SUBMISSION GUIDELINES & ENTRY FORM

INTRODUCTION & FESTIVAL OVERVIEW

The Bhopal Film Festival (TBFF) is a new independent short film competition taking place on 21 February 2026 at Ravindra Bhawan Auditorium, Bhopal. The festival celebrates the unique culture of Central India and provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to share local stories with pride and reach a wider audience.

KEY DETAILS

• No Entry Fee: Participation is free for this first edition to encourage maximum entries.
• Event Format: A one-day event featuring selected short films across four categories, followed by the award ceremony. All styles and genres are welcome – what matters most is originality and storytelling.

CATEGORIES OF ENTRY

You can submit your short film in one of the following four categories, based on theme and duration:

• Fiction (Under 10 Minutes): Narrative live-action or animated short films up to 10 minutes long (including credits). Any genre or topic is welcome, as long as it's a work of fiction.
• Non-Fiction (Under 10 Minutes): Documentary or factual short films up to 10 minutes. This includes documentaries, observational films, or any non-fiction storytelling.
• Women's Voices (Under 5 Minutes): Short films (up to 5 minutes) made by women filmmakers that focus on women's stories, issues, or viewpoints. These can be fiction or non-fiction.
• Heart of India (Under 5 Minutes): Short films (up to 5 minutes) that show the culture, heritage, people, or stories of Madhya Pradesh (the Heart of India). These can also be fiction or non-fiction.

Note: The duration includes all opening and closing credits. For example, a "5-minute film" must be 5:00 or less in total. Each film can only be submitted in one category, but you may submit multiple films separately if you wish.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR FILMS & FILMMAKERS

To be eligible, please follow these requirements:

• Short Film Duration: Films must follow the time limits of their category (either 10 minutes or 5 minutes). There's no minimum length, but even very short films should fit meaningfully within a category.
• Completion Date: Films must have been completed after January 1, 2023. Only finished films are accepted; works in progress are not eligible.
• Production: The festival focuses on independent cinema. Your film should be made independently, not as a commercial studio production. Sponsors or grants are fine, but the creative control must remain with the filmmaker.
• Originality: Films must be your own creative work with original storytelling. Do not use copyrighted material (music, clips, etc.) without permission.
• Language & Subtitles: Films in any language are accepted. If your film isn't in English, please include English subtitles. Even if it's in Hindi or a regional language, English subtitles are strongly encouraged for wider understanding. Subtitles are your responsibility to prepare.
• Geographical Focus: Film submissions are open to all filmmakers. However, the following eligibility criteria apply only to under 10 minute- General Fiction and General Non-Fiction categories:
  At least one of the following must be met:
  • The filmmaker is from Madhya Pradesh; or
  • The film has been shot in Madhya Pradesh; or
  • The story is set in, or substantially based on, Madhya Pradesh.
  
  Meeting any one of the above conditions is sufficient for eligibility in these categories.
  The special categories- Heart of India and Women's Voices both are open to filmmakers from everywhere, with no regional restrictions.
• Prior Screenings: Films don't need to be premieres. You can submit films that have screened elsewhere or are online. However, showing something new or lesser known to local audiences adds excitement. If your film has won awards or been shown before, mention it in the form – it won't affect your eligibility.
• Format & Technical Requirements: Films shot on any device (camera, DSLR, or phone) are accepted. Submit your film as a digital file or link. It must be in HD quality (720p or 1080p) and in a common format like MP4 or MOV (H.264). If selected, we may ask for a higher-quality version for screening.
• Age Limit: Filmmakers aged 16 to 35 years can submit entries.
• Submission Limit: There's no limit on how many films you can submit, but each film must have its own entry form and fit only one category.
• Submission Fee: No fee will be charged. The festival is free to enter but beware of fake messages or websites asking for money. Only follow the official submission process.

SUBMISSION PROCESS & REQUIREMENTS

1. Fill Out the Entry Form: Submission is now closed. No films are being accepted at this time. All previously received entries will be considered.
2. Provide a Screening Link: If you have already submitted, your film will be considered as per the guidelines. New submissions are not possible.
3. Keep the Link Active: The film link must remain active until February 2026 for the jury to access your work if already submitted.
4. Submit Before the Deadline: The last date for submission has passed. New entries will not be accepted.
5. Avoid Duplicate Submissions: Submit each film only once. Multiple submissions after the deadline are not allowed.
6. Queries and Support: For help or questions, contact info@thebhopalfilmfestival.com. The team will assist with submission or technical issues. There is no entry fee – your only effort is to make a great film and submit it correctly.