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Frame Forward Animated AI Festival Announces Submissions Open

An Exciting New Venture in Animation and Technology

In a groundbreaking initiative, Modern Uprising Studios, associated with Toro Science, and Screenvision Media have unveiled the Frame Forward Animated AI Festival. This novel festival is set to be the very first global competition dedicated to recognizing the synthesis of animation, artificial intelligence, and human imagination.

In today’s creative landscape, the interplay between technology and artistry continues to evolve, and the Frame Forward Festival urges creators all over the world to take part in this revolution by submitting their short films. The submission window is open until December 30, 2025.

A Platform for Creators

The Frame Forward Animated AI Festival welcomes original short films that effectively incorporate artificial intelligence tools within their creative or production processes. This unique event aims to showcase how these emerging technologies can redefine animated storytelling. The winning film will be announced in March 2026, and the creators will be granted the valuable opportunity of a theatrical screening.

Joel Roodman, President and Head of Studio for Modern Uprising Studios, expressed excitement about the festival’s mission, stating, “Frame Forward is about celebrating the incredible possibilities that emerge when technology and human creativity come together.” The festival promises to provide animators and filmmakers with the infrastructure and distribution channels needed to explore the uncharted territories of their craft.

Engaging Audiences on a Grand Scale

The festival invites not just filmmakers, but also animation fans and industry professionals to participate in voting for their favorite films. Selected finalists will have their film trailers showcased both virtually and across Screenvision's vast network of 14,000 screens in 2,300 theaters throughout the United States. Ted Bolan, Senior Vice President of Content & Creative at Screenvision Media, adds, “Frame Forward showcases the evolution of Generative AI,” emphasizing how filmmakers utilize these advanced tools to enhance the storytelling experience.

A Launchpad for Emerging Talent

The Frame Forward Festival is more than just a competition; it serves as a launchpad for emerging talents as well. It will also display next-generation tools while providing visibility to artists and filmmakers who are working at the intersection of innovation and culture. The festival aims to create a collaborative environment where creators can share techniques and insights into their use of AI in storytelling.

In a rapidly progressing technology-driven world, this festival positions itself as a beacon for new and evolving narrative forms. By harnessing real-time rendering and adaptive story engines, it fosters an atmosphere where creativity and innovation lead the way into the future of animation.

Partnership and Community

The festival's laureate will receive the honor of a national theatrical release through Screenvision Media, along with an immersive adaptation crafted via Celeste, Modern Uprising Studios' proprietary rendering engine. This support extends to help guide submissions to premier international film festivals, further enhancing the filmmakers' reach.

About Modern Uprising Studios, its mission focuses on merging art, narrative, and machine intelligence—transforming how stories are created, experienced, and remembered in this new entertainment era.

For those interested in participating or following festival updates, more information can be found at frameforward.ai and @ModernUprising on social media platforms.

About the Organizations

Modern Uprising Studios

Modern Uprising Studios is a groundbreaking studio designed for the next entertainment revolution, aiming to seamlessly integrate human creativity with advanced artificial intelligence.

Toro Science

Toro Science operates from New York while expanding its reach with offices in Montreal and Dublin, committed to innovations that uphold dual-use technology with substantial commercial value. Its flagship project, Celeste, originally developed under the U.S. Air Force, creates 360-degree environments from standard video—revolutionizing how missions prepare and train for real-world scenarios.

Screenvision Media

Headquartered in New York, Screenvision Media stands as a renowned advertising and content representation leader for premier cinema exhibitors. Its extensive cinema advertising network reaches nearly half of all measured cinema admissions across the country.

The Frame Forward Festival is an exciting addition to the world of animation and cinema, promising to inspire the next generation of storytellers and spark continued conversations around creativity and technology. Join us as we celebrate the bright future of animated storytelling!