AI Movie Awards (AIMA) is an international platform dedicated to exploring the future of cinema in the age of artificial intelligence.
The first edition happened on April 24-25, 2026 at Meliá Calviá Beach, Mallorca, AIMA showcasing workshops, panels, a hackathon, short films, and experimental works created with AI tools.

FRIDAY, APRIL 24: FOUNDATIONS & VISION

• 15:00 - 15:30 | Registration & Welcome 
  Reception and check-in for guests and delegates.
• 15:30 - 16:00 | Official Opening 
  Keynote intro by director Federico Luglio, producer Pedro Barbadillo and local authorities Elisa Monserrat Mayol (Regidora de Turismo del Ajuntament de Calvià), Pedro Vidal Monserrat (Secretario Autonómico de Cultura y Deportes).
• 16:00 - 16:30 | Panel: AI & The Future of Cinema and Storytelling
  Industry experts discuss how generative AI is reshaping storytelling and production. With Mike Day and Jeffrey Perlman. 
• 16:30 - 17:00 | Finalists: International Submissions
  Continued showcase of international finalist short films, highlighting diverse AI-integrated workflows: C.E. Whitmore - Egg, Chen Li - Poor Devil, Hakan Kemixiz - Make A Wish, Jiaze Li - Arrow, C Smith - Feedback.
• 17:00 - 17:30 | Networking Coffee Break 
  A moment to connect with creators and investors in a relaxed atmosphere.
• 17:30 - 18:00 | Finalists: Projections + Q&A 
  Screening of finalists followed by an interactive talk with the directors. With Richard Nash, UK (Letting Go, 5'35"), Dreyv, Italy (Leda & Swann, 4'50'' | World Premier), Andrej Klimov, UK (Ashes, 5'17''), Ben Chimoy, Germany (When Is It Yours? 2'30").
• 18:00 - 18:30 | Finalists: International Submissions
  Continued showcase of international finalist short films, highlighting diverse AI-integrated workflows: Ryan Patternson - Legend, Giulio Fulchignoni - Embryom Chronicles: The Last Doctrine.
• 18:30 - 19:00 | James Drake TV Keynote 
  A special session exploring cultural relevant storytelling. With Thomas Righini Carrington.
• 19:00 - 19:30 | Finalists: Projections + Q&A 
  Screening of finalists followed by an interactive talk with the directors. With Michal Jan Owerczuk , Poland (Broken Arrow, 9'20''), Daria Yudakova, UK (Bite For Love, 2'00"), Almudena Rosique, Spain (Anatomy Of Silence, 5'19").
• 19:30 - 20:00 | Panel: AI & Advertising. With Felipe Galvao. 
  Discussing how AI is changing the advertisement industry.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25: CRAFT & RECOGNITION

