How the Festival will work

Who can participate?

The AI Film Festival is open to anyone worldwide who is 18 or older by the submission deadline (June 1, 2026).

Can I create a mixed team with Replyers and external participants?

Yes! Reply employees (Replyers) can team up with students and professionals to submit a short film for the Reply AIFF.

Am I automatically registered for the AIFF when I sign up on the platform?

No. To submit your short film, you must join or create a team (1-8 members). Signing up on the platform only gives you access to updates on upcoming online challenges.

Is there a participation fee?

No, this initiative is completely free.

When do registrations and submissions close?

You can register and submit your short movie until June 1st 23:59 CEST.

How can I update my registration details?

Log in to your profile and click “Edit Profile” to update your information anytime.

How can I cancel my registration on the platform?

To cancel your registration, email your request to challenges@reply.com. If you want to leave your team, simply click “Leave team” on your challenge page.

How do I create a team?

Log in to the platform, click the “Team up” button, and select “Create new team.” Once your team is set up, you’ll see it when you log in. You can also choose a team name and invite other members by entering their email addresses and sending an invitation.

How many members can a team have?

A team can have between 1 and 8 members.

Can I create or join multiple teams?

Yes, you can apply to as many teams as you like. This means you can submit different short films with each team. You can participate solo or form a team of up to 8 members.

Can I change my team members before the deadline?

Yes, you can ask your teammates to leave the team, or you can leave the team yourself. Keep in mind that your teammates won’t receive any notifications, so make sure to inform them.

Can I register through other platforms?

Yes, you can also register through FilmFreeway. Please review the T&C here and the Privacy Notice here.

How big should the impact of AI be in my production?

According to the rules, your AI short film should incorporate AI-powered tools in the creation process, but it’s not limited to generative AI. You’re free to use any AI tools during different phases of production, and you'll be asked to explain how AI was used to achieve your final result. It’s not required for your short film to be 100% AI-generated.

What file format should I submit?

You should upload your short film in .mp4, .mov, or .h264 format on your challenge page.

Additionally, you’ll need to complete a text form with questions about your work and the production process. Please make sure to fill it out thoroughly, providing all the information the jury may need to evaluate your short film effectively. The answers must be written in English.

Are there any categories I can apply my AI Short movie for?

No categories, no limits. We welcome every genre, every style, every vision – as long as AI is part of the creative process.

Here are some ideas to inspire you:

  • Compelling Stories: AI-enhanced storytelling with a powerful narrative at its core.

  • Visual innovation: Bold artistic choices, unconventional formats, pushing the boundaries of conventional cinema.

  • Hybrid Creations: AI combined with live action or mixed media.

  • Animation & VFX: AI-enhanced 2D/3D animation, motion graphics, and visual effects.

  • Advanced Technical Approach: Advanced AI tools and techniques, from custom-trained models to sophisticated compositing workflows.

  • AI-Powered Music Videos: Visuals and sound coming together in new ways.

  • Documentary & Mockumentary: AI exploring reality… or reshaping it.

How many submissions can I send?

Each team (1-8 members) can submit only one short movie. However, you can update your uploaded file as many times as you want until the deadline on June 1st at 23:59 CEST—only the latest version will be evaluated by the jury.

If you want to submit more than one short movie, you’ll need to create a new team for each additional submission.

What are the time limits for my short video?

Your AI short movie must be between 1 and 40 minutes long.

But you can submit a longer film for the "Long-Form Spotlight" special mention. No prize in money or goods will be awarded to the Team selected by Reply for the “Long-Form Spotlight”.

If my short film includes on-screen text or voiceovers, which language should I use?

There are no specific language requirements for your short film. However, since the jury is international, English is preferred to ensure broader understanding.
Please ensure that the answers on the form are written in English.

Can I participate in other competitions with the work I submit for the Reply AI Film Festival?

Yes, your short film can be submitted also to other competitions, but in case you will be selected as a finalist invited to the Reply AI Film Festival Premiere Event in Venice your short movie must not be entirely available online.

Is the trip to Venice included for the ten finalists?

Yes, each finalist TEAM can bring one MEMBER. The organization will cover travel expenses from the international departure airport or train station to Venice and back, as well as two nights' accommodation. Our team will reach out to you for the necessary details to arrange your stay.

What are the prizes?

During the Venice premiere, the Jury Panel will award prizes to the best three teams among the ten finalists. The winning short films will receive the following prizes:

  • 8,000.00 € for the short film in 1st place.

