Astana AI Film Festival Opens $1M Competition for AI-Generated Shorts

The first Astana AI Film Festival has launched its international competition, inviting creators to submit AI-generated short films. With a prize fund of $1 million, the event aims to showcase innovative works produced entirely with artificial intelligence tools. The festival features two main sections. The first focuses on the theme The Future Worth Living In, while the second is an open competition celebrating achievements across all areas of filmmaking. To enter, applicants must upload films of up to 10 minutes—created using full AI technologies—along with a project description via the festival’s online platform.

Submissions remain open until August 15, with no entry fees or restrictions on age or experience. Organisers and international experts will then shortlist 25 projects for both categories. An international jury will later determine the winners from this selection. The festival itself runs from September 28 to October 1 in Astana. Alongside screenings and the awards ceremony, the programme includes an AI content conference, panel discussions, and pitching sessions for participants.

The event offers a platform for both emerging and established creators to explore AI’s role in filmmaking. Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony, with the $1 million prize fund distributed among the top selections. The deadline for entries remains August 15.