Submission until January 25 2026
An international AI short-film contest exploring how humans and technologies create together. We believe that the future of art lies not in competition, but in co-creation – where technology acts as a true creative partner. Our mission is to empower a global community of authors who use AI with artistry and integrity, promoting transparency in shared authorship and reflection on how technology transforms art without diminishing the artist. Season II theme – “The Trace” This year, we invite filmmakers to explore the traces left by human-AI creation – not only in the visible outcomes of art, but in the invisible shifts of thought, perception, and intention. The theme reflects on how technology inscribes itself into creative consciousness: how our tools shape the stories we tell, how they alter authorship, and how, in turn, we leave our imprint on them. “The Trace” is both evidence and inquiry – an invitation to reflect on what remains after the act of co-creation between human and machine.
Trailer
Event schedule
Key Dates:
– Submission Deadline: January 25, 2026
– Notification Date: Mid-February 2026
– Festival Date: February 27, 2026
Format:
The event is fully online and global. Screenings, jury announcements and community activities will be hosted through the official website and partner platforms.
Prizes:
ACE Studio offers AI music tool licenses for all category winners and shortlisted creators. Additional partner prizes will be announced throughout the season.
Awards
ACE Studio is providing the following for UnHuman Shorts II creators:
Aftertone Winner
– Lifetime ACE Studio Artist Pro license
Shared Trace,
Visual Impact & Narrative Consequence Winners
– 6 months of free Artist Pro access
– 30% discount thereafter
People’s Choice Award Winner
– 3 months of Artist Pro access
– 30% discount
All Shortlisted Creators
– 30 days of Artist Pro access
– 30% discount
Further partner prizes will be announced later this season. In the previous edition it reached $10 000 USD, shared among category winners and the People’s Choice Award – which returns for public voting on shortlisted films.
Terms and Conditions
Theme: The Trace
UnHuman Shorts II invites creators to explore the marks left by human and machine co-creation. The contest examines how AI reshapes the language of cinema and how artistic intention and algorithmic vision leave traces on each other.
Rules & Dimensions of Co-Creation:
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Shared Trace – The fusion of image, sound and story into a unified artistic expression.
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Aftertone – The emotional architecture built through sound, music and silence.
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Visual Impact – The pursuit of a new visual language and uncompromising imagery.
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Narrative Consequence – Storytelling that leaves a lasting emotional imprint.
General Rules:
– Short films must involve AI in their creation process.
– Open to international creators.
– All genres welcome.
– Submissions close on January 25, 2026.