DPIFF Best AI Short Film 2027: International AI Films 1–40 Minutes, ₹10,000 Prize

Opportunity and eligibility

India's Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) has a dedicated Best AI Short Film Award in its 2027 Short Film Awards. The category is distinct from Best Animated Short Film and is open to international creators with completed films using AI substantially or in part, including generative shorts, AI-assisted animation, experimental cinema and live-action/AI hybrids. The organiser evaluates the quality of the film's ideas, narrative, direction, sound and artistic decision-making rather than treating an AI tool by itself as an achievement.

Materials and application process

Eligible films must run from one to forty minutes, including credits, and have been completed between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2026. Films in any language may be submitted, but those not in English or Hindi require accurate English subtitles. The official nomination process asks for the title, filmmaker details, synopsis, poster, and a tested viewing link on YouTube, Vimeo or Google Drive. AI applicants must identify tools and software used and describe the level and nature of AI involvement. Prepare a genuine disclosure of editing, synthetic imagery, voices and human creative control, and verify licences for music, source footage and any real-person likenesses.

Deadline, costs and important conditions

The regular deadline is November 30, 2026, with a late deadline of December 31. Selected filmmakers are expected to be informed on February 10, 2027; the awards ceremony date is not yet announced. The Best AI Short Film winner is offered a cash prize of INR 10,000, an official trophy and a winner certificate. None of these is guaranteed to every entrant, and selection does not guarantee later distribution. An applicable nomination fee is charged but the public category article does not specify one fixed price; check the current official form before payment.

This independently edited and translated summary is for reference. Before applying or paying, confirm the latest official eligibility, deadlines, costs, file requirements, copyright and licence terms with the organiser. Official rules take precedence.

Official call / 公式情報: https://dpiff.in/short-film/best-ai-short-film-award-2027-submit-your-ai-film-to-dpiff/

Additional rules / 詳細規定: https://dpiff.in/nomination/