1. General Requirements
All submitted works 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. This rule doesn't apply for the Hybrid categories, where an hybrid approach (traditional filmmaking + AI) is required.
Scripts may be written with or without AI assistance — both approaches are accepted.
Films must have a duration or more than 2 minutes (this doesn't apply to Ads, Image and Motion Art categories).

• By submitting, you grant AIMA permission to use your project’s promotional assets (poster, stills, trailer, synopsis, etc.) for publication on www.aimovieawards.org, www.aimaplus.tv, FilmFreeway and affiliated sites, social media, press releases, educational programs, press kits, and printed materials.

2. Eligibility & Categories

We do not accept:

Trailers or demo reels (our focus is on storytelling).
Political, extremist, violent, or propaganda content.
Poor-quality works (bad sound, missing subtitles, low definition).

3. Language

Films not in English must include English subtitles.

4. Copyright & Usage

You must own all rights to the content in your film (images, music, voice, etc.) or have proper authorization.

5. By submitting, you grant AIMA the right to:

screen your film in cinemas and during the festival,
feature it on the official AIMA website and platforms, 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.

6. Submission Process

Submission period: June 15, 2026 – October 10, 2026.
Submissions are accepted only www.aimovieawards.org/submit and www.filmfreeway.com/AIMovieAwards
Entry fees are non-refundable.
You may submit films already presented at other festivals.

7. 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.

8. Awards

Official AIMA Awards winner will be announced at the event.
Winners receive a distribution deal, a sculpted trophy and/or digital award certificate, and prizes from our partners and sponsors.
Trophies can be shipped internationally (shipping fee applies).

9. Screening & Attendance

Finalist films will be screened during the AIMA 2026 Festival in London.
Finalist filmmakers will receive 1 festival pass for screenings, access to networking and opening events and a 40% discount on other tickets.
Travel and accommodation expenses are not covered by the festival.

10. 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. 9:16 aspect ratio for the Vertical category.
• 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;

11. 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.