How the Festival will work
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Who can take part?
The AI Film Festival is open to anyone aged 16 years and above on the day of the submission (July 1st 2024), from all over the world.
Can I arrange a mixed team of Replyers and externals for this initiative?
Yes, for the very first time in the Reply Challenges story, Reply employees (aka Replyers) can form a team together with other students and professionals to submit their short movie for the Reply AIFF.
If I register on the platform, am I registered for the competition?
No. To send your short movie, you need to join a team or create your own (1-8 members). By registering on the platform, you’ll get updates on upcoming online challenges.
Is there a registration fee?
No, this initiative, like all the Reply Challenges, is completely free!
When does registration and application close?
You can register and send your short movie until July 1st 2024.
How do I change my registration details?
To update your details at any time, log in to your profile and click “Edit profile”.
How do I cancel my registration?
If you wish to leave the AI Film Festival you can click on "Leave Team" on your challenge page. If you wish to cancel you registration to the platform, please send your cancellation reques to challenges@reply.com
How can I form my team?
To form your team, log in to the platform, click the “Team up” button and select “Create new team”. Once you’ve formed a team, you’ll see it when you log in to the platform. You can also choose a team name and invite your friends. Just fill in their email addresses and send the invitation. Remember, Replyers may apply with you, mixed teams are allowed.
How many people can be in one team?
Your team can have 1 - 8 people.
Can I create or join more than one team?
You are free to apply to as many teams as you want. This means that you can send different short movies according to your team. You can be alone, or you can form a team up to 8 members.
Can I change who is on my team before the deadline?
You can ask your teammates to leave the team or you are free to leave your current team. Your teammates won’t receive any notification, so remember to tell them.
Can I register from other platforms?
Yes, you can register from FilmFreeway. You may check the T&C here and the Privacy Notice here.
How big should the impact of AI be in my production?
According to the rules, your AI Short movie should include AI-powered tooling in the creation process, but it is not limited to generative AI. You can choose any AI tools to support you in the several phases of a movie production and you’ll be asked to describe how you used the AI to achieve your result. It is not mandatory to produce an AI short movie 100% AI generated.
Which file format do I have to submit?
You’ll have to upload on your challenge page a .zip file with a maximum size of 4GB containing:
Your short movie in .mp4, or .mov, or .h264 format.
A report explaining the techniques you used. On your challenge page you can download a guided template with some questions regarding your work and how you produced it. You have to fill in the file and upload it in the main zip file.
Do I need to choose a category to apply my AI short movie for?
When you submit your AI short movie you have to choose among four thematic areas: Narratives, Pilots, Documentaries and Experimental.
Narratives: AI storytelling applied to classic movie genres such as action, thriller, sci-fi, romance, and more.
Pilots: short film to present longer stories / series for TV, streaming platforms, social media, and more. If the longer stories / series have already been produced and possibly already released, the related Rights must be a property of the Team; it is not possible to produce a Short Film for this Thematic Area based on longer stories / series whose rights are property of third parties.
Documentaries: AI-powered short film documentaries that report on the real-world, made of news, people, history, places, nature, and more.
Experimental: Explore new and creative applications of AI, pushing beyond traditional storytelling and experimenting with art, tech, and more.
How many submissions can I send?
Each team (1-8 members) must send only one submission. You can update the file you uploaded as many times as you want, until the deadline on July 1st at 23:59 CEST. The jury will evaluate only the latest submission.
If you wish to send more than one short movie, you can create a new team to do so.
What are the time limits for my short video?
Your short AI movie has to be from 1 to 10 minutes long.
What is the AI adoption report and where should I upload it?
The AI adoption report is a .docx file that we request you to compile, in which you can explain the details of the impact of AI in your short movie production. You can find the template in the submission page: please fill it and upload it, together with your short movie, in a single .zip file.
If my short movie includes any on-screen texts and/or voice overs, which language should they be in?
There are no specific requirements about which language you use in your short movie. However, please keep in mind that the jury is international, therefore English is preferred.
Please make sure that the AI adoption report is written in English.
Can I participate in other competitions with the work I submit for the Reply AI Film Festival?
Yes, we do not require exclusiveness. Your short movie doesn't need to be an original submission for the Reply AI Film Festival.
How does the selection process work?
After the deadline, July 1st at 23.59 CEST, the Jury Panel will review all the submissions received and will select ten finalists who will be invited to take part in the Premiere event during the 81st Venice International Film Festival which will take place during the first week of September.
What is the evaluation criteria?
Each Short Film and the .pdf document describing the usage of generative AI will be qualitatively evaluated, at incontestable discretion, by the Panel to select 10 finalists, following these evaluation criteria
AI impact: how much does the usage of AI contribute to the short film production.
Creativity: how innovative is the short film communication.
Craftsmanship: what the overall quality of the short film production is.
