AI Film Festival Africa
Imagine a Future Worth Building.
AIFFA invites filmmakers and storytellers from around the world to imagine Africa in 2063 through original films created with AI and emerging filmmaking tools.
Final submission deadline
October 31, 2026 · 11:59 PM (Antananarivo time)
What does Africa look like in 2063?
Your story can be hopeful, challenging, emotional, strange, ambitious, or unexpected. Science fiction, drama, animation, comedy, Afrofuturism, experimental films, and hybrid formats are welcome.
Imagine a Future Worth Building.
AIFFA is a film festival first. We care about the story you tell and what your film makes people feel. AI should be the primary tool behind your production, but we're open to hybrid approaches that blend AI with traditional filmmaking, live action, or other techniques, as long as AI drives the work.
The tools will change. Great storytelling still matters.
Awards
Best AI Film
The highest honor of AIFFA 2026. Awarded to the strongest film overall based on storytelling, originality, creative vision, and execution.
Africa 2063 Award
Awarded to the film that most powerfully responds to this year's theme, Africa 2063: Imagine a Future Worth Building.
Audience Choice
Chosen by the audience. Selected films will be shared through LeCinema, giving viewers the opportunity to discover, watch, share, and support their favorites.
Judges
AIFFA's judging panel brings professional filmmaking and visual effects experience to every submission.
Bruno Vilela
Hollywood VFX artist and production AI leader
Credits include Spider-Man 2, The Matrix Reloaded & Revolutions, Superman Returns, The Aviator, Beowulf, and Watchmen.
To Be Announced
More judges coming soon
To Be Announced
More judges coming soon
Submission Requirements
Open to filmmakers and creators everywhere: individuals, teams, students, studios, and first-time filmmakers. You do not need to live in Africa, but your film should meaningfully explore Africa, its people, cultures, or possible futures. To enter AIFFA 2026:
- No longer than 15 minutes.
- Dialog must be in English, or include an English translation or transcript (subtitles or captions).
- 01
Publish your film on YouTube
Your film must be publicly available on YouTube.
- 02
Include the official festival tag
Add #SpecialForLeCinema to your YouTube title or description.
- 03
Tag LeCinema
Include @lecinemafilms in your YouTube description.
- 04
Submit your YouTube link
Complete the official AIFFA submission form with your film information and YouTube URL.
Key Dates
September 2026
Submissions Open
October 31, 2026
Final Submission Deadline
November 2026
Official Selections Announced
November 2026
AIFFA Screening & Awards
Antananarivo, Madagascar
Exact festival date and venue will be announced soon.
Become a Partner
FAQ
What is AIFFA?
AIFFA is the LeCinema AI Film Festival Africa, an international AI filmmaking competition culminating in a live festival and screening event in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
What is the 2026 theme?
Africa 2063: Imagine a Future Worth Building.
Do I need to be African to participate?
No. AIFFA is open to filmmakers worldwide. Your story should have a meaningful connection to Africa or its possible futures.
Does my film have to take place exactly in 2063?
No. 2063 is the creative horizon for the challenge. Your film can take place before, during, or around that future as long as it meaningfully responds to the theme.
Does my film have to be science fiction?
No. All genres are welcome.
Does the entire film need to be AI-generated?
No. Hybrid filmmaking is welcome.
Is there a maximum film length?
Yes. Films must be no longer than 15 minutes.
Does my film need to be in English?
Dialog must be in English, or include an English translation or transcript (subtitles or captions), so judges can follow the story.
Which AI tools can I use?
Any. AIFFA is tool-agnostic. Use whatever best serves your story.
Where should I upload my film?
Your film must be published publicly on YouTube. Include #SpecialForLeCinema and tag @lecinemafilms. Then submit the YouTube link through the official AIFFA submission form.
Why YouTube?
We want filmmakers to keep the views, engagement, and audience generated by their films. Your submission remains on your channel while LeCinema helps audiences discover it.
How will films be judged?
Films will be evaluated primarily on storytelling, originality, creative vision, execution, and connection to the theme. The most technically complicated AI workflow does not automatically make the best film.
When is the deadline?
October 31, 2026.
When is AIFFA?
The inaugural AIFFA screening and awards event will take place in November 2026 in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
What's possible with AI filmmaking?
Hand-picked projects that show what's possible with AI today.
Sponsors
AFRICA 2063
Imagine a Future Worth Building.
Final Submission Deadline · October 31, 2026
Festival & Awards · November 2026
Antananarivo, Madagascar
AIFFA 2026 · Presented by LeCinema