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10th Sorok Short Film Festival Policy on AI-Generated Video Content


Effective Date: August 7, 2025
Applies To: All short film submissions for the 10th Sorok Short Film Festival


Policy Statement

Sorok Short Film Festival is an avenue for filmmakers to showcase their talent while raising awareness on current social issues. To preserve the authenticity and integrity of independent filmmaking, we do not accept films that contain video generated by artificial intelligence (AI) in place of or as a substitute for live-action footage, traditional animation, or manual visual effects.


Definition

For the purposes of this policy, AI-generated video includes, but is not limited to:

  • Footage entirely or partially generated by text-to-video, image-to-video, or video synthesis AI tools (e.g., Sora, Runway, Pika, etc.)
  • AI-generated characters, environments, or sequences that are not the result of manual animation or compositing
  • Deepfakes, synthetic actors, or other machine-generated video elements used as stand-ins for filmed or traditionally created content


Permissible Use

AI tools used in limited post-production capacities — such as noise reduction, color grading assistance, or automated editing suggestions — are allowed, provided the core visual content was captured or created manually by the filmmaker(s). Similarly, AI-generated scripts, storyboards, or planning aids are permitted only if the final video content is entirely human-produced.


Verification & Enforcement

All submitters must declare whether AI-generated video content was used in their production. The Festival reserves the right to request production documentation or project files to verify compliance. Submissions found to contain disallowed AI-generated video will be disqualified without refund.


Rationale

This policy exists to:

  • Support and highlight the efforts of independent filmmakers and animators
  • Ensure a level playing field for creators relying on traditional production methods
  • Foster originality, skill, and human storytelling in cinema


Exceptions

No exceptions will be granted for this edition of the Festival.



FAQs: AI-Generated Video Policy

1. What counts as AI-generated video content?

Any video footage that is generated using AI tools — such as text-to-video, image-to-video, or deepfake systems — rather than being captured through a camera or created by hand (e.g., traditional or 3D animation) is considered AI-generated. This includes synthetic characters, environments, and motion created automatically by AI.

 

2. Can I use AI for editing or post-production?

Yes — AI tools used for assisting post-production (like color correction, sound leveling, noise removal, or basic cutting) are allowed, as long as the visual content itself was not generated by AI.

 

3. What about using AI to help write my script or storyboard?

That's allowed. The restriction only applies to the final video content. You're welcome to use AI for ideation, outlining, or pre-production planning — just not for generating footage or animated sequences.

 

4. I filmed live-action footage but used an AI filter to alter its style — is that allowed?

In most cases, no. If the AI filter transforms the footage into something synthetic (like turning it into cartoon-style animation or entirely replacing backgrounds/actors), it falls under AI-generated visual content and would violate the policy.

 

5. Can I use traditional VFX or animation tools?

Absolutely. Manual VFX, 2D/3D animation, rotoscoping, and similar human-driven techniques are welcomed and encouraged. The key difference is human creative control and authorship.

 

6. How will the festival verify if a film used AI-generated video?

All filmmakers must sign a declaration during submission. We may request project files, behind-the-scenes documentation, or production notes to confirm compliance. Any attempt to conceal the use of AI-generated video will result in immediate disqualification.

 

7. My film includes a small AI-generated clip (e.g., 5 seconds). Is that okay?

No. Any amount of AI-generated video — regardless of length — disqualifies the submission. The goal of this policy is to maintain a clear and fair boundary for all entrants.

 

 

8. Will this policy be in place for future festivals?

The Festival reviews its policies annually. While AI technology is evolving rapidly, the 10th edition is committed to honoring human-led creation. Future editions may reassess depending on community feedback and industry standards.

 

9. Who can I contact if I’m unsure whether my project complies?

Please reach out to the festival team at sorok.10thssff@gmail with a brief description of your production methods. We're happy to clarify on a case-by-case basis.