2026 Global AI Film Hack @ MIT (For Creators)

​GLOBAL AI FILM HACK @ MIT

​​Website: https://mitaifilmhack.com/

​This is not just a hackathon. It is a global call to reimagine character, storytelling, and the future of cinema.

​​Founded at MIT in early 2023, Global AI Film Hack is one of the earliest and most internationally recognized platforms dedicated to AI Filmmaking, media art, and next-generation storytelling. Each year, it brings together filmmakers, artists, researchers, technologists, students, and creative pioneers from around the world to explore how AI is transforming the language of film, digital media, and immersive experience.

​This global event is primarily virtual with in-person kickoffs at Cinequest & SXSW, and Finale Summit & Festival at MIT on April 18-19. We welcome participants from every country, age 18 and above. With rolling admissions, flexible start times, and free credits for every team, participants can jump in and start building right away. Over 3 weeks, you’ll receive online workshops while collaborating with a worldwide community. 

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​📅 Timeline
• March 22 – April 10 — Online Global Hackathon

​(Discord group, team formation, sponsor credits, and online workshops begin!)
• April 18–19 — Summit & Festival @ MIT

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​👁️ This year’s theme: Open Your Eyes

​Not simply about vision,
but about perspective, presence, and consciousness.

​We invite creators to move beyond image and into presence,
to build AI characters across 2D, 3D, live-action hybrids, and interactive media.

​Not just visible, but vivid.
Not just generated, but felt.

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​🎬 What You Can Create
Short Films · Micro Drama · Music Videos · Interactive & Immersive Experiences

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​✨ Why Join
• $50k+ free credits and awards from our Creative Partners

​• Premiere your work at MIT
• Gain global exposure through partners like SXSW, Cinequest, BeijingIFF!
• Present your work through talks & showcases

​• Internship & Full-time Job opportunities

​• Fellowship like Autodesk research Residency
• IP incubation & long-term collaboration

​• Connect with global filmmakers, researchers, and industry leaders

​🏆 Tracks and ​Prizes

​• Short FilmTrack

​Best Film, Best Animation, Best Leading Character, Best Supporting Character, Best Narrative, Best Visual, Best Music & Sound, Best Creative AI

​• Innovation Track

​Best MicroDrama, Best Music Video, Best Interactive Film, Best XR Film

​• Partnership Track

​Autodesk Award, Flick Award, TapNow Award, Pixverse Award

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​🌍 A Global Platform
Event and Community Partners including SXSW, Cinequest, Seattle AI Film Festival, Beijing IFF, HarvardXR, and leading universities such as MIT, Harvard, USC.

​Creative Partners include Autodesk, Flick, TapNow, Vidu, Pixverse and more!

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​⚖️ Jury

​Our jury will include professors and scholars from institutions such as MIT, Harvard, USC, and other leading universities, alongside acclaimed directors, producers, actors, artists, media scholars, technologists, and investors.

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​📍 MIT Summit & Festival (April 18–19)
Screenings · Exhibition · Summit · Workshops · Demos · Career Fair · Awards

​Whether you are a filmmaker, artist, developer, or storyteller, this is your space to experiment, collaborate, and build what cinema becomes next.

​✨ Submission link will be open on April.1.

​​Follow our social media to get updates!

​​​Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mitaifilmhack

​​​Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mit-ai-film-hack/

​​​Substack: https://aimediaclub.substack.com