A projector beam cuts through a dark screening room toward the screen

Awards

Laurels and certificates for films that use AI as part of a clear creative vision.

SC. 03Awards ceremony23.10.26

2026 categories

White copy — festivalannounced at the ceremony, 23.10.26

We celebrate bold storytelling, original visual language, and meaningful use of artificial intelligence in cinema — AI not simply as a technical tool, but as part of a clear creative vision.

Main awards

AwardWhat it honoursCriteria

Best AI Short Film

Awarded to the most outstanding AI-assisted or AI-generated short film of the festival, regardless of genre, country, or production method.

CriteriaClear creative vision, meaningful use of AI, originality, craft, and overall cinematic impact.

Best AI Narrative Short

For the strongest fiction film using AI tools to tell a compelling, emotional, original, or visually distinctive story.

CriteriaStorytelling strength, emotional resonance, visual language, and purposeful use of AI in narrative form.

Best AI Documentary Short

For non-fiction, essay, archival, hybrid, or documentary-inspired works that use AI responsibly and creatively to explore real subjects, memories, ideas, or perspectives.

CriteriaResponsible and creative AI use, subject depth, authenticity of inquiry, and documentary craft.

Best AI Animated Short

Celebrating outstanding AI-assisted animation, character design, visual style, movement, worldbuilding, and storytelling.

CriteriaAnimation excellence, visual style, movement, worldbuilding, and storytelling through AI-assisted animation.

Best Experimental AI Film

For films that push the boundaries of cinematic form, structure, tone, visual language, or the relationship between human creativity and machine generation.

CriteriaBold experimentation with form and the human–machine creative relationship; distinctive cinematic language.

Special awards

AwardWhat it honoursCriteria

First Flame Award

Honoring an exceptional short by a first-time filmmaker. Bold vision and creative promise are key.

CriteriaMust be director's first film. Judged on originality, potential, and fearless creative approach.

Best Local Story

Awarded to the best short film rooted in Scottish culture, place, or people. A celebration of local identity.

CriteriaStrong connection to Scotland through subject, location, cast, or themes. Authentic representation required.

Audience Award

Voted on by attendees at the festival. For the film that most moved or inspired our audience.

CriteriaDetermined entirely by audience vote. The film that creates the strongest emotional connection.

Critics' Choice

Selected by our guest curators and critics — for films that spark debate and provoke reflection.

CriteriaFilms that challenge conventions, stimulate discussion, and demonstrate exceptional artistic merit.

Student recognition

AwardWhat it honoursCriteria

Student Film Award

Awarded to the best short created in an academic or training context, selected from submissions by universities and film schools across the UK and abroad.

CriteriaMust be created during academic study. Judged on creativity, technical skill, and storytelling within educational context.

Jury & selection

White copy — festivalhow films are judged

Expert jury

Our jury consists of film industry professionals, critics, and established filmmakers.

Emotional impact

We prioritize films that create genuine emotional connections and lasting impressions.

Fair process

All submissions receive equal consideration, with transparent judging criteria.

Winners will be announced at our awards ceremony during the festival. All filmmakers are invited to attend and celebrate the power of short film storytelling. Winners receive official laurels and digital certificates.

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