FAQ
Quick answers for creators, brands, and press. Official Rules and the Creative Brief remain the source of truth. General questions: hello@atlantaaiadfest.com.
AIAF 2026 at a glance
- Edition
- AIAF 2026 — Inaugural Edition of Atlanta AI Ad Fest (Atlanta AI Advertising Festival).
- Registration
- $10 registration fee. No additional submission fee after registration. Opens September 15, 2026 (US Eastern).
- Key dates
- Entries close October 25, 2026 · Finalists November 10, 2026 · Awards Night November 22, 2026 in Atlanta.
- Format
- 30–60 second AI ads / short films. Divisions: Youth · University · Open. Four official Brand Exclusive Tracks.
- Organizer
- SouArt Alliance (Georgia-registered nonprofit). Founding Technology Partner: Bloomway AI.
Who can enter?
Creators worldwide — individuals or teams up to five credited members. Youth Division: Grade 6 onward; entrants under 18 need parent or legal guardian consent. University and Open Division entrants must meet their division eligibility requirements.
What does registration cost?
A $10 registration fee applies to AIAF 2026. No additional submission fee is required after registration. Registration opens September 15, 2026 (US Eastern).
What do I need to submit?
Choose a competition division (Youth, University, or Open), then submit a 30–60s AI ad / short film (max 200MB), 3:4 and 16:9 posters, synopsis, tool disclosure, team details, a public social URL, and official hashtags.
Which AI tools are allowed?
Any tools are fine if the idea is yours and rights are clear. Disclose models and platforms. AI is the medium — not the credit.
How does AIAF 2026 Best of Festival work?
Selected finalists from all three divisions compete for AIAF 2026 Best of Festival and one $1,000 prize. The winner is decided by live audience vote at AIAF 2026 Awards Night in Atlanta on November 22, 2026 — one vote per verified attendee.
When are finalists and winners announced?
Finalists November 10, 2026; AIAF 2026 Awards Night November 22, 2026 in Atlanta (US Eastern). Finalist Screening · Awards Ceremony. Atlanta, Georgia · Venue to be announced.
Who owns the rights to my film?
Creators retain attribution / credit rights. Copyright is owned by AIAF and the brand featured in the work, as set out in the Official Rules. See Official Rules and Terms.
How do brands partner?
Apply via Brands or email partners@atlantaaiadfest.com. Featured Brand Partner and other partnership paths are open for Fall 2026 — contribution details are shared in the private proposal.