• 10:00 - 10:30 | Freepik Workshop: How to Hackathon 
  A technical masterclass on using the latest Freepik AI tools to optimize creative output. With Emma Brossaud.
• 10:30 - 11:00 | JamesDrake TV Hackathon Start / Ethics, Authorship, Originality Panel 
  Run solo or form a team and participate in a friendly competition: create a 1 minute short movie in 3 hours! While the Hackathon begins, experts dive into the crucial debate on Ethics, Authorship, and Originality in the AI era. With Vittoria Mascellaro, Ben Chimoy and more.
• 11:00 - 11:30 | Finalists Screenings + Q&A & Live Creation 
  Finalist screenings continue alongside the JamesDrake TV Hackathon activities. With Gaia De Paoli, Italy (I'm Doing Fine, Really, 2'28"), Emanuele Riccetti, Italy (The Confession, 2'30"), Alfonso Castro, Spain (Humans, 5'11"), Tamara Llorens, Spain (Hallow Metro, 6'38").
• 11:30 - 12:00 | Coffee Break and Press Interviews
• 12:00 - 12:30 | Finalists Screenings + Q&A & Live Creation 
  Finalist screenings continue alongside the JamesDrake TV Hackathon activities. M8n Roci, South Korea (I Don't Luv, 4'57"), Oscar Burgos, Spain (The Immigrants, 3'14"), Albert Vergés, Spain (The Petrified Keel, 3'10"), David Colombo, Spain (Bunnynja, 8'55''), .
• 12:30 - 13:00 | Finalists Screenings + Q&A & Live Creation 
  Finalist screenings continue alongside the JamesDrake TV Hackathon activities. With Raul Torres, Spain (Power Off, 2'00"), Antonio Cortéz, Spain - (WCNSF 7'50"), Marcin Rossa, Poland (Sound Of Air, 13'36").
• 13:00 - 13:30 | Finalists Screenings + Q&A
  Continued showcase of international finalist short films, highlighting diverse AI-integrated workflows. With Mohsen Sharifioun, UK (The Final Command, 9'25"), Afro Futcha, UK (The Stars, 2'29"), Emily Harridge, Australia (Echoes Of The Mountain, 3'48").
• 13:30 - 14:00 | Networking Coffee Break 
  Recharge and mingle with the creative community.
• 14:00 - 14:30 | Hackathon Showcase: Projections + Q&A 
  Premiere of the works created during the morning hackathon session, followed by creator insights.
• 14:30 - 15:00 | Panel: Human Creativity vs. Machine Intelligence 
  Exploring the "Co-pilot" relationship between the artist’s soul and the algorithm’s storytelling tools. With Fab Morvan (Milli Vanilli).
• 15:00 - 15:30 | Panel: The Business of AI Entertainment 
  Focusing on monetization, distribution rights, and the evolving market for AI-enhanced content. With Tim Hochel (Adgentic.ai) and Daniel Corazzi (Eyeora).
• 15:30 - 16:00 | Finalists: International Submissions
  Continued showcase of international finalist short films, highlighting diverse AI-integrated workflows. With Jacopo Zanetti, Italy (The Twin Earth, 3'59"), Han Gyu Li, China (Real Action, 5'00"), Eugen Derzapf, UK (Fragile Little Drum, 2'46"), Federico Luglio, Italy (The Last Winter, 4'28"), Elisabeth Guthmann, France (Les Bonbons, 6'40"), Mike Bennion, USA (Freedom, 4'40").
• 16:00 - 16:30 | Panel: AI in Hollywood + The Rise of Vertical Cinema 
  Analyzing the big studios shift toward AI and mobile-first storytelling. With Tommy Harper.
• 16:30 - 17:00 | Coffee Break and Press Interviews
  Media opportunities and final networking before the big reveal.
• 17:00 - 18:00 | ✦ AIMA Grand Prize Giving Ceremony ✦
  The official award ceremony recognizing excellence in cinematography, narrative, and technical innovation.
• 18:00 - 19:00 | Networking Aperitivo  
  Celebrating the winners and the future of AI cinema with music and refreshments on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean sea. 

Location: Studio V @ Melià Calvià Beach

Join us in shaping the future of storytelling
The program is subject to change. Please check the website for the most up-to-date schedule.

Best Movie
Best Short
Best Soundtrack
Best Documentary
Best Sci-Fi
Best Thriller
Best Drama
Best Fantasy
Best Animation
Best Music Video
Best Vertical Short
Best Future AI Vision 
Best Cinematic Universe 
Best Human Spirit
Best Planet Consciousness 
Best Cultural Heritage
Best Diversity & Inclusion

A mix of local film expertise and international voices.
Confirmed Jury:

TOMMY HARPER (producer of Mission Impossible, Top Gun, Star Wars)

MIKE DAY (Palma Pictures CEO, producer of The Night Manager, The Crown)

KHULAN DAVAAJAV (IA influencer)

FELIPE GALVAO (AI Animator, winner of Cannes Lions 2025)
Full invited jury list tba.

1. General Requirements

• All submitted films must be created primarily with AI tools (image, video, animation, or sound generation).
• Works not using AI as a central creative element will be disqualified — we love traditional films too, but this is an AI festival.
• Small portions of post-production with classical tools (After Effects, Premiere, etc.) are fine, as long as most of the creative process involves AI.
• Scripts may be written with or without AI assistance — both approaches are accepted.
• Films must be completed in 2026 and have a duration between 2 and 15 minutes.• By submitting, you grant AIMA permission to use your project’s promotional assets (poster, stills, trailer, synopsis, etc.) for:
  Publication on www.aimovieawards.org, FestHome, FilmFreeway and affiliated sites, Social media, press releases, educational programs, press kits, and printed materials.

