General Category
A short film competition for independent filmmakers, production teams and creators — open to eligible filmmakers worldwide.
Who Can Enter
For independent filmmakers, production teams and creators from anywhere in the world. Whether you are an emerging filmmaker or an experienced creator, submit your original short film and compete for recognition across the official award categories.
The General Track is open to filmmakers of all nationalities. Participants must be at least 18 years of age, or have the consent of a parent or guardian if under 18.
Currently a student? The Campus Category is dedicated to student filmmakers.
Film Requirements
Runtime
Short films must have a maximum runtime of 40 minutes, including opening and closing credits. There is no fixed minimum runtime.
Production Dates
Films must have been produced between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026. Works-in-progress are not accepted.
Subtitles
Films in any language other than Malayalam must include English subtitles. Malayalam-language films do not require English subtitles.
Rights
You must own, or have all necessary rights and licences for, all content in the film, including footage, music and any third-party material.
Key Dates & Entry Fee
Entry Deadline
31 December 2026
Entry Fee
₹1,000 per film, paid securely online via Cashfree. Each film is a separate entry.
Awards Ceremony
12 February 2027 — Grand Function and winners' announcement at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Kochi Campus, Kerala.
Official Award Categories
Winners across the festival's official award categories are honoured at the Grand Function.
- Best Short Film
- Best Campus Film
- Best Director
- Best Screenplay
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Music
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Child Artist
- Special Jury Mention
How To Enter
Entries are submitted online through the registration form on this website: your details, your film's title, category, runtime and viewing link, cast and crew credits, then the entry fee and a final review.