Short Film Competition

Competition Overview

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi launches the short film competition, as a part of its Year of AI and the 20th Anniversary celebrations. We invite submissions from school and university students across the UAE on the theme of “20 Years, 20 Visions: Imagining the Next 20 Years of SUAD with AI”. 

The competition invites students to create a short film about Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, exploring its journey, impact, and future vision in the context of AI and innovation. This is a unique opportunity to turn your creative work into a real academic and career stepping stone.  

This initiative encourages students to develop a short film that goes beyond a simple competition — it becomes a recognized, juried project endorsed by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. 

Participants are encouraged to express their ideas freely and creatively, using the format that best brings their vision to life.  

To ensure transparency, credibility, and a balance between academic and creative elements, submissions will be evaluated based on the following weighted criteria: 

1- Concept & vision

• Originality and strength of future vision

• Relevance to the theme “Next 20 Years with AI”

• Depth of thought and societal relevance

2- Use of AI in Storytelling

• Meaningful, ethical, and creative integration of AI

• Innovation in how AI enhances narrative or production

3- Narrative & Emotional Impact

• Clarity of story

• Ability to provoke reflection, curiosity, or dialogue

4- Technical & Artistic Execution

• Visual quality, sound, editing, and coherence

5- Alignment with SUAD Values

• Multiculturalism, critical thinking, ethics, future readiness

Who Should Apply?  

• School and university students: Grades 10, 11, and 12, as well as undergraduate students 

• Students in media, film, communication, or design 

• Students in AI, technology, data, or innovation interested in creativity and ethics 

• Students in humanities and social sciences who think critically about the future of AI 

Video Format & Technical Guidelines 

• Duration: Maximum 3 minutes 

• Accepted formats: MP4 or MOV 

• Aspect ratio: 16:9 (preferred) or 1:1 

• File Size: Up to 500MB (WeTransfer link or any equivalent file-transfer platform) 

• Resolution: Minimum Full HD (1080p) 

• Languages: English, Arabic, or French (subtitles recommended for accessibility) 

Videos may include direct-to-camera storytelling, original footage filmed by the student, the use of archival or external footage, graphics, animations, or AI-powered tools to imagine and visualise the future through their own interpretation. 

Submissions may follow a clear storyline with or without voice-over, combine multiple visual techniques, or rely purely on visuals and sound. 

There is no restriction on creative approach, provided the content aligns with the competition theme and meets the technical requirements outlined above. 

To take part in the competition, students must register using the first link and submit their video through the second link.

Key Dates & Timeline 

• Submission deadline: From 18 February until 8 June 2026 

• Evaluation phase: 9–15 June 2026 

• Winner announcement: 16 June 2026 

• Award ceremony: 28 October 2026, during SUAD’s 20th Anniversary celebrations 

What Students Gain & Awards 

Participants will enjoy a range of valuable benefits, including: 

• Recognition and a public screening of your film during SUAD's 20th Anniversary celebrations on Wednesday, 28th October 2026.  

• Exclusive access to campus events, Open Days, and specialized workshops to enhance your learning experience.

Prizes & Recognition 

Winners will receive a host of exciting rewards, such as: 

• An official SUAD certificate acknowledging your achievement. 

• Internship opportunities at SCAI, providing practical experience in AI and innovation. 

• Complimentary AI training sessions to further develop your skills. 

• Opportunities to present and update your project at special SUAD events during the AI Year, gaining wider visibility and recognition. 

• SUAD-branded goodies to celebrate your success. 

• To feature the video on our SUAD’s website for several months.  

Jury

The jury comprise a diverse mix of academic experts, industry professionals bringing practical market experience, alongside representatives from the arts and the technology sector, ensuring a well-rounded and informed evaluation process. The jury will consist of:

• A representative from the Department of Archaeology and History of Art 

• An academic representative from university leadership 

• A representative from the Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) 

• An academic specialist in AI and sciences  

• A creative and visual communications representatives  

If you have any questions, please contact the Communications Team at [email protected].

The first step is simple: register and confirm your participation through the official form. This lets us know you’re taking part and allow us to keep you informed about the competition timeline.

When your short film is ready, you can submit it through the below link before the deadline. Make sure your project follows the competition guidelines so it can be reviewed by the jury.