Jury Member: Rob Minkoff
Rob Minkoff is a renowned American animator, producer, and director. He is best known for co-directing the acclaimed Disney animated feature "The Lion King" (1994).
Minkoff’s career in animation and directing spans several notable films, including "Stuart Little" (1999), "The Haunted Mansion" (2003), and "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" (2014). Minkoff developed a passion for animation at an early age and later studied at the California Institute of the Arts in the early 1980s. His early work includes contributions as an animator to Disney films like "The Great Mouse Detective" (1986) and “The Little Mermaid” (1989).
Throughout his career, he has explored a wide range of subjects from lions on the Savannah, to mice in Manhattan, and martial arts in ancient China, making him a significant figure in the animation and film industries, known for his ability to craft engaging and memorable stories across different genres and formats.
Jury Member: Paul Trillo
Paul Trillo is a director and video artist who challenges both his own curiosity and illusion with his visually inventive, conceptual, and technical films.
His diverse body of work spans various genres and formats, infusing meaning and purpose into his experimental uses of technology and technique. Whether he’s creating in-camera practical illusions, building the first mobile bullet time rig with phones, choreographing aerial smoke shows using drones, SuperBowl commercials or innovating generative AI visual effects at the Louvre, Paul is always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Recently, Trillo has explored the future of AI filmmaking, with a focus on integrating the new tools with the traditional craft. His viral visual effects experiments have not only changed the way these tools are perceived but also are intended to inspire others to explore the possibilities of this emerging tech.
Paul’s work has earned him 20 Vimeo Staff Picks and has been featured in wide range of media outlets, including New York Times, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Vice, The Atlantic, FastCo, Wired, Ad Age, GQ, among others. Paul has also participated in events, festivals and award shows including SXSW, TED, NAB, Cannes Lions, NVIDIA GTC, Runway AI Film Festival, Infinity Fest, Northside Festival, and the ADC Awards.
Jury Member: Adam Kulick
Adam is a Sloan Fellow from Stanford where he focused on GenAI.
His work in film, digital media, and investment banking includes co-founding one of the UK's most successful film financing and production businesses, being CFO of one of Europe's multi-channel networks, and running derivatives and capital markets desks as a Managing Director on Wall Street. He has financed or executive produced have grossed over $2 billion in revenues and include among others, Twilight (starring Rob Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, WWBO $829 million), Tropic Thunder (starring Robert Downey Jr, Ben Stiller and Jack Black, WWBO $188 million), Eagle Eye (starring Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan and Billy Bob Thornton, WWBO $178 million), The Lovely Bones, (starring Rachel Weisz, Saoirse Ronan, Stanley Tucci, Mark Wahlberg, Susan Sarandon and Michael Imperioli directed by Peter Jackson, WWBO $94 million), The Iron Lady (starring Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Olivia Coleman and Richard E. Grant, WWBO $115 million), and Revolutionary Road (starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet directed by Sam Mendes, WWBO $75 million).
Jury Member: Monica Riccioni
Monica Riccioni is the founder and CEO of Think Cattleya, a company established 14 years ago with Cattleya Group, which became part of ITV Studios in 2017.
Under her innovative leadership and with her thirty years of experience in the advertising sector, Think Cattleya has established itself as a leading company in the production of advertising content, documentaries, serial projects, music videos, international services, photo productions, digital projects, and events. Monica's foresight and determination have led Think Cattleya to create global advertising campaigns for some of the world's most renowned luxury brands, including Gucci, Bulgari, Ferragamo, and Fendi, collaborating with internationally acclaimed directors such as David Lynch, Frank Miller, Mert & Marcus, Chris Cunningham, Gia Coppola, and Matteo Garrone.
Monica has always been attentive to the development of young talents, encouraging innovation and inclusion within her company. She firmly believes in the importance of offering opportunities to new generations, with particular attention to promoting women in the industry. Her constant commitment to staying updated and providing space for young professionals has contributed to making Think Cattleya a hub of creativity and excellence.
In summary, Monica represents an example of leadership in the world of advertising, capable of combining experience and innovation, always ready to bet on the future and new talents.
Jury Member: Filippo Rizzante
Filippo Rizzante is the CTO and a member of the Board of Directors at Reply.
Filippo began his career at Reply in 1999. In the early years, he primarily focused on consulting and projects for the web division within the Group, specifically on developing B2B and B2C portals. In 2006, Filippo became an Executive Partner of the Reply Group, responsible for the companies within the Group that handle Oracle technologies, Security, Information Lifecycle Management, Web 2.0, and Open Source. Over the years, he has held increasingly senior roles within the Group, taking direct responsibility for various business lines, including Architectures and Technologies, Digital Media, and Mobile. Since 2012, as CTO of Reply, he has led the development of new offerings related to technological innovation and has been responsible for all Group-level partnerships. Filippo holds a degree in Computer Engineering from the Politecnico di Torino.
