Any natural person, anywhere in the world, may take part, with the exception of : employees of the EuropIA Institute and its partners. family members. Minors must obtain parental consent.

World A.I. Film Festival 2026

Q: WHAT ARE THE COMPETITION CATEGORIES?

Short Film – presented in five genres: Animation, Action, Emotion, Fantasy, Documentary and Youth Film Feature Film Micro-Series for Social Media (vertical format) Commercial / Advertising Spot Dialogued Script with AI-Generated Teaser with Genario

COMPETItions

WAiFF is now expanding beyond its original base and becoming a truly international festival network.

In addition to the main competition in Cannes / International, WAiFF now has its own official editions abroad, each with its own competition and dedicated submission process:

WAiFF JAPAN 2026 - KYOTO EDITION

WAIFF BRASIL 2026 - SÃO PAULO

WAiFF KOREA 2026 – SEOUL

Each of these editions operates as a separate competition, with its own jury, selection process, awards and local ambassadors — while remaining part of the global WAiFF movement.

And this is just the beginning.

More international editions are coming soon, allowing filmmakers to submit to the region that best matches their vision — or even participate in several WAiFF competitions around the world.

Founded in 2025, the World AI Film Festival (WAIFF) celebrates the art and vision of filmmakers embracing the possibilities of emerging AI technologies.The works selected for this festival offer a window into a bold new creative era—one made possible when today’s brightest storytellers are empowered with the tools of tomorrow.

Rules of the competitions

The World AI Film Festival (WAIFF) celebrates creativity at the intersection of cinema and artificial intelligence. Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit works that reflect the possibilities of emerging AI technologies in storytelling. Submitted films must employ at least three generative AI tools, including at least one dedicated to image generation. Hybrid works—combining live-action footage with AI-generated processes—are fully eligible. Each submission must demonstrate a significant and creative use of AI to be considered by the selection committee.

Short Film

A showcase of bold creativity across five genres — Animation, Action, Emotion, Fantasy, Documentary and Youth Film — where filmmakers explore new possibilities of storytelling through the lens of artificial intelligence. Hybrid works mixing live action and generative tools stand alongside fully AI-driven visions, each inviting audiences into uncharted cinematic territories.

Featured film

The Feature Film category is open to projects over 25 minutes in length. Just like in the short film category, works must use at least three generative AI tools, including one image-generation tool. Hybrid works mixing live-action and AI-generated material are encouraged, provided AI is a meaningful part of the creation. Films must be submitted in HD digital format and in French or with French subtitles.

Social Media Micro-Series (Vertical Format) Category

Advertising Category

The Advertising category challenges participants to create a 15- to 60-second commercial for an imaginary product or service. Entrants must design the entire advertising concept — including the product’s name, logo, visual universe, and storytelling — while integrating at least three AI tools (with one dedicated to image creation). Submissions should be in HD format and in French or subtitled in French.

Script with Dialogue + AI Teaser (Genario) Category

This special category, launched in partnership with Genario, focuses on screenwriting and AI-assisted previsualization. Participants must submit a complete dialogue-based script, created or enriched using the Genario tool, with proof of use included. In addition, they must provide an AI-generated teaser or animated moodboard that illustrates the world and aesthetic of the project.

Jury Prize Category

WHAT IS WAiFF?

The World A.I. Film Festival (WAiFF) is an international competition showcasing video creations and screenplays made using artificial intelligence tools. The competition rewards innovation and creativity in several categories.

WHAT ARE THE COMPETITION CATEGORIES?

Short Film – presented in five genres: Animation, Action, Emotion, Fantasy, Documentary and Youth Film
Feature Film
Micro-Series for Social Media (vertical format)
Commercial / Advertising Spot
Dialogued Script with AI-Generated Teaser with Genario

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Any natural person, anywhere in the world, may take part, with the exception of :

employees of the EuropIA Institute and its partners.
family members.

Minors must obtain parental consent.

WHAT ARE THE KEY DATES?

15/09/2025 opening of applications at 10:00
27/02/2026 close of applications at 23:59
23/03/2026 announcement of finalists
21–22/04/2026 screenings of finalists’ works
22/04/2026 awards ceremony in Cannes

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION?

Respect the specific conditions for each category.
Provide the required documents (illustration, synopsis, presentation, etc.).
Use artificial intelligence tools in the creative process.

HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

Entries must be submitted via the official WAiFF website. Follow the specific instructions for each category and be sure to respect the formats and deadlines indicated.

Apply to be a part of the World AI Film Festival 2026

WHICH I.A. TOOLS CAN I USE?

The film must incorporate at least three generative Artificial Intelligence tools, including at least one tool dedicated to image generation. Hybrid films, combining live-action footage with generative processes, are fully eligible. However, the work must demonstrate a significant and meaningful use of Artificial Intelligence in order to be considered by the selection committee.