frequently asked questions

For Filmmakers

What is CLOWD, really?

The CLOWD AI Film Festival is a competition and live theatrical festival celebrating narrative films made by humans collaborating with AI. We’re platform-agnostic, ethically grounded, and proudly filmmaker-first.

 

Who can submit?

Filmmakers, artists, technologists, students, collectives, and studios from around the world. You must be 18+ (or your local age of majority), and submissions must be legal in your country of residence.

 

Does my film have to use AI?

Yes. AI must play a meaningful role in your creative process—especially in visuals. If AI isn’t part of the storytelling or production, it’s not a fit for CLOWD.

 

How much AI is required?

At least 75% of your visual shots must be AI-generated. Live-action footage can be used as reference or support, but AI visuals must clearly dominate.

 

Do I still own my film?

Yes. 100%.
You retain full ownership and IP rights. By submitting, you grant CLOWD a non-exclusive, time-limited license to screen your film and use short excerpts for festival promotion. That’s it.

 

What categories can I enter?

  • Best Short Narrative

  • Best Music Video

  • Best Fantasy Theme

  • Best Long Form Commercial

  • Best Branded Theme

Each category awards cash prizes and is judged independently.

 

How long should my film be?

Between 2 and 10 minutes, unless a specific category states otherwise.

 

Can I submit more than one film?

Yes. You may submit up to 10 films, across any categories. Each submission requires a separate entry fee.

 

What are the entry fees?

  • Early Bird: $45 per film

  • Regular Deadline: $85 per film
    Fees are non-refundable.

 

What content is not allowed?

Submissions may not include:

  • Hate speech, harassment, or discrimination

  • Explicit sexual content involving minors

  • Unauthorized copyrighted material

  • Unconsented use of likeness, voice, or biometric data

  • Illegal acts or harmful misinformation

Transparency and ethics are non-negotiable.

 

Do I need to disclose how I used AI?

Yes. You must clearly disclose which AI tools you used and how they contributed. Misrepresentation may result in disqualification.

 

Are deepfakes allowed?

Only if clearly labeled and created with documented consent. No impersonation. No deception.

 

How does judging work?

CLOWD combines public voting with qualified industry judges. Films are evaluated on storytelling, originality, execution, and creative use of AI. Judges’ decisions are final.

 

What can I win?

  • CLOWD Grand Prize: $10,000 + trophy

  • Popular Winner: $1,000

  • Judges’ Winner: $1,000

  • Theme Winners: $500 each

Winners are announced at the festival.

 

Will my film be screened publicly?

Yes. Selected films screen at the festival and may be included in curated showcases or tours—always under the limited rights you grant.

  

For Sponsors & Brand Partners

What is CLOWD’s value to brands?

CLOWD is where AI, storytelling, and culture collide—in theaters, online, and across a national tour. Sponsors align with innovation, ethics, and a fast-growing global creator community.

 

What does sponsorship include?

Depending on tier, sponsorships may include:

  • Brand visibility across screenings, website, and social channels

  • Association with a specific Branded Theme

  • On-screen recognition and festival program placement

  • VIP passes, networking access, and curated panels

  • Participation in a national roadshow and digital distribution ecosystem

 

What is a Branded Theme?

A Branded Theme allows sponsors to define a creative challenge aligned with their brand values. Filmmakers compete within that theme, and the winning film may be developed into an official branded asset or campaign.

 

Who selects winners for branded categories?

Brands may establish their own judging panel and criteria, in coordination with CLOWD, while maintaining ethical and legal standards.

 

Do sponsors receive rights to the films?

No automatic ownership is transferred. Any extended use beyond festival screening requires separate agreements directly with the filmmaker. CLOWD respects creator IP—always.

 

How does CLOWD ensure brand safety?

All submissions must comply with strict content, ethics, and legal guidelines. Films promoting hate, misinformation, or unlawful behavior are rejected or removed.

 

What audience does CLOWD reach?

  • AI filmmakers and digital creators

  • Tech-forward storytellers

  • Media, entertainment, and advertising leaders

  • Culturally engaged, innovation-minded audiences

It’s not just reach—it’s relevance.

 

Can sponsors participate beyond the festival?

Yes. Sponsorships may extend into:

  • Touring screenings

  • Online showcases

  • Educational panels

  • Creator collaborations

  • Ongoing content and thought leadership

 

How do we get involved?

Sponsorship opportunities range from community-level partnerships to title sponsorships. Custom activations are available.