M.AI 2026 Cagliari International AI Short Film Festival: Free Worldwide Entry, €5,750 Prizes
Festival and who can enter
The inaugural M.AI International AI Short Film Festival takes place in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, December 18–20, 2026, accepting AI-driven cinema, animation, experimental film and hybrid audiovisual work worldwide. Individuals, collectives and production companies may submit. AI must play a meaningful creative role, but there is no arbitrary minimum percentage of generated footage, and live-action material can be combined with generative techniques. Under-18 entrants need a parent or guardian to submit on their behalf.
Work requirements and application
Works must have been completed after January 1, 2024, and normally run no more than twenty minutes including credits; experimental and installation exceptions are possible. Earlier public screenings or online releases are allowed. Provide English subtitles for non-English dialogue and meaningful on-screen text. The FilmFreeway form requires an accessible full screener, synopsis, creative credits, project intent, biography and an accurate declaration specifying AI models and their contribution. Best AI Sound & Music recognises sound inside an audiovisual submission, not a music-only track.
Dates, fees, awards and rights
Apply free of charge by November 20, 2026. Six prizes total €5,750: Grand Prix €1,500; Animation €1,000; Storytelling €1,000; Experimental/Visual Innovation €750; Sound & Music €750; and Sardinia €750. The last award is reserved for creators with an established Sardinian practice, even though the general festival is international. Grand Prix, Animation and Storytelling winners each receive one representative's return travel and accommodation to the gala. Rights remain with creators, while selected films grant a non-exclusive screening licence for the December event.
Independent edited summary of an external festival. Before submitting or paying, confirm entry status, categories, fee tiers, AI rules, copyrights and screening permissions on the organiser's official site. Official rules prevail.
Official source / 主催者公式情報: https://filmfreeway.com/MAIINTERNATIONALAISHORTFILMFESTIVAL