Festival start: 13 March 2027
Festival end: 14 March 2027
Where Stories Resonate Beyond Borders
The Ninaad International Film Festival (NIFF) is a global celebration of cinematic excellence, artistic expression, and cultural diversity. Founded in India, NIFF is dedicated to discovering and honoring powerful storytelling from filmmakers across the world, regardless of budget, language, or experience.
Derived from the Sanskrit word "Ninaad," meaning resonance or echo, the festival believes every meaningful story creates an enduring impact. Through independent cinema, documentaries, animation, experimental films, music videos, and student productions, NIFF provides a platform where creative voices are heard, celebrated, and connected with an international audience.
Our vision is to bridge cultures through cinema while encouraging innovation, originality, and meaningful storytelling that inspires change.
- Best Feature Film
- Best Short Film
- Best Student Film
- Best Animation
- Best Experimental Film
- Best Music Video
- Best Director
- Best Debut Director
- Best Screenplay
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Supporting Actor
- Best Supporting Actress
- Best Original Score
- Best Sound Design
- Best Production Design
- Best Poster
- Best Trailer
- Best Social Impact Film
- Best Horror Film
- Best Thriller Film
- Best Documentary
- Best Music Video
- Best Human Rights Film
- Best Environmental Film
- Best Women Empowerment Film
- Best LGBTQ+ Film
- Audience Choice Award
- Festival Grand Prix (Special Festival Mention)
Note: All the categories will be submitted as per - International / National / Regional
Please read all rules carefully before submitting your film. By submitting your project to the Ninaad International Film Festival (NIFF), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the following terms and conditions.
1. General Eligibility
- Films from all countries are welcome.
- All genres and styles are accepted.
- The festival accepts Feature Films, Short Films, Documentaries, Student Films, Animation, Experimental Films, Music Videos, AI-Assisted Films, Web Series, Mobile Films, and other cinematic works.
- Films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2022.
- There is no premiere requirement unless otherwise specified in a particular category.
2. Language
Films may be in any language.
- Films not primarily in English must include accurate English subtitles.
- Submissions without English subtitles may be disqualified without refund.
3. Submission Requirements
- All entries must be submitted through Festhome.
- The submitted screener must remain available until the festival has concluded.
- The submitted version should represent the final cut intended for exhibition.
- Multiple entries are permitted; each film requires a separate submission and entry fee.
- Entry fees are non-refundable.
4. Rights & Ownership
By submitting your film, you confirm that:
- You own all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions for the submitted work.
- You have obtained permission for all music, images, footage, trademarks, and other copyrighted material used in the film.
- The festival shall not be held liable for any copyright infringement or legal disputes arising from your submission.
- The submitter accepts full legal responsibility for the content submitted.
5. Selection Process
- All submissions are reviewed by the festival programming team and jury.
- Jury decisions are final.
- The festival is under no obligation to provide comments, scores, or feedback.
- The festival reserves the right to determine the category in which a film will compete.
- The festival reserves the right not to present an award in any category if no suitable entry is received.
6. Notification
- Official Selections and Award Winners will be announced according to the dates published on Festhome.
- Selected filmmakers will be contacted through Festhome and/or email.
- It is the responsibility of the submitter to ensure contact information remains current.
7. Screening Rights
By submitting your film, you grant Ninaad International Film Festival the non-exclusive right to:
- Screen the film during the festival (physical, virtual, or hybrid format, if applicable).
- Use film stills, posters, trailers, press kits, and excerpts of up to two (2) minutes for promotional purposes, including the festival website, social media platforms, press releases, and marketing materials.
- The festival will never claim ownership of your film.
8. Awards
Winners will receive official digital laurels and certificates.
- Physical trophies, medals, or certificates may be offered for selected award categories. Shipping costs, customs duties, taxes, and import charges (if applicable) are the responsibility of the recipient unless otherwise announced by the festival.
- Award categories may be modified, added, merged, or removed based on the number and quality of submissions.
9. Disqualification
The festival reserves the right to reject or disqualify any submission that:
- Contains unlawful, defamatory, hateful, or discriminatory material.
- Violates copyright or intellectual property laws.
- Was submitted using false or misleading information.
- Does not comply with these rules or Festhome's submission policies.
10. Refund Policy
- All submission fees are final.
- No refunds will be issued under any circumstances, including withdrawal, disqualification, or failure to meet eligibility requirements.
11. Festival Changes
The festival reserves the right to:
- Change screening schedules.
- Modify festival dates or venue.
- Conduct the festival in physical, virtual, or hybrid format if circumstances require.
- Amend these rules when necessary to ensure the successful operation of the festival.
