Submit your film

Deadlines

1. 01 · Submissions Open

   29 June 2026

2. 02 · Early Bird Deadline

   31 July 2026

3. 03 · Regular Deadline

   10 September 2026

4. 04 · Late Deadline

   5 October 2026

5. 05 · Notification Date

   17 October 2026

6. 06 · Festival Event

   31 October 2026

   Melbourne

Entry fees vary by deadline tier — Early Bird pricing is the lowest. Current fees for every category are listed on our FilmFreeway page. View fees on FilmFreeway →

Categories

• Australian Narrative Film
• Australian Documentary Film
• Australian Animation Film
• International Narrative Film
• International Documentary Film
• International Animation Film

Full category details on the Categories & Awards page.

Eligibility

• ✦The inaugural Melbourne AI Film Festival is open to individuals worldwide, aged 18 years and above, whose submissions incorporate AI-generated content.
• ✦For Australian-based categories, applicants must reside in Australia at the time of submission. Australian citizenship or permanent residency is not required; residence in any state or territory of Australia is sufficient.
• ✦Each submitted film must designate one creator (individual) as the official entrant. In the case of collaborative projects or team-based works, the designated entrant (e.g., director or team leader) will be regarded as the film's representative. If an award is granted, it will be presented solely to this nominated individual.
• ✦By submitting a film, applicants agree to comply fully with the official regulations of the Melbourne AI Film Festival.

Submission guidelines

1. 01Submitted films must be 1–12 minutes in length.
2. 02Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.
3. 03All films must incorporate AI-generated elements. The use of live-action footage, animation, or archival material is permitted, and films are not required to be 100% AI-generated.
4. 04Submissions must include the final version of the film, with full credits, as well as a promotional poster.
5. 05Films must have been completed no earlier than October 2024. Works previously screened at other festivals are eligible; world premieres are not required.
6. 06If music, footage, or any copyrighted material is used, it is the responsibility of the filmmaker to secure all necessary rights and permissions prior to submission.
7. 07There is no limit to the number of films an individual may submit, however each film will be counted as a separate entry.
8. 08Films may address any subject matter; however, the pre-selection jury will curate up to 5 films per category.
9. 09Submissions must be made exclusively via FilmFreeway. Entries received via email will not be considered.

Before you submit, read the AI Use Guidelines to make sure your film qualifies.