AI horror film contest offers $12,000 in prizes
AI horror filmmakers have until 9 October 2026 to enter a global competition offering $12,000 in prizes and an audience award.
AI filmmakers have until Thursday 9 October 2026 to enter the Fourth Annual AI Horror Film competition offering $12,000 in cash prizes.
The contest challenges creators to make an original horror or Halloween-themed film no longer than three minutes, with artificial intelligence used throughout the production.
Entries close at 11.59pm Pacific Time on 9 October, giving filmmakers only a few more days to complete their projects. A professional judging panel will choose the three main winners before audiences get their own opportunity to select a favourite.
How much can filmmakers win?
First place receives $7,000, second place takes $3,000 and third place receives $2,000. Each of the three winners also receives enrolment on a filmmaking course, promotion through the organiser's social channels and additional prizes.
There is a separate Audience Favourite award without a cash prize. Public voting opens at 11am Pacific Time on 21 October and closes at the same time on 28 October, with all winners due to be announced on 29 October 2026.
What are the AI filmmaking rules?
AI must be used in every shot, and films can run for no more than three minutes. Where subject-replacement tools are used, the majority of the generated pixels still need to involve AI-generated assets rather than conventional footage with a minor AI alteration.
Entries must also be original and cannot be tied to somebody else's existing intellectual property. Music and sound effects must come through the competition's specified Epidemic Sound arrangement, while every film needs to include the required competition end card.
The rules make this considerably more demanding than creating one impressive AI-generated horror clip. Filmmakers have to maintain characters, atmosphere and storytelling across a complete short while meeting technical requirements in every scene.
With the 9 October deadline approaching, the competition also offers another measure of how rapidly AI filmmaking is developing. The eventual winners will be judged not merely on the technology they use, but on whether they can turn it into an effective horror story.
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