Delhi Short & Documentary Film Festival (1)

Festival start: 28 November 2026      Festival end: 29 November 2026

Delhi Short and Documentary Film Festival (DSDFF) is one of India’s premier platforms dedicated to the art of short films, documentaries, and animations. With a commitment to empowering independent voices, DSDFF showcases bold, creative, and socially conscious cinema that sparks conversation and inspires change.

Hosted annually in New Delhi, the festival invites filmmakers, cinephiles, students, and critics to come together and celebrate storytelling in its most potent and concise form. From raw personal narratives to eye-opening documentaries, DSDFF curates a diverse mix of genres and styles from both Indian and international creators.

With screenings, interactive sessions, panel discussions, masterclasses, and prestigious awards, the festival creates a dynamic space for dialogue, discovery, and artistic growth.

DSDFF isn’t just a festival—it’s a movement for meaningful cinema.

Awards:

1) Laurel
2) Trophy (courier charges to be paid by the participant)
3) Special mention on our website and Facebook
4) Digitally Printable Certificate with festival seal

Delhi Short and Documentary Film Festival (DSDFF) is open to all Organizations, Agencies, Independent Producers, and Directors.

Submissions will be accepted only through submission partners. Hard copies (DVDs) will not be accepted.

All submissions are final. No refunds will be provided.

All genres are welcome.

Short films must be under 20 minutes in duration.

One-minute short films must be exactly 1 minute long.

Music videos must not exceed 10 minutes.

If selected, filmmakers must submit an HD screening format of the film upon request via Dropbox or WeTransfer.

One film per category per submitter is allowed.

All films selected/nominated for competition or showcase will be notified via email and listed on the festival website.

No inquiries or disputes will be entertained regarding non-selected films. The selection committee’s decision is final.

All non-English foreign language films and regional Indian language films must include English subtitles.

DSDFF organizers are not responsible if a film cannot be screened due to technical or format issues.

The Festival Director holds the right to disqualify any film on justified grounds.

DSDFF reserves the right to retain copies of submitted films and related materials for the festival library, which may be used for educational, promotional, awareness, and non-commercial purposes.

Excerpts from submitted films may be shown on Indian/International TV, local networks, or the internet for festival promotion and publicity.

All films submitted must be the original work of the entrant and must not infringe upon copyrights or rights of third parties.

Entrants must confirm they have obtained all necessary copyright permissions for music, sound, images, etc.

DSDFF organizers shall not be held liable for any copyright violations committed by the filmmaker.

DSDFF reserves the right not to screen any film for any reason it considers valid.

All communication from the festival will be conducted via email only. Filmmakers must provide a valid email and respond promptly. No phone inquiries will be entertained.

The entry fee is non-refundable. Films will not be considered without fee payment. No refunds will be given for non-selected or disqualified films.

DSDFF organizers reserve the right to change, cancel, or reschedule the festival’s dates, venue, awards, or categories without prior notice.

The organizers reserve the right not to award some or all prizes.

The Festival Director’s decision will be final in all matters related to the festival.

All participants must maintain proper conduct. Misbehavior may result in disqualification and possible legal action.

DSDFF and its organizers reserve the right to make necessary changes to these rules and scheduling without prior notice.

All decisions made by the festival management are final. No further correspondence will be entertained.

Films submitted cannot be withdrawn. Participation implies full acceptance of these rules. Films withdrawn after submission will not be considered in future editions.

The jury’s decision is final and binding. No inquiries or objections will be entertained.

By submitting, entrants agree to all terms and conditions set by the DSDFF organizing committee and confirm that they have the necessary authority from the rights holder or producer to submit and make the film available for screening.

Under no circumstance will the DSDFF authorities be responsible or answerable to anyone other than the applicant.