RUNWAY AI FESTIVAL (AIF 2026)
Runway's fourth annual AI Festival — originally established in 2022 as the world's first AI Film Festival. AIF has evolved into an interdisciplinary celebration of creatives experimenting at the forefront of art and technology, spanning Film, Design, New Media, Fashion, Advertising, and Gaming. Finalists are showcased both virtually and at gala screenings at Alice Tully Hall (NYC, June 11) and The Broad Stage Theater (LA, June 18). Winning submissions are shown at partner festivals worldwide. In 2025, AIF received over 6,000 submissions — up from 300 in the first edition. Following the 2025 festival, IMAX struck a deal with Runway to show winning films in cinemas across 10 US cities. Malagasy filmmaker Herinarivo Rakotomanana was a 2025 finalist with More Tears Than Harm.
Deadline
CLOSING NOW: March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Cost
FREE — No entry fee
Format
Short films (3-15 minutes) that include the use of generative video. Must be a fully contained, linear narrative.
Eligibility
Global — no geographic restrictions. Films must include generative video (any AI tool, not just Runway). 3-15 minutes in length.
What You Get
Screening at gala events in NYC and LA. IMAX cinema showcase potential. Global exposure through partner festivals. Industry recognition from the leading AI creative platform.
What to Submit
Film submission via the AIF portal with description of AI techniques used.
Insider Tips
This is THE most prestigious AI film platform globally. An African filmmaker (Herinarivo Rakotomanana, Madagascar) was already a finalist. The IMAX deal makes this a genuine distribution opportunity, not just a festival screening. Use the deadline urgency — March 31 is days away.
URGENT: Submit before March 31, 2026. Screenings in NYC (June 11) and LA (June 18).
Applications are closed
This opportunity is no longer accepting applications. Browse open opportunities
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