HAL's Dream Challenge 2026

The Inspiration

If an artificial mind could dream,
what would it dream about?

Alongside Arthur C. Clarke, Stanley Kubrick gave us 2001: A Space Odyssey and HAL 9000, one of science fiction's most unforgettable artificial minds.

In 2010: The Year We Make Contact, HAL learns that saving the crew may require his own sacrifice.

He asks:

"Will I dream?"

That question is the inspiration for this AI filmmaking challenge.

The Challenge

Create a short film.

Create an original short film or video, up to three minutes, exploring this question:

If an artificial mind could dream,
what would it dream about?

Use AI tools in your project, in whatever way helps bring the idea to life.

It can be science fiction, comedy, horror, documentary, a music video, something experimental, or anything else. The form is open.

The Ethos

This is not a contest.
It is a creative experiment.

We learn by doing. A clear prompt, a real deadline, and a chance to share can be a powerful spark.

Make something simple or elaborate. Raw or polished. The goal is to create, share, and learn in the process.

You may come away with something portfolio worthy, discover new tools, or find an idea that leads somewhere else.

Deadline & Screening

July 26, 2026

Submission Deadline

Sunday, 11:59 PM ET

Stanley Kubrick's birthday

July 28, 2026

Live Community Screening

Tuesday, 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT

Join Future Film on Zoom for a live community screening of selected work, followed by a conversation about the films and the ideas behind them.

Selected films may also be featured in the HAL's Dream collection on the Future Film website.

Submit Your Film

Send a playable link to your completed short film or video.

Film Title *

Creator Name or Alias *

Email Address *

Playable Film Link * YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, or another accessible platform. Make sure the link is viewable before submitting.

Artist Note Optional · 100 words or fewer

Before you submit.

You keep ownership of your film.

Please submit original work and only material you have permission to use.

I confirm that I created this film or have all necessary rights and permissions to submit it and give Future Film the permissions below. To the best of my knowledge, it does not infringe anyone else’s rights. *

I give Future Film nonexclusive permission to screen selected work, feature it in a public collection on the Future Film website, including by linking to or embedding it, and use excerpts or stills to promote HAL’S DREAM and Future Film. I keep ownership of my film. *

Your film has been submitted. We will see you on screening night: Tuesday, July 28, at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.