Code of Ethics

1. Purpose of this Code

Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) is committed to maintaining high standards of integrity, fairness, professionalism, transparency and accountability across its activities.

This Code of Ethics establishes the ethical principles that guide DPIFF's film festival, awards, nominations and submissions, communications, editorial and news operations, partnerships, commercial relationships, events, digital platforms and other organizational activities.

The Code provides a common ethical framework for DPIFF leadership, employees, consultants, representatives, editorial personnel, jury and advisory participants, contractors, volunteers and other persons acting on behalf of or in connection with DPIFF, as applicable to their respective roles.

This Code should be read together with DPIFF's applicable policies, programme requirements, submission terms, contractual arrangements and published procedures.

For the organization's broader compliance framework, readers may also refer to the DPIFF Compliance & Policy page.

2. Core Ethical Principles

DPIFF's activities are guided by the following fundamental principles:

• Integrity: acting honestly, responsibly and in good faith.
• Fairness: treating filmmakers, artists, participants, employees, partners, audiences and stakeholders fairly and respectfully.
• Transparency: providing clear and accurate information about material policies, processes, requirements and relationships where appropriate.
• Accountability: accepting responsibility for decisions and addressing legitimate concerns appropriately.
• Independence: protecting professional, artistic, evaluative and editorial decisions from improper influence.
• Respect: maintaining a professional environment that respects the dignity, privacy and rights of individuals.
• Responsible communication: ensuring that official communications and public information are accurate and not intentionally misleading.
• Compliance: conducting DPIFF activities in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, contractual obligations and published policies.

3. Fairness, Impartiality & Equal Treatment

DPIFF seeks to conduct its activities fairly and consistently, including in relation to festival participation, film and short-film submissions, awards, recognitions, partnerships, employment, communications and other organizational processes.

Decisions should be based on relevant criteria, published requirements, artistic or professional considerations, eligibility, available information and legitimate organizational objectives, as applicable to the activity concerned.

DPIFF does not intentionally discriminate against individuals or organizations on the basis of characteristics protected by applicable law.

Where a programme involves defined eligibility criteria, judging criteria, submission requirements or other standards, DPIFF seeks to communicate those requirements clearly and apply them consistently.

Information about current participation and nomination processes is available through the DPIFF Nomination section.

4. Festival Integrity

DPIFF seeks to maintain the credibility, integrity and professional standards of its festival programmes, events and associated activities.

Festival-related decisions should be based on applicable programme requirements, eligibility, artistic or professional considerations, available information and the legitimate objectives of the relevant programme.

Participation in a DPIFF programme, event or activity does not automatically guarantee an award, nomination, recognition, screening, publication, promotional opportunity or other preferential treatment.

Information about the festival and its activities is available through the About DPIFF section of the official website.

5. Awards, Jury & Evaluation Integrity

DPIFF seeks to maintain integrity and credibility in the administration of its awards, recognitions, jury processes and related activities.

Where awards, recognitions or selections involve juries, committees or designated evaluators, decisions should be made according to the applicable eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria and procedures established for the relevant award or programme.

Individuals participating in judging, evaluation or selection processes are expected to disclose material conflicts of interest that could reasonably affect, or appear to affect, their impartiality.

Where a material conflict is identified, DPIFF may take appropriate steps including disclosure, recusal, reassignment or other safeguards considered appropriate to the circumstances.

Participation, nomination, submission, sponsorship, partnership, advertising or other commercial activity does not by itself guarantee selection, nomination, recognition or an award.

DPIFF's awards information and historical recognitions are available through the DPIFF Awards section.

6. Film Submissions, Nominations & Participation

DPIFF seeks to provide clear information regarding applicable eligibility criteria, submission requirements, deadlines, fees, programme conditions and other material requirements for films, short films and other submissions.

Submission or nomination fees, where applicable, are administrative or programme-related requirements and do not constitute a guarantee of selection, nomination, screening, publication, recognition or award.

Participants are responsible for ensuring that material submitted to DPIFF is accurate and that they have the necessary rights, permissions, consents and authority to submit the material.

DPIFF may apply the eligibility and submission requirements published for the relevant programme and may request additional information or documentation where reasonably necessary.

Current submission-related information can be accessed through DPIFF Nominations and the applicable programme information published on the website.

7. Conflicts of Interest

A conflict of interest may arise where personal, professional, financial, family, commercial or other interests could reasonably influence, or appear to influence, an individual's responsibilities or decisions on behalf of DPIFF.

Individuals working with or representing DPIFF are expected to disclose material conflicts relevant to their responsibilities.

Where appropriate, DPIFF may implement safeguards such as disclosure, recusal, reassignment, independent review or other measures designed to protect the integrity of the relevant process.

Conflicts relating specifically to journalism and editorial coverage are additionally governed by the DPIFF Editorial Policy .

8. Gifts, Hospitality & Improper Influence

DPIFF does not permit gifts, payments, favors, hospitality or other benefits to be used to improperly influence a professional, editorial, judging, award, selection, commercial or organizational decision.

Individuals acting on behalf of DPIFF should exercise appropriate judgment when accepting or offering gifts, hospitality or benefits connected with their professional responsibilities.

Any benefit that could reasonably create an obligation, compromise independence or create the appearance of improper influence should be declined or appropriately disclosed.

9. Anti-Bribery, Fraud & Ethical Business Conduct

DPIFF does not tolerate bribery, fraud, deliberate misrepresentation, embezzlement, falsification of records or other dishonest conduct in connection with its activities.

Individuals and organizations working with DPIFF are expected to conduct business honestly and responsibly and to comply with applicable anti-bribery, anti-corruption and financial laws.

DPIFF expects financial, contractual and administrative records relating to its activities to be maintained accurately and honestly.

