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. Open now — entries close November 15, 2026 (US Eastern).
- Key dates
- Entries close November 15, 2026 · Finalists December 1, 2026 · Awards Night December 10, 2026 in Atlanta.
- Format
- 30–60 second AI ads / short films. Divisions: Youth · University · Open. Two Brand Tracks: The Home Depot · Chick-fil-A.
- Organizer
- Co-organized by SouArt Alliance (Georgia-registered nonprofit) and Atlanta International Art Academy (AIAA). 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. Registration is open now; entries close November 15, 2026 (US Eastern).
What do I need to submit?
One entry per registration, submitted on the Submit page with your registration email and Creator ID: a 30–60s film (MP4/MOV, 1080p or higher, max 2GB) ending with the required end card; a PDF process document with at least 5 screenshots of your workflow; 3:4 and 16:9 posters; a synopsis; the AI tools you used; your team (1–5 people); and a public social link with the 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 December 10, 2026 — one vote per verified attendee.
When are finalists and winners announced?
Finalists December 1, 2026; AIAF 2026 Awards Night December 10, 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?
AIAF is recruiting long-term partners for future editions — brand track, presenting, technology, media, academic, creative and community. Apply via the Brands page or email partners@atlantaaiadfest.com; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Which brands can I choose?
AIAF 2026 has two Brand Tracks, both Atlanta-born: The Home Depot and Chick-fil-A. Choose one per entry. The tracks are an independent creative tribute — neither brand sponsors or endorses AIAF.
What is the required end card?
Every film must end with a final frame reading “仅限于AIAF比赛使用 / For AIAF Competition Use Only”, clearly legible for at least two seconds. Films without it are not eligible for judging.