  • 5,000.00 € for the short film in 2nd place

  • 2,000.00 € for the short film in 3rd place.

Each prize will be divided among the members of the winning team and will be delivered within 60 days. Registered users will be contacted to provide the bank details necessary for the prize transfer.

What is the Reply AI Studios Grand Prix? 
Picture

Reply AI Studios pioneers the future of AI-driven creative production, combining cutting-edge generative AI, advanced audio engineering, and immersive visual content creation.

This award recognises artists who demonstrate exceptional technical mastery and innovative implementation of AI throughout their creative workflow - from sophisticated model integration to professional-grade production quality.

The “Reply AI Studios Grand Prix” will celebrate one short film among the ten selected as finalists of the Reply AI Film Festival.

What is the AI for Good Award powered by ITU?
Picture

Bridging the power of technology, storytelling, and social impact, this prize will be awarded to the short movies that highlight the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while celebrating human creativity in AI-enhanced filmmaking.

To be a candidate in this category:

  • The Short Film must highlight one or more of humanity’s biggest challenges.

  • The team needs to flag the checkbox at the end of the submission forms, also including the brief description of how the Short Film spotlights and addresses global challenges.

What happens if my film is selected for the AI for Good Award?

Four short films will be selected by ITU from the candidates and screened during the AI for Good Summit 2026 in Geneva, from July 7th to 10th, 2026.

While no monetary prize will be awarded, the opportunity to have your film screened at this prestigious event is a celebratory recognition offered by ITU.

One member from each of the four selected teams will receive the Leader Pass, granting access to the AI for Good Summit 2026, where their short film will be showcased.

A sincere thank you to ITU for this opportunity.

What is the FLORA early bird opportunity? 
Picture

The first 400 participants who submit a short film to the Reply AI Film Festival 2026 through challenges.reply.com will receive a special gift.

  • 1st–200th submitter: 100,000 FLORA credits

  • 201st–400th submitter: 50,000 FLORA credits

Plus, you'll receive a special code via email to get 50% off on their Starter, Studio, and Scale plans.

Bring your ideas to life faster than ever before. Access the power of 50+ models to enhance your film. You can update your submission as many times as needed until the final deadline: June 1st at 23:59 CEST.

A huge thank you to FLORA for making this possible!

How does the selection process work?

After the deadline on June 1st at 23:59 CEST, the Jury Panel will review all submissions and select ten finalists. These finalists will be invited to attend a premiere event hosted by Reply and Mastercard in Venice, taking place between September 2nd and September 12th, 2026.

What are the evaluation criteria?

Each short film and the answers on the form describing the use of generative AI will be qualitatively evaluated by the Jury Panel, at their incontestable discretion, based on the following criteria:

  • AI impact: How significantly AI contributes to the short film’s production.

  • Creativity: The innovative approach to the film’s communication.

  • Craftsmanship: The overall quality of the film’s production.

How is the Jury composed?

The Jury is made up of technical experts in Artificial Intelligence and AI tools, as well as professionals from the cinema industry. The full list of Jury members will be announced soon, and at least before the submission deadline.

When will the Première event take place?

The Premiere event will be held between September 2nd, 2026, and September 12th, 2026. Each finalist team will be notified at least 25 days before the event to coordinate travel arrangements with our staff.

What is included in the trip?

The organization will cover:

  • Two-nights accommodation

  • Travel expenses from the international departure airport (or train station) to Venice and back

  • Transfers to the Première event location and back

Our team will reach out to arrange all the details for your stay.

Is the Reply AI Film Festival an official part of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival?

No, the Reply AI Film Festival is not part of the official program of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The Reply AI Film Festival is an independent event hosted at the exclusive Lido di Venezia, offering a unique setting for the occasion.

What is the Long-Form Spotlight?
Picture

This award will honor long-form works that push the boundaries of storytelling through generative AI. This special mention award recognizes vision, craft, and innovation in AI-enabled filmmaking. The “Long-Form Spotlight” will celebrate one Motion Picture among the candidates.

No prize in money or goods will be awarded to the Team selected by Reply for the “Long-Form Spotlight”.

How will we get updates about the Reply AI Film Festival?

You'll receive updates via email, so be sure to check your inbox regularly.

If you have any questions during the submission phase, you can also reach out to us on Discord or via email at aiff@reply.com.

Which language(s) do I need to speak?

All official communications will be in English. However, you and your teammates are free to speak any language you prefer! 😊

Read the full Terms & Conditions of the competition.