Submission Categories
FilmShort Films
- Open to fiction films of any genre under 40 minutes, focusing on strong storytelling and originality.
Documentary Films
- Non-fiction works that explore real-world issues, human stories, or cultural narratives with authenticity and depth.
Feature Films Directed by Women (Special Category)
- A curated section celebrating feature-length films directed by women, highlighting diverse perspectives and leadership in cinema.
Animation Films
- Open to all forms of animation including 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and experimental animation. Strong emphasis on visual storytelling and creativity.
AI-Assisted Films
- Films that incorporate artificial intelligence as part of the creative process, while maintaining strong narrative intent and originality. (See AI Guidelines below)
AI-Assisted Film – Guidelines
To ensure quality and credibility, submissions in this category must adhere to the following:
- AI must be used as a creative tool, not as a substitute for storytelling
- Films must demonstrate clear narrative structure and intent
- Fully auto-generated or low-effort content will not be accepted
- Filmmakers must disclose:
- Tools used (e.g., generative AI, voice, visuals)
- Extent of AI involvement
- Copyright responsibility lies entirely with the submitter
- Preference will be given to innovative, meaningful, and ethically created work
Awards & Prizes
- Best Feature Film Directed by a Woman – ₹25,000 + Trophy
- Best Short Film – ₹25,000 + Trophy
- Best Documentary – ₹30,000 + Trophy
- Best Animation Film – ₹25,000 + Trophy
- Best AI-Assisted Film – ₹15,000 + Trophy
- Best Student Film (Live Action or Animation) - ₹15,000 + Trophy
- First Runner-Up – Trophy
- Best Direction – Trophy
- Best Cinematography – Trophy
- Best Editing – Trophy
- Best Screenplay – Trophy
- Best Sound Design – Trophy
- Best Actor (Male & Female) – Trophy
- Script Writing Contest (First Prize) – ₹5,000
Rules & Eligibility
- Minimum runtime: 2 minutes
- Films must be completed on or after 1 January 2021
- Open to both Indian and international filmmakers
- Only completed films are eligible (no trailers, teasers, or promos)
- Films with watermarks or embedded logos will not be accepted
Technical Requirements
- Format: MP4 (H.264) or MOV
- Resolution: Minimum HD (1920×1080)
- DCP (Screening)
- Selected films may be required in high-resolution MOV format for screening
- English subtitles are mandatory for all non-English films.
- The festival will submit all selected films to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, for clearance. Films will be screened only after receipt of censor exemption
Content Guidelines
Films must not include:
- Explicit nudity or vulgar content
- Hate speech targeting individuals or communities
- Excessive abusive or offensive language
**Non-compliant entries may be disqualified without prior notice.**
Additional Information
