)
The highest honor of the festival, awarded to the film that demonstrates exceptional artistic vision, storytelling, and technical mastery in the field of AI cinema.
2. Best AI Screenplay
Awarded to the work with the most compelling narrative or innovative script, recognizing excellence in storytelling within the AI framework.
3. Best AI Character
Awarded to the film that features the most creatively developed and emotionally resonant AI-generated characters.
4. Best AI Score
Honors the best use of AI-generated music and soundscapes that enhance the overall cinematic experience and emotional impact.
5. Best Prompt Engineering Award
Recognizes technical excellence and precise control over AI tools. Awarded to the creator who demonstrates exceptional skill in prompt design to achieve a specific artistic vision.
6. Visual Innovation Award
Awarded to the film that pushes the boundaries of visual language through innovative AI techniques, offering a unique and pioneering aesthetic.
7. Audience Choice Award
Decided by the festival attendees, this award goes to the film that resonates most deeply with the audience and captures public imagination.
Awards & Benefits
On-site Awarding: Winners who attend the award ceremony in person will be presented with the Official DIAIF Trophy. (Trophies are for on-site pickup only.)
Online Delivery: For winners unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances, an Official Digital Certificate (PDF) and the Winner's Laurel will be sent via email.
Benefits: All selected films are granted the right to use the Official DIAIF Selection Laurel.
"We celebrate the 'honor' of the creator. While we do not provide cash prizes, we offer the prestigious title of 'AI Cinema Pioneer' and official honors to recognize your visionary work."
1.Eligibility:
Submissions must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Works exploring the potential consequences of the AI revolution (positive or negative).
Works produced with extensive and innovative use of AI tools.
2.Format:
All genres accepted (Narrative, Documentary, Experimental, Animation, Music Video, etc.).
Duration: Under 10 minutes.
Resolution: Minimum 720p HD (1080p recommended).
3.Subtitles:
English subtitles are mandatory for non-English spoken films.
4.Copyright & Liability:
Submitters must own all rights to images, music, and AI-generated content within the work.
The submitter is solely responsible for any legal issues regarding copyright infringement.
5.Promotion:
By submitting, you authorize the festival to use posters, trailers, and stills for promotional purposes (SNS, website, press, etc.).
6.Screening & Awards:
Screening Fees: The festival does not pay screening fees.
Trophies & Certificates: Official Trophies will be presented to winners who attend the ceremony in person. Winners unable to attend will receive a Digital Certificate (PDF) and Official Laurels via email. (We do not provide shipping for physical trophies.)
7. Notification & Screening Schedule
Selection Announcement: Winners and selected films will be announced on June 1, 2026, via the official website and individual email.
Screening Date: July 25, 2026 (Scheduled)
Venue: Daejeon Art Cinema (Art-house Cinema), Daejeon, South Korea.
8. Disqualification
Content involving extremist propaganda, religious/political agendas, or excessive violence/hate speech may be disqualified at the festival's discretion.
9. Special Benefit: Fast-track to DISFF
A curated selection of up to 10 outstanding films from this festival will be automatically submitted and entered into the final judging for the 'AI Competition Section' at the 5th Daejeon International Short Film Festival, scheduled for late October.
10.Refund Policy
All submission and participation fees are strictly non-refundable under any circumstances.
Fees are non-refundable regardless of selection status or program changes.
AI Innovation Partner Program
Short Films 10'<
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early730$671.6$
562.1$
19 Mar 26
Standard730$671.6$
562.1$
30 Apr 26
Late730$671.6$
562.1$
20 May 26
Extended730$671.6$
562.1$
20 May 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
20 May 26
Save up
167.9$
Submit
The AI Innovation Alliance is a non-competitive partnership program for technology companies, research institutions, and innovative brands presenting AI-driven visual works in a cinematic setting. Alliance Benefits: – Theatrical presentation at Daejeon Art Cinema – Recognition as an “Official Innovation Partner” – Logo placement on the official website and program book – On-screen acknowledgment before screenings – Brief on-site presentation opportunity Participation is limited to the first three confirmed partners due to screening capacity. All partnership fees are non-refundable. Works must comply with festival technical standards. AI Innovation Alliance
AI Creator Circle
Short Films 10'<
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early320$294.4$
246.4$
19 Mar 26
Standard340$312.8$
261.8$
30 Apr 26
Late380$349.6$
292.6$
20 May 26
Extended400$368$
308$
20 May 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
20 May 26
Save up
78.2$
Submit
A Non-Competitive Patron Screening Program for Independent AI Artists The AI Creator Circle is a special non-competitive showcase for independent creators and AI artists seeking theatrical presentation of their AI-driven works. Benefits: – Theatrical screening at Daejeon Art Cinema – Recognition in the official catalogue as an “AI Creator Circle Artist” – Digital Certificate of Participation – Listing on the official festival website Participation is limited to the first three confirmed creators due to screening capacity. All fees are non-refundable. Works must comply with festival technical standards.
Student AI Film
Short Films 10'<
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early0$0$
0$
19 Mar 26
Standard7$6.44$
5.39$
30 Apr 26
Late10$9.2$
7.7$
20 May 26
Extended12$11.04$
9.24$
20 May 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
20 May 26
Save up
1.61$
Submit
AI-based works created by students (middle/high school and university).
AI Music Videos
Short Films 10'<
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early0$0$
0$
19 Mar 26
Standard8$7.36$
6.16$
30 Apr 26
Late12$11.04$
9.24$
20 May 26
Extended16$14.72$
12.32$
20 May 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
20 May 26
Save up
1.84$
Submit
Music videos that emphasize the harmony between music and AI art, using AI-generated visuals or soundscapes.
AI Experimental & New Media
Short Films 10'<
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early0$0$
0$
19 Mar 26
Standard8$7.36$
6.16$
30 Apr 26
Late12$11.04$
9.24$
20 May 26
Extended16$14.72$
12.32$
20 May 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
20 May 26
Save up
1.84$
Submit
AI Experimentation and New Media Innovation refers to works that explore new visual languages, abstract aesthetics, and technological experimentation through AI.
AI Narrative Shorts
Short Films 10'<
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early0$0$
0$
19 Mar 26
Standard10$9.2$
7.7$
30 Apr 26
Late15$13.8$
11.55$
20 May 26
Extended20$18.4$
15.4$
20 May 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
20 May 26
Save up
2.3$
Submit
AI narrative short films (under 10 minutes) focus on storytelling, characters, and drama created using AI tools.
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.