Rome AI Film Festival 2026: Date, Tickets, Submissions, and What to Expect
Riccardo Vincenzi
Italy’s premier celebration of generative AI filmmaking returns to Rome on September 12, 2026, with screenings, awards, submissions, and international networking.
The Rome AI Film Festival (RAIF) is Italy’s premier celebration of generative AI in filmmaking, returning on September 12, 2026 in Rome, Italy. Billed as “the AI Festival for all the Creatives,” RAIF screens the year’s best AI-assisted films and brings together filmmakers, AI creatives, producers, and technologists from around the world.
Here’s everything you need to know to attend, submit, or follow the 2026 edition.
When and where is the Rome AI Film Festival 2026?
Date: September 12, 2026
Location: Rome, Italy
Format: In-person screenings, awards, and networking
What is the Rome AI Film Festival?
RAIF is a competitive film festival dedicated to films that use generative AI as a significant creative component. Founded by festival director Riccardo Vincenzi, it has grown into a global crossroads for AI-assisted storytelling, drawing 430+ submissions from filmmakers worldwide. The festival screens a curated selection of the strongest entries and presents awards across four categories.
Who is the festival for?
RAIF is built for:
Filmmakers and creators experimenting with AI tools
Producers and studios exploring AI workflows
AI developers and founders in the creative space
Investors and artists tracking where film is heading
Whether you’re submitting a film or simply want to see what’s possible, the festival is designed to be inclusive — for all the creatives.
How much are tickets to the Rome AI Film Festival?
RAIF offers three passes:
Pass | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
Attendee Pass | Free (limited time) | Festival entry |
Creator Pass | $9 | Entry + film submission rights |
AI Insider Pass | $99 | VIP access + professional networking |
If you plan to submit a film, the Creator Pass is the most direct route. For industry networking, the AI Insider Pass unlocks VIP access.
How do you submit an AI film?
Submissions for 2026 are open via FilmFreeway. Films must use generative AI as a significant creative element. For a full walkthrough, see our guide on how to submit your AI film to a festival.
What awards can films win?
RAIF presents four awards:
Best AI Animation
Best Narrative
Best Documentary
Best Experimental
Curious how each is judged? Read AI film awards explained.
What can you expect at the festival?
Attendees can expect curated screenings of the top AI films, an awards ceremony, and networking with the people shaping the future of AI filmmaking. New to the medium? Start with what is an AI film.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Rome AI Film Festival 2026? September 12, 2026, in Rome, Italy.
How much does it cost to attend? The Attendee Pass is free for a limited time. A Creator Pass is $9 and the AI Insider Pass is $99.
Can anyone submit a film? Yes — any filmmaker can submit via FilmFreeway, as long as the film uses generative AI as a significant creative component.
What kinds of films win awards? Awards are given for Best AI Animation, Best Narrative, Best Documentary, and Best Experimental.
Ready to be part of it? Get your pass and join Italy’s premier AI film festival on September 12, 2026.