Rules and Regulations
- Eligibility and Completion Date
The short film must have been completed after 1st January 2025. - Participation Criteria
The competition is open exclusively to bonafide students. - Technical Format
The film file must be in high-quality format (1080p, 2K, or 4K) and submitted in a readable digital format compatible with standard screening systems. - Theme
The festival is non-thematic; filmmakers may choose any genre or subject. - Film Duration
The total running time, including opening and closing credits, must be under 20 minutes. There is no minimum duration. - Language and Subtitles
Films may be in any language, but English subtitles are mandatory for festival screening. - Submission Requirements
A high-definition true copy of the film must be submitted on or before the day of reporting. Each DVD or pen drive should be clearly labelled with the film title, duration, contact email, and phone number. - Multiple Entries
Participants may submit multiple entries, provided each submission is accompanied by a separate entry form, preview DVD/pen drive, synopsis, still photographs, and press material. Each film will be treated as a separate entry. - Rights and Usage
NSFF organizers reserve the right to use entries (including selected or nominated films) and related materials for festival promotion and to retain copies for the Festival Library. - Withdrawal Policy
Once a film has been submitted and selected for the final screening, it cannot be withdrawn under any circumstances until the festival concludes. - Publicity Material
Each entry must include a brochure, stills, posters, and a brief synopsis. These materials may also be submitted at the venue upon reporting. - Transportation and Customs
All costs related to transportation and insurance of DVDs, documents, photographs, and other materials from the country of origin to the Festival Office shall be borne by the applicant. The festival is not responsible for parcels held by airport or customs authorities, and all duties must be paid by the filmmaker/producer. - Registration and Submission Process
Registration must be done online only. Films may be submitted online or offline, but if shared via a cloud link, it must provide view and download access to nsffmumbai@gmail.com. - Travel and Accommodation
Participants will bear their own travel and accommodation expenses. The festival will provide food during the event, and volunteers will assist with nearby accommodation options. - Submission Deadline and Responsibility
Films must be submitted before the official deadline. The NSFF will not be responsible for late, lost, damaged, misdirected, postage-due, stolen, or misappropriated entries. - Entry Form Validity
Entry forms that are incomplete, unclear, or illegible will not be considered. The Festival Committee reserves the right to accept or reject any film without assigning a reason. - Final Submission
DVDs or pen drives submitted for selection will be treated as final versions. No modifications will be accepted post-submission. Applicants are responsible for ensuring submissions are free of physical or quality defects. - Censor Certification
Films selected for screening must obtain Censor Board certification or exemption. The Festival Authority will facilitate the necessary permissions for screening.
Selection Process
- Jury Composition
Winners will be selected by a jury comprising reputed industry professionals, including independent producers, production companies, filmmakers, and other experts. The composition of the jury may be modified at the discretion of the festival organizers. - Evaluation Criteria
All films will be judged impartially on the following parameters:
a. Content Originality – Quality of storyline and script.
b. Production – Camera work, lighting, and shot composition.
c. Post-Production – Editing, transitions, pacing, continuity, and overall flow.
d. Image Quality – Focus, color grading, and lighting execution.
e. Sound Design – Clarity, balance, audio consistency, and absence of noise. - Fairness and Equality
The festival upholds a strict policy of non-discrimination. No work or artist will be favored or discriminated against based on nationality, language, age, race, education, gender, ideology, or economic background. All creative forms, techniques, and expressions that meet the festival’s standards of decency are welcome, with no censorship of any kind. - Committee Decision
The decision of the Selection Committee is final and binding. No correspondence or appeal regarding the selection results will be entertained. Finalists will be notified through official communication channels (mail and/or email). The Festival will make every effort to announce the selected films and winners as scheduled; however, organizers will not be liable for unforeseen delays. - Acceptance of Rules
By entering the National Students’ Film Festival, participants — and, where applicable, their parents or legal guardians — agree to abide by all decisions made by the festival and its judges. These decisions shall be final and binding in all respects. - Selection Rights and Disqualification Clause
The Selection Committee will finalize the list of films for the festival. However, the Festival Authorities reserve the right to reject any film that is deemed likely to offend the sentiments of any caste, community, religion, or section of society, or that promotes racism, discrimination, or social disharmony after review and consideration. - Screening Rights and Promotions
The Festival Authorities reserve the right to screen each selected film up to five times in different cities across India on a non-commercial basis. For publicity or promotional purposes, short excerpts from any selected film may be broadcast on television, the internet, or other media platforms during the festival period. - General Terms and Publicity Consent
Participation in the festival implies agreement to these official rules and regulations. The organizers retain the right to extend the submission deadline if required due to unforeseen circumstances. Entry into the festival constitutes permission for the organizers to use the winner’s name, likeness, and voice for promotional or publicity purposes without additional compensation.
Legal Terms and Conditions
- Original Work
All submitted short films must be the entrant’s original creation and must not infringe upon any copyrights or rights of third parties. - Copyright Permission
Participants must ensure they have obtained all necessary permissions for music, sound, and visuals used in their films. The NSFF will not be responsible for any copyright violations. - Screening Rights
The NSFF reserves the right to withhold or cancel the screening of any film for reasons deemed valid by the organizers. - Prohibited Content
Films must not contain racial, religious, or regional discrimination or any content that violates Indian law. Entrants are responsible for ensuring their films comply with the Indian Penal Code and media regulations. - Legal Requirements for Minors
Winners under 18 years of age must have their affidavits signed by a parent or legal guardian, subject to verification by NSFF. Any legal disputes will fall under the jurisdiction of the National Subordinate and High Courts. - Conflict of Interest
Members of the organizing committee, selection panel, and jury are not eligible to participate in the festival as contestants. - Ownership Rights
Filmmakers will retain full ownership rights to their submitted films. - Use of Festival Name and Logo
The name “National Students’ Film Festival”, its official logo, or award laurels may not be used without prior written permission from the festival organizers.