31 October 2026 · Melbourne
Melbourne
AI Film Festival
Inaugurating our vision. Join us for our first edition on 31 October 2026!
2026 Theme
Transforming What You Carry
Every creator carries something — memories, questions, fears, hopes, histories. This year, MAIFF invites you to transform what you carry into cinema.
Explore the theme →AI as a creative tool
Cinema for a new generation of creators
We champion films that use AI intentionally — where technology serves the story. Your film doesn't need to be 100% AI-generated: live action, animation, and archival material are all welcome alongside AI-generated elements.
What counts as an AI film? →Key dates
Submit via FilmFreeway01 · Submissions Open
29 June 2026
02 · Early Bird Deadline
31 July 2026
03 · Regular Deadline
10 September 2026
04 · Late Deadline
5 October 2026
05 · Notification Date
17 October 2026
06 · Festival Event
31 October 2026
Melbourne
Selected Films Coming Soon
The pre-selection jury will curate up to 5 films per category. Selections will be announced on 17 October 2026 — follow our official social channels for updates.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Melbourne AI Film Festival acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. We recognize the diversity, imagination, and rich storytelling traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which continue to inspire creativity and innovation in cinema.