2. Eligibility & Categories

We accept:

• Short films (2–15 min)
• Feature films (> 10 minutes)
• Animated style AI films (cartoon, 3D, anime, clay, etc.)
• Documentary or music-based AI works

🚫 We do not accept:

• Trailers or demo reels (our focus is on storytelling)
• Political, extremist, or propaganda content
• Poor-quality works (bad sound, missing subtitles, under 720p HD)

3. Language

• Films not in English must include English subtitles.
• Scripts or text-based elements must be in English or include an English translation.

4. Copyright & Usage

• You must own all rights to the content in your film (images, music, voice, etc.) or have proper authorization.
• By submitting, you grant AIMA the right to:
  
  • screen your film in cinemas and during the festival,
  • feature it on the official AIMA YouTube playlist and social channels,
  • use short excerpts, posters, or stills for promotion.
• AIMA is not responsible for copyright issues; all liability remains with the filmmaker.

5. Submission Process

• Submission period: October 20, 2025 – March 1, 2026.
• Submissions are accepted directly link OR via FilmFreeway.com OR via FestHome.com
• Each filmmaker may submit up to two works.
• Entry fees are non-refundable.
• You may submit films already presented at other festivals.

6. Selection & Jury

• All films are reviewed by a pre-selection committee; finalists are judged by the AIMA jury.
• Evaluation criteria: storytelling, artistic vision, AI integration, and aesthetic quality.
• Jury decisions are final and non-negotiable.
• Selected films will be announced on the official AIMA website and social media.

7. Awards

• Official AIMA Awards will be announced prior to the event.
• Winners receive a sculpted trophy and/or digital award certificate.
• Trophies can be shipped internationally (shipping fee applies).
• More prices courtesy of our sponsors to be announced.

8. Screening & Attendance

• Selected films will be screened during the AIMA 2026 Festival in Palma de Mallorca.
• If accepted, filmmakers will receive:
  
  • 2 festival passes for screenings,
  • access to networking and opening events.
• Travel and accommodation expenses are not covered by the festival.

9. Technical Requirements
To maintain screening quality and eligibility, submissions must adhere to the following technical standards:

• Resolution: Minimum  1920x1080 (Full HD)
• Frame Rate: 23.976, 24, or 25 fps (constant frame rate only)
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 preferred; 4:3, 2.35:1, or other cinematic formats accepted if justified artistically
• Audio Requirements: Stereo; clear dialogue; no clipping or excessive background noise
• File Delivery Formats: MP4, MOV
• Subtitles: Mandatory in English for all non-English dialogue;

10. Legal & Privacy

• By submitting, you agree to these terms and confirm your right to share the film and any related media.
• You authorize AIMA to process your submission data for festival operations and communication.
• Submitting implies full acceptance of these rules and of any updates made by the festival management.

Submissions are currently closed. Stay in touch for the announcement of next edition.

At AIMA – AI Movie Awards, recognition goes beyond the stage.

Each official category presented during the live event was awarded an official AIMA trophy and certificate, celebrating excellence in AI-driven storytelling, innovation, and artistic vision. Every winner receives public recognition across our communication channels and global network.

The Best AI Short Film also received a special experiential prize:
a full day hosted at Nikki Beach Mallorca, one of the island’s most iconic lifestyle destinations — an opportunity to celebrate creativity in a setting that reflects the spirit of contemporary culture and international connection.

In addition to awards, AIMA is committed to creating real market opportunities.
All officially selected short films will receive an opt-in distribution offer for the monetized distribution of their work. This includes a standard contract proposal outlining revenue-sharing terms and platform placement strategies. Participation is entirely optional — filmmakers retain full control and may choose whether to accept the offer.

Our objective is to provide not only visibility, but a structured pathway toward sustainable circulation and commercial potential within the evolving AI-audiovisual landscape.

Meliá South Beach, one of the most emblematic hotels of Mallorca, offered its well known hospitality and high level of service to all the participants of the AI Movie Awards taking place 24th and 25th April.