Jury Member: Vallée Duhamel
Vallée Duhamel, founded by directors Julien Vallée and Eve Duhamel, crafts images and videos for diverse clients spanning commercials, music, fashion, posters, magazines, and objects.
Specializing in high-quality, lo-fi, and often handmade visuals and installations, Vallée Duhamel embraces both a playful and experimental approach and new technologies like AI in their work. Julien, an acclaimed designer and director, resides and works in Montreal, Canada. A recipient of the Young Guns 6 award and a member of Alliance Graphique Internationale, Julien’s influential work is featured in the monograph “Rock, Paper, Scissors: The Work of Julien Vallée,” published by Gestalten in 2011. Eve Duhamel, a visual artist and director based in Montreal, Canada, creates playful installations and handmade works for a variety of mediums including posters, skateboards, snowboards, fashion, events, and books. Her work has been showcased in galleries worldwide, from Berlin to London, Buenos Aires to Los Angeles, as well as in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. The duo has collaborated with esteemed brands such as Google, Apple, Coach NY, Hermès, MTV, and The New York Times.
Jury Member: Caleb&Shelby Ward
Caleb Ward: CEO/Artist - Curious Refuge.
Caleb Ward is the CEO of Curious Refuge, an online platform pioneering the use of AI in film. He is deeply dedicated to democratizing the creative process by unlocking the inner storyteller inside everyone. His AI training empowers artists at every end of the creative spectrum, from training Academy Award Winners to aspiring artists looking to learn storytelling for the first time. He has trained thousands of artists worldwide and in every major studio. He believes AI is dramatically changing the creative landscape and elevating the creative potential of artists around the world.
Shelby Ward: COO/Artist - Curious Refuge.
Shelby Ward is the COO of Curious Refuge, the world’s first online home for AI Filmmakers. Shelby has spent her career cultivating artist education communities in motion design and VFX, assisting artists at the highest levels of the industry, from Disney to Netflix. She is passionate about creating an optimistic and inclusive creative community centered around modern technology. She is a regular voice on film industry panels, and her AI films have been screened around the world.
Curious Refuge is an online home for anyone who wants to utilize AI tools to create incredible art. We are pioneering a new way to utilize AI to create the future of storytelling.
Jury Member: Denise Negri
Denise Negri, a renowned journalist at Sky TG24, covers prestigious cinema events like the Academy Awards, Cannes, and Venice film festivals. A respected media figure, she is also a presenter at Sky Arte.
Jury Member: Flavio Natalia
Flavio Natalia is an acclaimed journalist, director of Ciak and ciakmagazine.it. With a degree in modern literature, he has been working for Sky since 2004.
Former Director of Product Communication, he is also the editorial director of Sky Magazine, which publishes the monthly SkyLife (500,000 paid copies) and the digital evening paper Sky Evening News (2 million subscribers, 360,000 openings per issue). From 2001 to 2004, he was the Head of Press Office at Mediaset Centro Sud, progressively taking on responsibilities for institutional and product communication initiatives, and head of communication for Italia 1, Sports Area, and News Area Mediaset. He began his journalism career as a television author for Rai TV and radio channels (covering current affairs, in-depth programs, prime-time variety shows, entertainment, live news, daily and prime-time quizzes, and cultural programs). He also worked extensively at Ansa in the entertainment, TV, culture, and media section, first as an ordinary editor and then as a correspondent. A professional journalist since 1993, he won the 2013 Ischia Award as "Communicator of the Year" and the 2001 Sanremo City Journalism Award for Festival Chronicles. For the past four years, he has taught Communication at the State University of Savona, and from 2001 to 2007, he held a course in Television Communication at the Postgraduate School of Specialization in Education at the State University of Bari. He also lectures at the Catholic University of Milan.
Is the Venice trip included for the 10 finalists?
Travel and one night accommodation (including dinner and transportation) are covered by the organisation. Our team will get in touch with you asking all the details to arrange your stay.
Which are the rewards?
During the Venice première, the Jury Panel will reward the best three teams among the ten finalists presented. The winning short films will be awarded with a rewards of:
8,000.00 € for the Short Film in the 1st place.
5,000.00 € for the Short Film in the 2nd place
2,000.00 € for the Short Film in the 3rd place.
Each reward will be shared among the members of the winning team and it will be delivered within 60 days. Each Registered User will be contacted to require the bank details necessary to transfer the reward.
When will the Première event take place?
The Première event will take place during the first week of September between the 1st and the 8th.
Each finalist team will be notified within 20 days before the event in order to arrange the travel together with our staff.
What is included in the trip?
