Slamdance's DIG category is actively encouraging AI-made films, with a $25,000 Russo Brothers fellowship and a theatrical distribution deal on the table for 2027

Slamdance has always operated as the scrappier, more experimental counterpart to Sundance, and for 2027 it is leaning further into that identity by explicitly encouraging AI-made films in its DIG category. The festival, which counts Quentin Tarantino and the Russo Brothers among its alumni, is not merely tolerating generative tools, it is treating them as a legitimate filmmaking medium. That shift matters because Slamdance's endorsement carries genuine industry weight, and the prize attached to DIG is among the most substantial on offer anywhere in AI filmmaking right now.

The grand prize package combines a $25,000 AGBO Fellowship, which includes time in the Russo Brothers' studio and direct mentorship from their production company, with a traditional theatrical distribution deal through Utopia. A cash fellowship plus real cinema distribution is a rare pairing. Most festival prizes stop at a trophy and a networking reception. This one offers a funded creative residency and a path to audiences paying for tickets.

What you submit

Slamdance accepts short films, features, and experimental work across its programme. The DIG category is where AI-made and AI-assisted films are specifically encouraged, and any AI tool is permitted. The festival is based in Los Angeles and programmes for its 2027 edition. Submissions opened on 18 May 2026 and the deadline is 6 October 2026. No cutoff time is published on the page, so submit with at least a day in hand.

Prize structure

- $25,000 AGBO Fellowship: funded placement at the Russo Brothers' studio, with mentorship from their team
- Utopia theatrical distribution deal: traditional cinema release for the grand prize winner
- Slamdance 2027 festival selection: programming credit at an internationally recognised festival

This is a cash prize combined with in-kind industry support, not credits or platform currency.

Entry fee

Entry fees are tiered across Earlybird, Regular, Late, and Extended windows. The current deadline of 6 October 2026 falls within the later tiers, so fees will be higher than they were at submission opening. Check the submission portal for the exact amount applicable to your entry date. This is a paid submission.

Eligibility

The competition is open globally. AI-made films are strongly encouraged in the DIG category, and any AI tool is permitted. Short films, features, and experimental work are all accepted categories.

Terms worth reading

The page does not detail specific licensing or rights terms. Festival submissions typically involve granting the organiser the right to screen your work and use clips for promotional purposes during the festival period. Rights to the underlying work are generally retained by the filmmaker, but you should confirm this against Slamdance's full submission agreement in the official submission portal before completing your entry. The Utopia distribution deal, if awarded, would involve a separate commercial agreement whose terms are not summarised on this page.

For entries and full submission guidelines, visit the official Slamdance submission page.

Source: https://aifilmcontests.com/contests/slamdance-dig-ai-2027