WAVES International Short Film Festival Goa India (3)

Festival start: 08 May 2026      Festival end: 10 May 2026

WAVES International Short Film Festival – Goa 3.0 (WISFF) is a vibrant platform that celebrates the best in independent and world short cinema. WAVES is more than a festival, it is a movement to empower emerging voices and spotlight diverse stories. After successfully organising two editions in Goa, with over 500 short film entries and around 250 curated screenings, WISFF has also hosted four editions of a 60-hour filmmaking challenge. Growing beyond borders, WAVES is now expanding nationally; in 2025, the festival reached Dehradun in Uttarakhand, marking the beginning of its journey to multiple cities across India and soon, to global destinations as a truly international celebration of short films and creative storytelling.

The Waves International Short Film Festival 2.0 (WISFF) offers a total of 40 + awards worth over Rs. 5,70,000+ lakhs, + Trophy & Certificates
Award Cash Prize Includes Awards for the 60-hour film challenge and the open category.

Kindly Refer to our website: www.wavesgoa.in for more details

RULES AND REGULATIONS OPEN CATEGORY

Kindly adhere to and comply with all the rules and regulations outlined below. Your cooperation ensures a smooth and fair experience for everyone involved. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to the guidelines.

WAVES – OPEN SECTION (OPEN FOR FILM MAKERS WORLDWIDE)

Eligibility and Technical Specs:

SHORTS FILMS OPEN CATEGORY (Competition Section)

* Any Genre / Any Language / Max Duration 40 mins (including titles and end credits.)

* Submissions Open to upcoming & professionals Film makers worldwide


ANIMATED SHORT FILMS (Competition Section)

* Max duration 20 mins (including titles and end credits.)

* Submissions Open to professionals and students worldwide.


SHORT DOCUMENTARIES (Competition Section)

* Max duration 35 mins (including titles and end credits.)

* Submissions Open to upcoming & professionals Film makers worldwide

* Open to factual, non-fiction works focusing on real events, people, or issues;
no scripted drama or staged recreations


AI GENERATED SHORT FILMS (Competition Section)

* Max duration 10 mins (including titles and end
credits.)

* The competition is open Global Submissions
(Director and producer must be Indian or based in India).

* Films must be AI‑assisted or AI‑generated short films, where artificial intelligence tools are used significantly:
Image / video generation or animation
Scriptwriting or dialogue generation
Sound design, music or voice generation, Editing, compositing, or VFX
Live‑action, animation, documentary, experimental and hybrid formats are all eligible, provided the AI contribution is clearly disclosed.

Films must have been completed after from 1st January 2024 to March 31st 2026


MUSIC VIDEO (ORIGINALS) (Competition Section)

* Max duration 8 mins (including titles and end credits.)

* Must be original content authored, composed by the applicant / Participant,

* Remake / Covers / Adaptation from other music videos / Movie Songs will not be accepted

* Music videos can be in any Indian Language (Description/Subtitle in English is Mandatory)

* The Applicant / Participant should hold all copyrights, Participant agree that they have obtained all necessary copyrights permission regarding music, sound, Video and images etc.

* The Organisers of WISFF will not be held liable for any copyright violation by you or your film, music video, etc


ADVERTISEMENTS / AD FILMS (Competition Section)

* Max duration 1mins (including titles and end credits/Voice Over.)

* Open to professionals and agencies worldwide.

* Films must be original works produced between
Jan 1, 2024 - Mar 31, 2026.

* Client approval required for branded content.
* Any language; English subtitles mandatory for non-English.

* Hold all rights (client, talent, assets); indemnify festival for claims.

* No political, religious, or sensitive content targeting govt/caste.


ENTRY / REGISTRATION / SUBMISSION FEES
SHORT FILMS (ANY GENRE / ANY LANGUAGE), MUSIC VIDEOS (ORIGINAL) SHORT DOCUMENTARIES, ANIMATED SHORT FILMS, AI-GENERATED SHORT FILMSAD/COMMERCIAL FILMS
₹800 (non-refundable) for Indian films/Project;
₹600 (non-refundable) for films/Projects made in Goa
₹400 (non-refundable) for Indian Students films/Project
$12 (non-refundable) for international films/Projects

Note: Fees align with standard festival practices; no refunds under any circumstances. Confirm payment with organizers post-transaction. Approval requires confirmed fee receipt.

The Registration Fees can be paid through the payment modes listed below

ACCOUNT DETAILS
Net Banking
Account Name: Shree Mudra
Account Number: 06681100000884
ISFC: PSIB0000668
MICR: 403023002
Bank Name: Punjab & Sind Bank
Bank Address: Aquarius Building, S. V., Road, Panaji Goa 403001
Branch Code: G-0668

Online Payment
UPI ID: shreemudragoa@okaxis
GPAY Number: +91 80806 96872



WAVES – SUBMISSIONS & RIGHTS
WISFF reserves the right to screen submitted films or utilize excerpts thereof for promotional and publicity purposes before, during, and after the festival, without any additional payment or compensation to the filmmakers.