12. Privacy
Personal information submitted during the application process will be used solely for festival administration, communication, and promotional purposes related to NIFF. The festival will not sell or intentionally distribute your personal information to third parties without consent, except where required by law.
13. Acceptance of Terms
Submission to the Ninaad International Film Festival constitutes full acceptance of these Rules & Terms. Failure to comply with any requirement may result in disqualification without refund.
We look forward to experiencing your vision and celebrating outstanding cinema from around the world.
Best Animation Film (International)
Short and Feature Films
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early6.43$5.92$
4.95$
30 Sep 26
Standard9.65$8.88$
7.43$
30 Nov 26
Late11.79$10.85$
9.08$
10 Jan 27
Extended13.94$12.82$
10.73$
31 Jan 27
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jan 27
Save up
1.48$
Submit
Open to animated films from around the world, this category celebrates outstanding achievements in animation across all styles and techniques, including 2D, 3D, CGI, stop-motion, mixed media, and experimental animation. The jury will evaluate storytelling, creativity, artistic vision, technical execution, character design, visual appeal, sound, music, and emotional impact. Non-English films must include English subtitles where applicable.
Best Animation Film (Regional)
Short and Feature Films
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early6.43$5.92$
4.95$
30 Sep 26
Standard9.65$8.88$
7.43$
30 Nov 26
Late11.79$10.85$
9.08$
10 Jan 27
Extended13.94$12.82$
10.73$
31 Jan 27
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jan 27
Save up
1.48$
Submit
This category honors animated films created in India's regional languages, celebrating the country's diverse artistic traditions and storytelling heritage. Whether inspired by folklore, mythology, contemporary life, or original concepts, eligible entries should demonstrate outstanding creativity and technical craftsmanship. Films will be judged on animation quality, narrative, direction, originality, visual design, sound, music, and overall production excellence.
Best Animation Film (National)
Short and Feature Films
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early6.43$5.92$
4.95$
30 Sep 26
Standard9.65$8.88$
7.43$
30 Nov 26
Late11.79$10.85$
9.08$
10 Jan 27
Extended13.94$12.82$
10.73$
31 Jan 27
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jan 27
Save up
1.48$
Submit
This category recognizes exceptional animated films produced in India, including 2D, 3D, stop-motion, motion graphics, and other animation techniques. The award celebrates creativity, visual storytelling, artistic innovation, technical excellence, and engaging narratives. Entries of all genres are welcome, provided they demonstrate originality and high production quality. The jury will evaluate animation quality, character development, storytelling, sound design, music, editing, and overall artistic impact.
Best Feature Film (International)
Short and Feature Films
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early9.65$8.88$
7.43$
30 Sep 26
Standard12.87$11.84$
9.91$
30 Nov 26
Late16.08$14.79$
12.38$
10 Jan 27
Extended19.3$17.76$
14.86$
31 Jan 27
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jan 27
Save up
2.22$
Submit
Open to feature-length films from across the globe, this category honors cinematic excellence regardless of language, culture, or country of origin. The festival seeks powerful stories that inspire, entertain, challenge perspectives, or celebrate the diversity of human experience. Films will be evaluated on storytelling, direction, screenplay, acting, cinematography, editing, sound, original score, production design, and overall artistic merit. All non-English language films must include English subtitles.
Best Feature Film (Regional)
Short and Feature Films
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early9.65$8.88$
7.43$
30 Sep 26
Standard12.87$11.84$
9.91$
30 Nov 26
Late16.08$14.79$
12.38$
10 Jan 27
Extended19.3$17.76$
14.86$
31 Jan 27
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jan 27
Save up
2.22$
Submit
This category celebrates feature-length films produced in regional Indian languages, recognizing exceptional storytelling that reflects the country's diverse cultures, traditions, and communities. The festival welcomes films from all genres that demonstrate strong artistic vision, authentic storytelling, and technical excellence. Entries will be judged on direction, screenplay, performances, cinematography, editing, sound design, music, and production values. This category provides a prestigious platform for regional cinema to gain wider national and international recognition.
Best Feature Film (National)
Short and Feature Films
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early9.65$8.88$
7.43$
30 Sep 26
Standard12.87$11.84$
9.91$
30 Nov 26
Late16.08$14.79$
12.38$
10 Jan 27
Extended19.3$17.76$
14.86$
31 Jan 27
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jan 27
Save up
2.22$
Submit
This category recognizes outstanding Indian feature-length films that demonstrate excellence in cinematic storytelling and technical craftsmanship. Open to narrative feature films across all genres, the award celebrates visionary filmmakers whose work showcases originality, artistic integrity, emotional depth, and exceptional production quality. The jury will consider screenplay, direction, acting, cinematography, editing, sound, music, production design, and overall impact. NIFF aims to honor feature films that represent the finest achievements of Indian cinema.
