SVAIFF LOS ANGELES 2026 · CALL FOR ENTRIES

COMPETITION & FILMS

CREATE WITH AI. BE SEEN BY THE WORLD.


Original AI-driven films. Global recognition. Industry connection.

SVAIFF golden award trophy
Official Awards — Eleven awards, one global stage. Core Grand Prizes: Grand Prix, Jury Grand Prize, Best Director. Genre Awards: Best Animated Short Film, Best Narrative Short Film, Best Concept or Experimental Short Film, Best Music Video. Technical & Innovation: Best Use of AI, Best Production Value, Best Music and Sound Design. Special Recognition: Emerging Creator Award. Official Finalist Certificate presented to films selected for the final jury review.

DETAILS ABOUT SUBMISSION

SCHEDULE


01

REGIONAL SUBMISSION PERIOD

March 1, 2026 – October 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time

There is no submission fee for the regional competition. Filmmakers and creative teams are encouraged to submit original AI-generated or AI-assisted films during the official submission period.

02

GLOBAL FINAL SELECTION

December 1, 2026 – January 1, 2027

Selected films from participating regional competitions may advance to the Global Final review stage. No submission or evaluation fee will be charged.

03

GLOBAL FINAL CEREMONY

January 9–10, 2027

The Global Final Ceremony is scheduled to take place in Silicon Valley, California, USA. The final venue and event programme will be announced through official SVAIFF channels.

SUBMISSION CRITERIA


I. Content and Format

1. Production Requirements

Submitted films must be generated by artificial intelligence or created with substantial and meaningful AI involvement.

  • More than 50% of the film’s visual content or core narrative development must be generated, created, or substantially assisted by generative AI.
  • Qualifying AI involvement may include AI video generation, image generation, screenwriting, storyboarding, animation, music, voice, sound design, visual effects, editing, or other AI-assisted production methods.
  • Hybrid films combining live-action footage with AI-generated content are eligible. The project description must clearly explain how AI was used and the approximate extent of its contribution.

2. Eligible Categories

Eligible categories include narrative film, animation, documentary, experimental or concept film, music video, and other approved cinematic formats. Both short-form and feature-length films are accepted.

3. Language

English-language films are preferred. Films in any other language must include accurate English subtitles.

II. Technical Specifications

1. File Format and Resolution

Films must be submitted in MP4 or MOV format at a minimum resolution of 1080p.

2. Running Time

Both short-form and feature-length films are accepted. The recommended running time is 3–30 minutes for short-form films and 60–90 minutes for feature-length films.

3. Subtitles

All non-English dialogue must be accompanied by clear, synchronized English subtitles. English subtitles are strongly recommended for every film to support international jury review and festival screenings.

4. Originality, Rights, and Permissions

Entrants must own or have legally obtained all rights and permissions required for the submitted film, including rights related to images, footage, music, sound, voices, performances, scripts, trademarks, and other third-party materials. Submissions must be free from unresolved copyright, ownership, or licensing disputes.

By submitting a film, the entrant authorizes SVAIFF to use the film and approved promotional materials for non-commercial festival screenings, jury review, programme promotion, press coverage, and festival-related communications, subject to the official submission terms.

5. Required Supplementary Materials

Each submission must include:

  • A trailer no longer than two minutes
  • A horizontal promotional poster in a 16:9 aspect ratio
  • A vertical promotional poster in a 3:4 aspect ratio
  • A film synopsis or introduction
  • Complete creative team credits, including the director, producer, screenwriter, and other principal contributors
  • A detailed AI Tool Usage Statement identifying the AI tools used, their role in the production process, and the approximate percentage of AI contribution

READY TO SUBMIT?

Create with AI. Be seen by the world. Submissions close October 15, 2026, 11:59 PM Pacific Time.