African AI Film Festival to Debut in 2026 with Hollywood and Kampala Premieres

The African AI Film Festival is launching in 2026 as the first global festival dedicated to African and African-diaspora filmmakers working with generative AI. Entries are accepted across four categories — AI Short Film, AI Animation, AI Documentary, and Student & Emerging — with free submission deadlines for Africa-based and student filmmakers. Hollywood and Kampala will host premieres on 21 November and 12 December 2026 respectively, with submissions via FilmFreeway closing on 20 October 2026.

The festival's judging criteria span storytelling, cultural authenticity, technical craft, and innovative AI use. Notably, every entrant must disclose the AI tools and models used in production — a requirement the organizers explicitly state will never count against a film's score. The jury includes filmmakers and educators from Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda, and winners receive AI tool credit bundles from sponsors including Runway and Adobe, alongside mentorship and pitch access.