ENTRY INFO
We are in an era of democratisation of cinema. What used to be the privilege of the few with a huge, expensive industry behind them is now available to everyone. AI and the camera on our smart phones in our pockets allow us to make our cinematic dreams come true.
General
We accept works which were made with at least 75% use of AI in the production process or shot 75% on smartphones.
Short films should be a maximum of 15 minutes long excluding the end credits.
Category winners will be provided with an Award Certificate.
Shortlisted films will be screened live at Cinema City Mammut I. movie theater, Budapest.
Artists for shortlists, awards and screenings will be notified via FilmFreeway.
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Judging
In the judging process, we are looking for works that have original idea, artistic development and unique message. We expect creative use of techniques, including their creative implementation, clever execution and integration into the wider context of the film.
In AI categories please in your description let the jury know, how AI was integrated into the creative procedure! In case of films shot by smartphones please let the jury know which parts were NOT shot by smartphones (such as drone footages, etc.)
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In addition to AI and Smartphone filmmaking, there is also a special WTF category for filmmakers who have made their films using non-traditional equipment (e.g. rearview camera, front door camera, robot vacuum cleaner camera, photocopier, etc.) Please email us before entering to find out if your chosen technique qualifies for this category.
The festival retains the authority to evaluate the chosen, rewarded, or presented works. Our panel of judges retains autonomy in their selections. The judgments rendered by the judges are ultimate and not open to negotiation; inquiries regarding non-selected films will not be addressed.
Content promoting extremism, propaganda, pornography, or hate speech will not be accepted. Additionally, works with poor production quality, including issues like inadequate sound, missing subtitles/captions for non-English films, or video resolution below 1920p FHD, will also not be considered.
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Categories
Best AI feature film
Best Smartphone feature film
Best AI documentary
Best Smartphone documentary
Best AI experimental film
Best Smartphone experimental film
Best AI Music Video
Best Smartphone Music Video
Best use of mixed art (Ai generated ＆ shot video)
Best WTF film
Multiple submissions are allowed
It's worth checking the categories from time to time, as special sponsored categories will be created as sponsors apply.
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Key dates
Event date: 27-28 March 2025
Notification date: 23 February 2025
Deadline: 26 January 2025
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Media requirements
To enter, you need Mp4 format, minimum 1920p FHD resolution, h.264 video (approx. 10-15 Mbps stereo sound is the best), and English subtitles (if the original language of the film is not English) burned in.
Please send us your film on youtube or vimeo link. (With password if it is password protected)
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Intellectual property
By submitting your work and any related materials you admit that you are the owner of the intellectual property or own the permission to use the intellectual property.
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Refund policy
By default, entry fees are non-refundable.
In case of cancellation due to any external reason (e.g. epidemic), the full amount of the entry fees will be refunded.
If a category is canceled, the entrant may choose to compete in another category without additional fees or we will refund the full entry fee.
If an entrant's work is disqualified for breaking the competition rules, the entry fee will not be refunded.
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Usage of project material
Your film - your property. You continue to own the rights to your film after you have entered it. When you submit your work, you're giving the festival permission to use and share parts of it like posters, trailers, images, and more on social media, our website, and other places. The festival can also use pictures and videos from your work for producing ads, press kits, news, and online posts related to the The Festival.
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By entering, you agree that your film (if shortlisted by the jury) can be shown in cinemas to paying or invited viewers, or in a private screening for the festival's sponsors and press.
The films are NOT transferred to third parties. If a media channel would like to screen the films, we will be happy to provide the contact details of the filmmakers and wish them every success, but we are unable to assist in the conclusion of a contract between the two parties.
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Attending the screenings and the award ceremony
The Festival does not offer you or pay screening fees.
If your work has been shortlisted and you attend the festival screening event, you are welcome to see the screening free, but you will be responsible for covering your own travel, accommodation, and any associated expenses.