1. Computer Animation Shorts
All forms of animated short pieces that contain a significant percentage of computer-generated imagery and/or digital production and are not specifically suited to one of the other submission categories. This includes independent shorts, character animation, sponsored creative explorations, narrative and experimental works, and opening sequences. Shorts of any length may be submitted, but the Computer Animation Festival reserves the right to show only excerpts of selected works at the jury's discretion.

2. Games
PC, web, console, or mobile game excerpts, machinima, and demoscene animations that are visually stunning and/or creatively engaging. This includes both real-time rendering of in-game work, cut scenes, and cinematics as well as pre-rendered cut-scenes and cinematics. If your real-time work is interactive, consider also submitting it to Real-Time Live!

3. Animated Feature Films
Selections and/or montages of computer animation created for animated feature films.

4. Visual Effects for Live-Action Feature Films
Selections and/or montages of visual effects created for live-action feature films.

5. Music Videos
Commissioned and/or independent works that use any combination of computer animation, digital effects, and live action to illustrate, enhance, and/or complement a musical creation. 

6. Advertising
Advertisements or other projects created entirely or partially with computer animation and/or digital effects for display on television or the internet. This could include commercials, promotional spots, broadcast bumpers and graphics, public-service announcements, documentary projects, and selections and/or montages of animated television series. 

7. Visualizations and Simulations
Computer animations created to explain, analyze, or visualize information for applications including scientific research, architecture, engineering, systems simulations, education, and documentary projects.

The Computer Animation Festival reserves the right to place entries in the category that is most appropriate. Stereo 3D work will be considered and can be entered in any of the above categories. We encourage shot breakdowns to fully illustrate the amount of CG work involved where submissions are photo-real.

The Computer Animation Festival is recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a qualifying festival. Since 1999, several works originally presented in the Computer Animation Festival have been nominated for or have received a Best Animated Short Academy Award.