The organisation will cover:
One night accommodation in a single room
Dinner for one member of the finalist team
All the transfers during the stay in Venice
The tickets for the round trip to Venice
How will we get updates about the Reply AI Film Festival?
You’ll get some emails, so check your mailbox regularly. You can always message us on Discord during the submission phase if you have questions or via email at aiff@reply.com
Which language(s) do I need to speak?
All communications will be in English. Though you and your teammates can speak whatever language(s) you like! 😊
Auntlantis
Created by visionary AI artist Niceaunties from Singapore 🇸🇬
Auntlantis unfolds in a parallel world overrun with plastic waste. The short movie opens with a scene of a bird auntie lying on the beach, her insides a jumble of colourful plastics—a nod to an impactful photograph depicting a sea bird with its stomach filled with plastics. The narrative then shifts to auntie mermaids, whose tails are crafted from plastic bottles, as they undertake the monumental task of cleaning the ocean floor.
Gia Pham
Directed by Alexander de Lukowicz, Annegret Feistl, Florian Beers, and Hans Hartmann from 27km creative studio based in Hamburg, Germany 🇩🇪
A frustrated protagonist is led by a mysterious manga into fantastical worlds reflecting the supermarket's diverse products: a river of ramen noodles, gigantic vegetable forests, and neon-lit bubble tea cities. This film invites the audience to escape the monotony of everyday life and discover food as a source of inspiration. A visual adventure that transcends reality and redefines the beauty in everyday things.
Hint
Created by young AI-art collective SPIME.IM from Turin, Italy 🇮🇹
The video traces a journey from the present to the imminent dystopian future. It commences with abstract visuals depicting buildings devastated by bombing, brought to life through mesmerizing AI processing that echoes the reverberation of an atomic explosion. As we embark on a frenetic journey through the ever-changing streets of a multifaceted city, each transient moment unravels a myriad of possibilities for the future.
Jinx
Directed by 25-year-old indie filmmaker Mansha Totla based in Mumbai, India 🇮🇳
The short movie is about a WW2 veteran named Jinx Akerkar. The film emphasizes how fragile life can be and speaks of trusting one’s intuition. More than that, it is a heartfelt dedication to Jinx, the people who lost their lives during the war, and anyone who still suffers because of it.
Memories
Created by visual artist Anita Jungle from London, UK 🇬🇧
A 2-minute short film that narrates Anita's plan to prevent her memories from fading. This journey will allow you to look at the same story from different perspectives.
Memories of An Eternal Flower
Directed by mixed media artists Gabriela C Walther and Sergio Valdez Sanchez from Hausumedia studio based in Tijuana, Mexico 🇲🇽
The movie is a memoir of the director's grandmother, based on archival photos collected over the years and documentary material. The artist said, "Without AI, this film probably would have never happened".
One Way
Created by animator and AI artist Egor Kharlamov from Moscow, Russia 🇷🇺
When it seems that there is nothing left to lose and you are ready to leave this world, life gives you a second chance... But what is the price of this chance?
The Abyss
Created by screenwriter and director Andrés Aloi from Buenos Aires, Argentina 🇦🇷
Iris, a wheelchair-bound young woman, is recruited to test a cutting-edge device that hijacks the mind and induces vivid dreams. As she assesses a prototype that is as dangerous as it is revolutionary, Iris struggles to accept her physical reality.
To Dear Me
Directed by screenwriter and professor in Media Arts at Communication at the University of China, Gisele Tong from Beijing, China 🇨🇳
A young woman's memories of her parent's divorce and her mother's lonely grief have haunted her like a nightmare throughout her life. She has mustered the courage to find love but has gradually lost herself amid repeated hurt and distrust, even thinking she has lost the courage to love. However, in her most confused and dejected moments, she realizes that only her complete self can save her.
Where Do Grandmas Go When They Get Lost?
Created by director Léo Cannone from Paris, France 🇫🇷
This short film is a visual tale that explores, through the eyes of a child, the whimsical and poignant question of where our grandmothers go when they 'get lost' in our lives.
William, or The Fragile Harmony Of Latent Spaces
Directed by AI-artist studio Above The Void from Montreal, Canada 🇨🇦
A man embarks on a journey to decipher the chaos within his mind with the aid of his therapist, a compassionate and insightful woman. Plagued by surreal and nonsensical dreams, he struggles to make sense of his inner world and finds it challenging to truly hear those around him. As the sessions progress, he delves deeper into his subconscious, uncovering layers of meaning and confronting the enigmatic nature of his thoughts and dreams.
Yena
Directed by photographer Ana Cecilia Estrabou from Viedma, Patagonia - Argentina 🇦🇷
Reviewing his photo album, an alien relives travelling through strange and marvellous worlds with Yena until they reach Earth, where Yena reunites with her own kind. There, he must continue his solo expedition, but they still have one last journey together.
Read the full Terms & Conditions of the competition.