Submit to Dasein
We're looking for original voices and courageous ideas — films that make us feel, question, imagine, or see the world differently. Every concept is welcome.
What we look for
AI-native cinema across every genre — narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, and hybrid work. We're drawn to films that engage AI as a creative language and explore consciousness, identity, ethics, and what it means to be human in a changing world. Films are encouraged — but never required — to interpret our annual theme.
Runtime
- Under 5 minutes — the strongest chance of theatrical selection
- Up to 15 minutes — considered
- Shorter films let us showcase more filmmakers and a greater diversity of voices
Award Categories
Dasein Grand Prize
Best overall film embodying the festival's vision of human–machine being.
Best AI-Integrated Narrative
Excellence in storytelling enhanced or transformed by AI.
Best Experimental Vision
Bold, boundary-breaking aesthetic or conceptual innovation.
Best Documentary / Essay Film
Insightful non-fiction exploring technology, identity, or futurism.
Emergent Artist Award
Outstanding work from an early-career filmmaker.
Audience Choice Award
Selected by festival attendees through a live vote.
Most Insane Story Award
For the film that pushes imagination and risk to the edge.
Want your film seen sooner? Also submit to our Bi-Monthly Concepts & Screenings (Dasein Continuum) category — a broader space for emotional, experimental, and unconventional work, screened year-round in San Francisco with a live Audience Favorite vote at every event.
Prizes & Recognition
Every Official Selection
Each officially selected director receives a copy of Asking the Right Questions by festival founder Ilgaz Kuren — reflecting Dasein's commitment to thoughtful dialogue around AI, creativity, and consciousness.
Grand Prize Winner
In addition, the Dasein Grand Prize winner receives a one-of-one premium Qreine hat — an original, hand-crafted piece by founder Q, embodying individuality, expression, and elevated perception.
Audience Choice & Most Insane Story
Each of these winners receives a designer Qreine hat and a signed copy of Asking the Right Questions, extending their recognition into a deeper dialogue around AI and creativity.
All winners also receive official festival laurels, dedicated spotlight placement across Dasein's platforms, and continued visibility through the festival's growing network and future programming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Submit through FilmFreeway at filmfreeway.com/DaseinFilmFestival. Our Regular Deadline is October 1, 2026 (Late Deadline February 1, 2027). No resubmission is needed once your film is on file.
AI-native cinema across every genre — narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, and hybrid. We're drawn to thoughtful, original voices exploring consciousness, identity, ethics, and what it means to be human.
Films under five minutes have the strongest chance of theatrical selection. Works up to fifteen minutes are considered; longer pieces may be considered for future formats and our YouTube channel.
Seven juried categories: the Dasein Grand Prize, Best AI-Integrated Narrative, Best Experimental Vision, Best Documentary / Essay Film, Emergent Artist Award, Audience Choice Award, and Most Insane Story Award — plus our year-round Bi-Monthly Concepts & Screenings (Dasein Continuum) submission category.
Every official selection receives a copy of founder Ilgaz Kuren's book Asking the Right Questions. The Grand Prize winner also receives a one-of-one Qreine hat; the Audience Choice and Most Insane Story winners each receive a designer Qreine hat and a signed copy. All winners receive official festival laurels, spotlight placement across our platforms, and continued visibility.
RSVP through the event link on our site (tickets are $13). Our next screening, Dasein: Emergence, is September 17, 2026 at Upcider in San Francisco. Announcements go out first through our Instagram, Meetup, and WhatsApp community.