Some Selected film(s) may be screened at multiple festival locations or for non-commercial promotion, with organizers notifying filmmakers in advance.

Films once submitted for the Competition / Festival will not be allowed to withdraw from the festival, WISFF reserves the right to accept or refuse any short film without assigning any reason whatsoever.

Entering a contest, the participants / winner agrees to allow the organizers to use their name, image, or other promotional materials for promotional purposes without any extra payment or compensation.

The participant agrees to use the official logo/Laurel/Festival Mentions on their Selection status or Award strictly with WISFF design and they further undertake to use the festival logo in all their promotions, Poster and marketing publications with the agreement of the festival.

Submissions must be participants original work and have all copyrights, participants agree that they have obtained all necessary copyrights permission regarding music, sound and images etc.
(The Organisers of WISFF will not be held liable for any copyright violation by you or your film, music video, etc.)

PARTICIPATION & DELEGATE REGISTRATION
WISFF does not take any financial responsibility for participant correspondence expenses. Participants are solely responsible for covering all costs, including travel, lodging, boarding, and other miscellaneous expenses associated with Production cost of 60 hours Film Challenge and attending the festival.

Requests for financial assistance will not be considered.

AWARDS, AWARD CASH & AWARD CEREMONY
Participants should have at least one person to attend the award function if their film is nominated for the festival" (it may not always be possible due to financial or logistical constraints. In such cases, we request the participant to make alternative arrangements or ask any close / known person based in Goa /India to attend the event.

Winners unable to collect trophies on the event date must cover all logistics, courier, and applicable customs charges for delivery.
Cash awards will be disbursed in 90 working days or earlier post-event due to processing time with government departments and private sponsors involved.

DISQUALIFICATION & JUDGING
Films are an expression of creative and artistic freedom and have the right to explore
However controversial topics and issues, including those related or targeting Government, cast, religion and other sensitive subjects will face disqualification.

The judges' decision will be deemed final and binding.

A Participant would be disqualified automatically for consideration of his/her entry if found that he /she is influencing any member of the jury/or the organizing committee.

LEGAL & REFUND POLICY
All the legal issues, if any, shall be under the jurisdiction of Goa Courts only.

Our refund policy is extremely simple and transparent. The fees once paid through any mode of payment shall not be refunded at any cost or circumstance.

FESTIVAL SCREENING / SCHEDULE
The organizers reserve the right to modify or alter the festival dates, screening schedule, masterclass timings, etc., of/in the event of any technical issues.

By entering WISFF, all participants agree to follow the rules and regulations set by the festival organizers. They also agree to accept all decisions made by the festival, including those related to scheduling, program changes, safety guidelines, and any disciplinary actions.
The decisions of the jury will be final and binding, and no appeals or correspondence regarding those decisions will be accepted.

DISCLAIMER & ACCEPTANCE OF RULES
I hereby confirm that I have read, understood, and accepted all the Rules & Regulations of WISFF. I agree to abide by the decisions of the festival organizers and jury, which shall be final and binding.


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RULES AND REGULATIONS

Kindly adhere to and comply with all the rules and regulations outlined below. Your cooperation ensures a smooth and fair experience for everyone involved. Thank you for your understanding and

commitment to the guidelines.
WAVES 60 HOURS FILM MAKING CHALLENGE

The short film can be silent or in any Indian Language

Teams from any part of India can participate, the Challenge can be completed / produced and Shot from anywhere in the country.

All non-English films must be subtitled in English. (Mandatory)

The participation is Open for Indian National (Based in India Only)

All communications concerning the 60 Hours Film Challenge will be conducted through a WhatsApp group created for participants. This group will serve to relay all competition details and address any queries

The competition themes will be announced by the organizers via emails (provided by participants), and through the Contest WhatsApp group.

The participating Teams will have to submit the final film along with the film submission form (will be shared during the contest) within 60 hours post announcement of the theme.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
The producer/Director and/or right holder(s) Have to register by filling the Registration Form latest by Wednesday 25th of March 2026, before 9:00 pm The 60 Hours Film Making Challenge will start from Friday 27th of March 2026 (9:00 PM Sharp) and End on Monday 30th of March 2026 (9:00 AM Sharp)

The link to the submission form will be accessible on the festival website, www.wavesgoa.in, and will also be shared on the Contest WhatsApp group.

A Competition/Festival logo plate or animation must be inserted at the beginning of the short film, (which will be provided to you by the organizer). This is a mandatory requirement
The organizers reserve the right to contact/Call the registered participants to verify progress and authenticity

Artists and technicians (crew members) must belong to one team only; participation in multiple teams is prohibited.

