NYU April Fools AI Film Hack
Can you make someone laugh in 60 seconds or less — using only AI? 😈
We're hosting a one-day AI film hackathon built for creators who actually know how to use the tools. No tutorials. No hand-holding. Just you, your team, and a full day to make something absurd, clever, and unforgettable.
The challenge 🎯: Make a 30–60 second short film on the theme of April Fools — pranks, chaos, deception, absurdity. You decide what that means.
💸 We're paying for every tool you use.
Get in, and the money's already yours. Every accepted team automatically receives $300 to spend on any AI tools they need — image gen, video gen, voice cloning, music, whatever gets the job done.
Runway credits? Kling? ElevenLabs voice clones? Suno beats? It's all covered. 🎧🎥
That means just by getting a spot, you walk in with a fully sponsored AI film production — on us, backed by Ponder AI. The budget is real. The commitment is real.
🍕🥤 Food and drinks are also provided — lunch and dinner included so you can stay locked in all day.
👥 Teams & Registration
Teams of 2–4 people, or solo if you work fast
Only 8 teams total — spots are limited and competitive
This event is designed for people who are already fluent with AI tools
Open to all students (undergraduate & graduate, regardless of school) and NYU IMA/ITP alumni
Applications are reviewed — we're selecting 8 teams who are ready to hit the ground running on day one
Please request to join and complete the application form. Accepted teams will be confirmed three days before the event. ‼️‼️‼️
📅 April Fools AI Film Hack — Saturday, March 28
9:00 AM — Kick-off & hack begins
12:30 PM — Lunch break
6:00 PM — Submissions due + Dinner
6:30 PM — Screening & tech breakdown presentations
7:00 PM — Winner voting & networking
8:00 PM — Wrap up
Come to make something weird. Stay for the screening. Leave with a film you actually made.
Apply now — 8 teams only!