Catholic Animation New Arts Awards
Inspired by Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, the CANA Awards invite creators to place artificial intelligence at the service of the human person, beauty, and truth through the art of animation.
Why Participate?
The three winners will be invited to Rome, Italy, for the official screening and awards ceremony, with all travel and accommodation expenses covered by the organizers. This includes transportation to and from Rome, lodging, and related event participation costs. Winners will have the opportunity to attend the screening, receive their awards, and connect with fellow creators and industry professionals. Other selected nominees will receive an official certificate and special gifts in recognition of their work.
Our Mission
Inspired by Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, our mission is to encourage animators to place technology at the service of the human person, the Gospel, and the beauty of Catholic tradition.
Through animation, we invite creators to tell sacred stories, defend human dignity, and open new paths for evangelization in the age of artificial intelligence.
Competition Categories
Scriptures Category
An AI-assisted animated work that brings the Word of God to life. Entries in this category must tell a story drawn directly from the Old or New Testament or present a catechetical work that explains, illuminates, or meditates upon a biblical passage, theme, or figure. The story must be faithful to the text of Scripture and to the teaching of the Church. Creative interpretation is welcome; theological distortion is not.
Duration: 1 to 5 minutes. Language: English, or any language with English subtitles. AI tools must be disclosed via the official AI Disclosure Form. Completed works only.
Faith and Witness Category
An AI-assisted animated work that explores the lived experience of faith and the transformative power of Christian witness.
Entries must focus on real stories of faith in action. Accepted themes include: testimonies of conversion; stories of forgiveness, healing, vocation, sacrifice, or reconciliation; the lives and witness of saints, martyrs, missionaries, clergy, religious, or lay faithful; experiences of prayer and spiritual transformation; or accounts of individuals and communities whose faith shaped history.
Marian Category
An AI-assisted animated work dedicated to the Virgin Mary — Mother, Intercessor, and model of faith.
Entries must centre on the person and mission of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Accepted themes include: the life of the Virgin Mary as narrated in Scripture and Tradition; a Marian apparition recognised by the Church; a story of personal or communal conversion brought about through Marian devotion; a meditation on a Marian prayer, antiphon, or mystery of the Rosary; or a portrayal of how Our Lady accompanies, strengthens, and intercedes for the faithful.
Animation for Children Category
An AI-assisted animated work created especially for children, communicating faith, virtue, and wonder through engaging storytelling.
Entries must be suitable for children and families. Accepted themes include: stories inspired by the lives of saints; biblical narratives adapted for young audiences; stories that teach Christian virtues; faith-filled adventures; or imaginative stories that communicate timeless moral and spiritual truths consistent with Catholic teaching.
New Arts Category
An AI-assisted animated work that explores new artistic frontiers in the service of truth, beauty, and the human person.
Entries may experiment with innovative visual styles, storytelling techniques, and animation methods. Accepted themes include: faith-inspired artistic exploration; symbolic or contemplative works; visionary storytelling; experimental animation; or original creative projects that engage questions of human dignity, transcendence, beauty, culture, and meaning.
How to Enter
Register
Complete online entry form
Submit
Upload your animated work
by September 1, 2026
Jury Review
The submissions will be carefully reviewed by our Jury.
Winners
Official selections and winners are revealed in Rome on November 7th.
The Setting
Rome hosts the first edition of the competition. Its centuries-long role in shaping Catholic thought reflects the spirit of the event itself: grounded in tradition and open to innovation.
All entries must be submitted by September 1, 2026. Late entries will not be considered.
Winners will be honored at a gala event held in Rome on November 7th, 2026.
Creators from any country are welcome to participate. Works must be submitted in English or with English subtitles.
Selected works will be featured in a public screening program open to audiences throughout the festival.
Beauty is a key to the mystery and a call to transcendence."
Ready to Compete?
Join animators from around the world in bringing the Catholic faith to life through the art of animation.
Register today and take part in the inaugural edition of a new international competition inspired by Pope Leo's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, putting its principles into action through creativity, beauty, and responsible AI.
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