Guidelines
What is an AI film?
“AI film” means different things to different people. Here is what it means to us — and what we hope it will mean to you.
What Counts as an AI Film?
At MAIFF, an AI film is any film that meaningfully incorporates AI-generated elements in its creation — visuals, sound, voice, writing, editing, or world-building.
Your film does not need to be 100% AI-generated. Live-action footage, traditional animation, archival material, and AI-generated content can coexist in the same work. What matters is that AI plays a genuine part in how the film was made.
How AI Can Be Used
Generating imagery, environments, or characters. Synthesising or transforming voices and sound. Writing or co-writing with language models. AI-assisted animation, upscaling, style transfer, or editing. Building worlds that would be impossible on an independent budget.
These are examples, not limits. If a tool helped you say something you couldn't say before, we want to see it.
What Does Not Qualify
Films with no AI-generated elements at all. Work you don't hold the rights to present. Content that violates our ethical expectations — including material that deceives audiences about real people or events without disclosure, or that uses a person's voice, image, or likeness without permission.
Copyright, Permissions & Authorship
You are responsible for securing all necessary rights and permissions for music, footage, and any copyrighted material used in your film — including material used as input to AI tools where permission is required.
The designated entrant is the film's representative and accountable for the work submitted.
Ethical Use of AI
Be careful and intentional with real people's voices, images, and likenesses — obtain consent. Treat archival and cultural material with respect and context. Don't present synthetic depictions of real events as authentic record.
Creative Intent
AI should be used as a creative tool, not only as a gimmick. The films that move us are the ones where technology serves the story. Use AI responsibly, intentionally, and in service of something you actually want to say.
Selected film pages will never require you to publicly list the AI tools you used. Questions? Check the FAQ or email us.
Submit via FilmFreeway