Submission Guidelines

 

Films can be submitted in the following categories

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1. Short Fiction Film

• Maximum duration: 50 minutes

• Open to fiction short films of any genre

• Films can be in any language

• Non-English films must include English subtitles

 

2. Short Documentary

• Maximum duration: 50 minutes

• Open to documentary and non-fiction films

• Films can be in any language

• Non-English films must include English subtitles

 

3. Student Short Film

• Maximum duration: 50 minutes

• The film must have been made while the director or principal filmmaker was enrolled in a school, college, university or film institute

• Proof of student status may be requested

• English subtitles are required for non-English films

 

4. AI Film

• Maximum duration: 50 minutes

• The film must meaningfully use AI in one or more stages of production

• Applicants must mention the AI tools used

• The filmmaker must hold the rights to all visuals, voices, music and other material used

• English subtitles are required for non-English films

 

5. International Short Film

• Maximum duration: 50 minutes

• Open to films produced outside India or led by international filmmakers

• Films can be in any language

• English subtitles are mandatory for non-English films

 

6. Feature Fiction Screening

• Minimum duration: 60 minutes

• This is a screening-only, non-competitive category

• Feature films selected in this category will not be eligible for competitive awards

• English subtitles are required for non-English films

 

 

General Submission Rules

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• Films must be submitted strictly through a YouTube or Vimeo link

• The viewing link may be public, unlisted or password-protected

• The link and password must remain active until 31 December 2026

• One submission form is required for each film

• A separate submission fee applies to each entry and category

• Submission fees are non-refundable

• The applicant must be the filmmaker, producer, rights-holder or an authorised representative

• The applicant must hold all necessary rights for music, footage, performances, artwork and other material used in the film

• The festival reserves the right to move a film to a more suitable category

• Submission does not guarantee selection or screening

• The decision of the selection committee and jury will be final​

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Selected filmmakers may be asked to provide:

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• High-resolution screening file

• Film poster and stills

• Trailer or teaser

• Synopsis

• Director’s biography and photograph

• Complete cast and crew details

• English subtitle file, where applicable

 

By submitting a film, the applicant permits The Film People Festival to use the film’s title, poster, stills, trailer and short excerpts for festival promotion.