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FILMMAKING

AI Filmmaking Hackathon @IFFD 2026

International Film Festival Delhi 2026, in collaboration with LTM,
presents the AI Filmmaking Hackathon– a bold step toward redefining cinema in the age of artificial intelligence. As part of the inaugural festival, this initiative brings together filmmakers, creators, and technologists from across geographies to explore a new frontier of storytelling, where imagination is amplified by AI and traditional boundaries of filmmaking are redefined.

Designed as a competitive, theme based and time-bound challenge, the virtual hackathon invites participants to conceptualize and create original 2–3 minute short films using end-to-end AI-driven workflows. From script to screen, creators will experiment with new tools, formats, and techniques – unlocking possibilities that were previously unimaginable in film production. The format encourages rapid ideation, creative risk-taking, and hands-on innovation, resulting in a new form of cinematic expression.

More than just a competition, the AI Filmmaking Hackathon is a platform for discovery, dialogue, and disruption. It reflects IFFD's ambition to position Delhi as a global cinematic hub and a forward-looking stage for emerging creative technologies, while enabling a new generation of storytellers to shape the future of filmmaking.

In partnership with LTM

LTM

FORMAT: 48-HOUR, THEME-BASED, 2–3 MIN AI FILM

Eligibility and Rules

  • Open to Indian creators (individual filmmakers, studios, collectives, or student creators).
  • Maximum 5 members; cross-disciplinary teams are encouraged.
  • All work must be original and created by the submitting team. Plagiarism or uncredited AI content will lead to disqualification.
  • All submitted films must be created entirely during the Hackathon window.
  • Entries must not include hate speech, explicit content, religious content, political propaganda, or any copyrighted material without permission.
  • Participants must uphold ethical standards in AI usage – respecting consent, bias mitigation, and responsible storytelling.
  • Use of AI tools across the entire filmmaking process (i.e., scripting, visuals, animation, sound, music, voice, and editing) is mandatory.

Terms and Conditions

  • By submitting, participants grant LTM and IFFD exclusive rights to screen and promote their work at the festival and related showcases after the Festival.
  • LTM and IFFD will retain the final rights and ownership of all content created during the 48-Hour Hackathon.
  • LTM shall have exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free rights to Showcase, Publish, Promote and Distribute the submitted and shortlisted films on digital platforms, including but not limited to: YouTube, OTT / streaming platforms (including Hotstar or equivalent), LTM-owned or partner channels etc.

Key Dates and Timelines

  • End of registration: 23rd March 11:59:59 PM IST
  • Hackathon Start: 25 March, 10:00 AM
  • Hackathon End: 27 March, 10:00 AM
  • Winners Announcement: During
    IFFD 2026
  • Screening of Top 10 selected
    films @IFFD

Prize & Recognition Details

  • Best Film – INR 3 Lakhs
  • 1st Runner-up – INR 2 Lakhs
  • 2nd Runner-up – INR 1 Lakh
  • Screening at IFFD