Best Web Series (International)
Short and Feature Films
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early12.87$11.84$
9.91$
30 Sep 26
Standard16.08$14.79$
12.38$
30 Nov 26
Late19.3$17.76$
14.86$
10 Jan 27
Extended23.59$21.7$
18.16$
31 Jan 27
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jan 27
Save up
2.96$
Submit
Open to creators worldwide, this category celebrates exceptional web series that demonstrate innovation, cinematic quality, and compelling episodic storytelling. Pilot episodes or individual episodes from original series are eligible for submission. Entries may belong to any genre and will be judged on narrative structure, direction, acting, cinematography, editing, sound design, production quality, and overall creative excellence. Non-English entries must include English subtitles.
Best Web Series (Regional)
Short and Feature Films
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early12.87$11.84$
9.91$
30 Sep 26
Standard16.08$14.79$
12.38$
30 Nov 26
Late19.3$17.76$
14.86$
10 Jan 27
Extended23.59$21.7$
18.16$
31 Jan 27
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jan 27
Save up
2.96$
Submit
This category honors web series produced in India's regional languages that represent the country's cultural richness through high-quality digital storytelling. Eligible entries include pilot episodes or individual episodes from original series. The jury will evaluate storytelling, direction, screenplay, performances, technical execution, originality, and audience engagement. This award encourages creators to bring authentic regional voices to the rapidly growing world of digital entertainment.
Best Web Series (National)
Short and Feature Films
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early12.87$11.84$
9.91$
30 Sep 26
Standard16.08$14.79$
12.38$
30 Nov 26
Late19.3$17.76$
14.86$
10 Jan 27
Extended23.59$21.7$
18.16$
31 Jan 27
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jan 27
Save up
2.96$
Submit
This category recognizes outstanding Indian web series, including pilot episodes or individual episodes that showcase excellence in episodic storytelling. Open to creators producing content for digital platforms, the award celebrates compelling narratives, engaging characters, innovative direction, strong performances, and high production value. Whether drama, comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, or any other genre, the category acknowledges creators who are redefining digital entertainment through original and impactful storytelling.
Best Short Film (International)
Short and Feature Films
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early6.43$5.92$
4.95$
30 Sep 26
Standard9.65$8.88$
7.43$
30 Nov 26
Late11.79$10.85$
9.08$
10 Jan 27
Extended13.94$12.82$
10.73$
31 Jan 27
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jan 27
Save up
1.48$
Submit
Open to short films from around the world, this category honors filmmakers who demonstrate outstanding creativity, storytelling, and cinematic excellence regardless of language or country of origin. The festival welcomes diverse perspectives, innovative narratives, and culturally significant stories that connect audiences globally. Films will be evaluated on originality, screenplay, direction, performances, cinematography, editing, sound, and overall artistic impact. Non-English films must include English subtitles.
Best Short Film (Regional)
Short and Feature Films
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early6.43$5.92$
4.95$
30 Sep 26
Standard9.65$8.88$
7.43$
30 Nov 26
Late11.79$10.85$
9.08$
10 Jan 27
Extended13.94$12.82$
10.73$
31 Jan 27
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jan 27
Save up
1.48$
Submit
This category celebrates exceptional short films created in regional Indian languages, highlighting the rich cultural, linguistic, and artistic diversity of India. The festival welcomes stories rooted in local traditions, folklore, social issues, or contemporary life that authentically represent regional identities. Entries will be judged on originality, storytelling, direction, technical quality, performances, and emotional resonance. NIFF aims to provide a prestigious platform for regional filmmakers whose work deserves national and international recognition.
Best Short Film (National)
Short and Feature Films
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early6.43$5.92$
4.95$
30 Sep 26
Standard9.65$8.88$
7.43$
30 Nov 26
Late11.79$10.85$
9.08$
10 Jan 27
Extended13.94$12.82$
10.73$
31 Jan 27
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jan 27
Save up
1.48$
Submit
This category recognizes outstanding short films produced in India that demonstrate excellence in storytelling, direction, technical execution, and artistic vision. Open to narrative short films across all genres, the award celebrates filmmakers who create compelling stories within a limited runtime while reflecting originality, creativity, and emotional impact. Films should showcase strong performances, cinematography, editing, sound design, and overall production quality. Whether independent or professionally produced, this category honors Indian filmmakers who push the boundaries of short-form cinema and contribute to the growth of the nation's vibrant film industry.
Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods.
-8%
Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods. 