AI Movie Awards (AIMA) is an international platform dedicated to exploring the future of cinema in the age of artificial intelligence.
With the main event planned on April 24-25, 2026 at Meliá Calviá Beach, Mallorca, AIMA will showcase workshops, panels, and present short films, feature 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 Federico Luglio and local authorities.
• 16:00 - 16:30 | Panel: AI & The Future of Cinema Industry experts discuss how generative AI is reshaping storytelling and production.
• 16:30 - 17:00 | Official Selection: Projections + Q&A Screening of the first block of finalists followed by an interactive talk with the directors.
• 17:00 - 17:30 | Networking Coffee Break A moment to connect with creators and investors in a relaxed atmosphere.
  * VIP Networking Cocktail at Nikki Beach. Only for VIP tickets.
• 17:30 - 18:30 | Official Selection: Projections + Q&A Continued showcase of international short films, highlighting diverse AI-integrated workflows.
• 18:30 - 19:00 | James Drake TV Keynote A special session exploring cultural relevant storytelling.
• 19:00 - 19:30 | International Showcase A final look at selected works from global creators not present on-site.
• 19:30 - 20:00 | Day 1 Outro Summary of the day and a sneak peek into the Saturday Hackathon.

Saturday, April 25: Craft & Recognition

• 10:00 - 10:30 | Freepik Workshop: How to Hackathon A technical masterclass on using the latest AI tools to optimize creative output.
• 10:30 - 11:30 | Hackathon Start & Ethics Panel While the Hackathon begins, experts dive into the crucial debate on Ethics, Authorship, and Originality in the AI era.
• 11:30 - 13:00 | Finalists Screenings & Live Creation Finalist screenings continue alongside the James Drake Foundation Hackathon activities.
• 13:00 - 13:30 | Workshop: Mastering AI Tools A deep dive into advanced prompt engineering and visual consistency for filmmakers.
• 13:30 - 14:30 | Networking Lunch Break Recharge and mingle with the creative community.
• 14:30 - 15:00 | Hackathon Showcase: Projections + Q&A Premiere of the works created during the morning session, followed by creator insights.
• 15:00 - 15:30 | Panel: Human Creativity vs. Machine Intelligence Exploring the "Co-pilot" relationship between the artist’s soul and the algorithm’s speed.
• 15:30 - 16:00 | Panel: The Rise of Vertical Cinema Analyzing the shift toward mobile-first storytelling and immersive social media formats.
• 16:00 - 16:30 | Panel: The Business of AI Entertainment Focusing on monetization, distribution rights, and the evolving market for AI-enhanced content.
• 16:30 - 17:00 | Press Interviews & Final Break 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.
• 18:30 - 19:30 | Networking Aperitivo Celebrating the winners and the future of AI cinema 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.

AIMA accepts submissions from filmmakers and creators worldwide.
Eligible works must integrate AI tools in their creative or production process (at least 70% of the final result).

Submission Platforms:
Direct (discounted)
FilmFreeway
FestHome

Deadline:
Early bird: 20 October - 20 December 2025
Regular: 20 December 2025 - 30 January 2026
Late submissions: 30 January - 10 April 2026
Entry Fees: €25 – €50 depending on category and deadline.

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

Each official category presented during the live event will award 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 will also receive 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.

Join the event in Mallorca and connect to filmmakers and industry experts.
Tickets to join the 2 days event - regular & VIP - are available here.
If you are a selected filmmaker you will receive a free ticket to join the event.
The filmmakers that didn't make it to the finalists, get a special 50% discount on the ticket price.

• General Ticket: Includes full access to the festival program, including all AI film screenings, panels, and the hackathon sessions.

• VIP Ticket: In addition to full festival access, the VIP ticket includes:

Priority Seating during the screenings and panels.

Exclusive Networking Cocktail: After the awards ceremony on Saturday, we're hosting a private networking event (currently being finalized, likely at Nikki Beach, until h20:00). This is a great opportunity to connect with our international guests, speakers, and industry VCs in a more relaxed, high-end atmosphere.

Meliá South Beach, one of the most emblematic hotels of Mallorca, has the honour to offer its well known hospitality and high level of service to all the participants of the AI Movie Awards taking place 24th and 25th April. We hope that you will enjoy your stay and we are looking forward to receiving you at our property. Reserve your room with a 15% discount here