The film must be shot in full HD (1080p) resolution; Mobile cameras with full HD resolution are acceptable.

The short film's duration should range from a minimum of 5 minutes to a maximum of 12 minutes, including the introduction and end titles.
Participants are accountable for all production expenses; organizers will not provide travel or any other Production allowances.

COORDINATOR
Participating teams must appoint a dedicated Point of Contact or Coordinator, who is not part of the technical crew, to serve as the sole liaison (Contact) with organizers throughout the entire 60-hour filmmaking process. This individual handles all communications, responsibilities, and tasks assigned by the organizers as needed.

The coordinator may use the contact number provided during registration or share a different WhatsApp number for seamless coordination.

ENTRY / REGISTRATION / SUBMISS FEES
A registration fee of Rs. 800.00 (Eight Hundred Rupees Only) NON-REFUNDABLE, covering administrative and screening charges, will be applicable. Registration will be approved only upon receipt of the fee.

The Registration Fees can be paid through the payment modes listed below

ACCOUNT DETAILS
Net Banking
Account Name: Shree Mudra
Account Number: 06681100000884
ISFC: PSIB0000668
MICR: 403023002
Bank Name: Punjab & Sind Bank
Bank Address: Aquarius Building, S. V., Road, Panaji Goa 403001
Branch Code: G-0668

Online Payment
UPI ID: shreemudragoa@okaxis
GPAY Number: +91 80806 96872


WAVES – SUBMISSIONS & RIGHTS
WISFF reserves the right to screen submitted films or utilize excerpts thereof for promotional and publicity purposes before, during, and after the festival, without any additional payment or compensation to the filmmakers.

Some Selected film(s) may be screened at multiple festival locations or for non-commercial promotion, with organizers notifying filmmakers in advance.

Films once submitted for the Competition / Festival will not be allowed to withdraw from the festival, WISFF reserves the right to accept or refuse any short film without assigning any reason whatsoever.

Entering a contest, the participants / winner agrees to allow the organizers to use their name, image, or other promotional materials for promotional purposes without any extra payment or compensation.

The participant agrees to use the official logo/Laurel on their Selection status or Award strictly with WISFF design and they further undertake to use the festival logo in all their promotions, Poster and marketing publications with the agreement of the festival.

Submissions must be participants original work and have all copyrights, participants agree that they have obtained all necessary copyrights permission regarding music, sound and images etc. (The Organisers of WISFF will not be held liable for any copyright violation by you or your film, music video, etc.)

PARTICIPATION & DELEGATE REGISTRATION
WISFF does not take any financial responsibility for participant correspondence expenses. Participants are solely responsible for covering all costs, including travel, lodging, boarding, and other miscellaneous expenses associated with Production cost of 60 hours Film Challenge and attending the festival.

Requests for financial assistance will not be considered.

AWARD CEREMONY & AWARDS
Participants should have at least one person to attend the award function if their film is nominated for the festival" (it may not always be possible due to financial or logistical constraints. In such cases, we request the participant to make alternative arrangements or ask any close / known person based in Goa /India to attend the event.

Winners will have to pay Courier, Customs charges (As Applicable) to receive the Trophy if not able to collect it on the date of the Event.

Cash awards will be disbursed in 90 working days or earlier post-event due to processing time with government departments and private sponsors involved.


DISQUALIFICATION & JUDGING
Films are an expression of creative and artistic freedom and have the right to explore
However controversial topics and issues, including those related or targeting Government, cast, religion and other sensitive subjects will face disqualification.

The judges' decision will be deemed final and binding.

A Participant would be disqualified automatically for consideration of his/her entry if it is found that he /she is influencing any member of the jury/or the organizing committee.

LEGAL & REFUND POLICY
All the legal issues, if any, shall be under the jurisdiction of Goa Courts only.
Our refund policy is extremely simple and transparent. The fees once paid through any mode of payment shall not be refunded at any cost or circumstance.

FESTIVAL SCREENING / SCHEDULE
The organizers reserve the right to modify or alter the festival dates, screening schedule, masterclass timings, etc., of/in the event of any technical issues.

By entering WISFF, all participants agree to follow the rules and regulations set by the festival organizers. They also agree to accept all decisions made by the festival, including those related to scheduling, program changes, safety guidelines, and any disciplinary actions. The decisions of the jury will be final and binding, and no appeals or correspondence regarding those decisions will be accepted.

DISCLAIMER & ACCEPTANCE OF RULES
I hereby confirm that I have read, understood, and accepted all the Rules & Regulations of WISFF. I agree to abide by the decisions of the festival organizers and jury, which shall be final and binding.

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SHORT FILMS (SHOWCASE / NON-COMPETITIVE SECTION)
NO SUBMISSION FEES | Films in this category will be selected by jury for screening (based on Time availability).

Not eligible for main awards, but qualify for Special/Jury Recommendation award.