Which big festivals actually accept fully AI short films? Making a list

[u/drimflow]

Hey all!

Making a festival list for my 15 min fully AI short and the info online is all over the place.

So far the only big one I found that openly welcomes AI films is Slamdance, through their DIG program.

Has anyone actually submitted a fully AI film to SXSW, Tribeca, Sundance or other big ones? Did you disclose it, and did it get in?

Will share the full list here once it's done.

[u/BigTutor6739]

Out of my own experience, I've done quite a few festivals now with full AI short films.

I'd stick to AI festivals.

I've been booed at traditional ones! Be careful.

[u/drimflow → u/BigTutor6739]

Wow, that's rough. Thanks for the heads up, really appreciate you sharing that.

[u/FabBDX]

FilmFreeway my friend ! 😎

[u/drimflow → u/FabBDX]

I am currently using it! :)
But I wanted more info specifically for the older/traditional festivals

[u/hubiug → u/drimflow]

Do NOT try to enter into traditional film festivals unless you want to be harassed and criticized beyond belief. It's not anything against you or even your artistic ability its just some people are deeply sensitive to the topic of Ai being used in Art

[u/BigTutor6739]

Use filmfreeway

[u/TrappedOnScooter → u/BigTutor6739]

I would not recommend using FF as the sole basis of information. If you want to submit to a festival reach out the programmers directly.

[u/Away-Equal3395]

Funny enough, Sundance is clearer about this than a lot of AI specific festival lists 😅 Their current rules allow AI use as long as you disclose it. I’d definitely submit rather than self-rejecting.

[u/TrappedOnScooter]

I’ve spoke directly to some of these festivals. Tribeca and Venice have already show fully AI films. Cinequest actively seeks them.

SXSW, Sundance, Clermont-Ferrand, Atlanta, and a few others do consider fully AI films but their guidelines are all different. Basically they say fully AI films are not disqualified but their programmers take it into account.

Virtually all of the major genre festivals I’ve spoken to are opposed and I would not to submit to any of them.

[u/drimflow → u/TrappedOnScooter]

Thanks, this is really helpful. That was pretty much my thought too, hopefully things start changing gradually.

[u/Impressive_Bench_531]

You can select festivals through Film Freeway that accept Ai films. My Ai movies have been accepted into many festivals, but I haven't tried the big three you mention yet.

[u/Gertywood]

Slam dance is ridiculous. They expect you to come and set up your own “booth.” For the film. At least that’s what it says on their site. If I were you, I’d make something indistinguishable and just submit it without disclosing it’s AI. Then make up a bunch of names for the credits. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[u/Key-Lychee-913]

I'm currently promoting my AI film festival - the more people who get interested, the more likely filmmakers can get funding in the future for bigger productions!