Introduction
AI² Awards is a national AI filmmaking competition in India launched by Associated Broadcasting Co. Pvt Ltd (TV9). This article explains who can participate, how to submit, how entries are judged, the event phases and the prizes at stake. Creators are invited to present original short films or brand films that meaningfully use artificial intelligence in filmmaking. The competition is conducted online and runs through clearly defined phases leading to a final selection where winners and honorary mentions are showcased. Read on for detailed, practical information about the Applied AI category, submission rules, judging and rewards.
Overview of AI² Awards
The AI² Awards is positioned as a national platform for AI-driven storytelling in film. Launched by Associated Broadcasting Co. Pvt Ltd (TV9), it focuses on works that integrate artificial intelligence into the filmmaking process in meaningful ways. The competition accepts both original short films and brand films and categorizes entries under Applied AI. As an online event, the AI² Awards brings together creators across India to explore and demonstrate how AI can enhance narrative, production or post-production practices within short-format cinema.
Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Participation rules are straightforward and designed to be creator-friendly:
- Team size: 1–4 members.
- Category: Applied AI (for works that meaningfully use artificial intelligence in filmmaking).
- Formats accepted: Original short films and brand films.
- How to submit: Submissions are accepted via the official portal.
- Multiple entries: Creators may submit multiple entries, but only the most recent submission will be counted before the deadline.
These guidelines ensure clarity on eligibility while allowing creators the flexibility to refine and re-submit work before the closing date.
Judging Process and Event Phases
The AI² Awards employs a staged, transparent process overseen by a distinguished jury. The event is conducted online and proceeds through three primary phases:
- Open Entries: The portal accepts submissions from eligible teams across India.
- Jury Shortlist: A distinguished jury reviews entries and shortlists submissions for final consideration.
- Final Selection & Awards: The jury selects winners and honorary mentions from the shortlist for announcement and showcase.
Throughout these phases, the role of the jury is to evaluate how effectively entrants apply artificial intelligence within their filmmaking practice and to identify works that stand out for creativity and execution.
Awards, Showcase and Prize
Successful entries receive recognition beyond the competition results. Winners and honorary mentions will be showcased at the What India Thinks Today summit, providing visibility to creators and their AI-driven films. Financial rewards are pooled for winners: the cash prize totals up to INR 10,00,000 (₹10 lakhs), to be shared among awardees. This combination of public showcase and a substantial prize pool underscores the competition’s aim to reward and promote meaningful uses of artificial intelligence in contemporary Indian short filmmaking.
Conclusion
The AI² Awards by Associated Broadcasting Co. Pvt Ltd (TV9) offers a focused, national stage for filmmakers who meaningfully incorporate artificial intelligence into short films and brand films. With a clear eligibility structure—teams of 1–4 in the Applied AI category—and a submission process that allows multiple portal entries (counting only the most recent), the competition is designed to support creative experimentation. An online format moves entries through Open Entries, Jury Shortlist and Final Selection & Awards, where a distinguished jury determines winners. Finalists receive visibility at the What India Thinks Today summit and share a cash prize pool of up to INR 10,00,000 (₹10 lakhs), making AI² Awards a notable opportunity for AI-driven filmmakers in India.