10. Editorial Independence & News Publishing

DPIFF News operates as the organization's news and editorial publishing platform. Editorial decisions are intended to be based on accuracy, relevance, available evidence, public interest and newsworthiness.

Advertising, sponsorships, commercial partners, public relations interests and other external relationships do not determine the editorial treatment of independent news coverage.

Individual editorial content is attributed to a named author where individual responsibility can be identified. The DPIFF Editorial Desk attribution may be used for institutional announcements and collectively produced editorial material.

Detailed editorial standards are established in the DPIFF Editorial Policy , while information about editorial responsibility and attribution is available on the DPIFF Editorial Desk page.

The DPIFF Newsroom provides additional information about coverage, contributors, sourcing, transparency and newsroom operations.

11. Accuracy, Sourcing & Responsible Communications

DPIFF seeks to ensure that official communications, public statements, website information and editorial material are accurate and appropriately supported.

Material information should be reviewed against appropriate sources or records before publication where reasonably practicable.

DPIFF does not intentionally publish fabricated information, invented quotations, fraudulent documents or knowingly misleading statements.

For journalism-specific sourcing and verification standards, readers may consult the Editorial Policy and DPIFF Newsroom .

12. Advertising, Sponsorship & Promotional Content

DPIFF may maintain commercial relationships with sponsors, advertisers, partners, service providers and other organizations.

Commercial relationships must not be represented in a manner that is intentionally misleading to participants, audiences, readers or stakeholders.

Paid, sponsored, branded or promotional editorial material published through DPIFF News should be appropriately identified and distinguished from independent editorial coverage.

Sponsorship or commercial participation does not automatically confer editorial influence, award recognition, selection, nomination or other preferential treatment.

Additional website and commercial compliance information is available through the DPIFF Compliance & Policy framework.

13. Privacy & Protection of Personal Information

DPIFF respects the privacy of individuals and seeks to handle personal information responsibly and in accordance with applicable requirements.

Personal information should be collected, used, stored and disclosed only for legitimate purposes and in accordance with applicable privacy notices, consent requirements and legal obligations.

Particular care should be taken when handling information relating to minors, vulnerable individuals, private personal circumstances and other sensitive situations.

DPIFF's website and data-handling practices are also subject to its applicable Compliance & Policy framework and other published privacy requirements.

14. Intellectual Property, Copyright & Media

DPIFF respects intellectual property rights and expects content submitted, published or used through its platforms to be handled in accordance with applicable copyright, licensing and contractual requirements.

Individuals and organizations submitting films, photographs, videos, artwork, written material or other creative works are responsible for having the necessary rights and permissions for the relevant use.

DPIFF does not intentionally misrepresent the ownership, origin, authorship or licensing status of third-party creative material.

Where attribution or credit is required, reasonable efforts should be made to provide appropriate acknowledgment.

For reference, the Copyright Act, 1957 is the principal Indian legislation governing copyright.

15. Artificial Intelligence & Technology

DPIFF may use artificial intelligence and other technology-assisted tools for legitimate operational, administrative, creative, research, translation, transcription, analytical or editorial purposes.

Technology-assisted outputs should be reviewed appropriately before being relied upon for material decisions or published as official information.

Human oversight remains responsible for final decisions, particularly where AI-assisted material may affect individuals, awards, selections, editorial coverage, public communications or other significant outcomes.

DPIFF does not intentionally use AI to fabricate evidence, quotations, identities, credentials, records or other material information.

AI use within DPIFF News is additionally governed by the DPIFF Editorial Policy .

16. Diversity, Inclusion & Non-Discrimination

DPIFF values the diversity of Indian and international cinema and the people who contribute to the creative industries.

DPIFF seeks to maintain an environment in which individuals are treated with dignity and respect and are not subjected to unlawful discrimination or harassment.

Editorial, festival, award, participation and organizational decisions should be based on legitimate criteria relevant to the activity and should not be improperly influenced by personal prejudice or discriminatory considerations.

DPIFF recognizes the broader principles of dignity and equality reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as an international reference for human dignity and fundamental rights.

17. Professional & Respectful Conduct

Individuals representing or working with DPIFF are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully in their interactions with filmmakers, artists, employees, colleagues, jury members, partners, participants, media representatives, audiences and other stakeholders.

DPIFF does not support harassment, intimidation, threats, bullying, abusive conduct or other inappropriate behavior in connection with DPIFF activities.

Concerns involving conduct, safety or inappropriate behavior should be raised through the appropriate DPIFF organizational or administrative channel.

18. Safeguarding & Responsible Participation

DPIFF seeks to maintain safe and responsible environments for participants, employees, volunteers, artists, filmmakers, guests and other persons involved in DPIFF activities.

Particular care should be exercised where activities involve minors, vulnerable individuals or situations requiring additional safeguarding measures.

DPIFF expects representatives and participants to follow applicable event rules, safety requirements and lawful instructions designed to protect individuals and the integrity of DPIFF activities.

19. Confidentiality & Responsible Information Handling

Confidential information obtained through a professional relationship with DPIFF should be handled responsibly and should not be disclosed or used for an improper personal or commercial purpose.

Confidentiality obligations may apply to unreleased festival information, internal documents, personal information, commercial agreements, judging materials, submissions and other information that is not publicly available.

Confidential information may be disclosed where required by law or where authorized by the appropriate DPIFF authority.

20. Public Statements & Social Media

Official DPIFF statements, announcements and public communications should be issued through authorized channels.

Individuals representing DPIFF should not intentionally present personal opinions or unofficial information as an official DPIFF position.

Information that is confidential, legally protected or not yet authorized for public release should not be disclosed through social media or other public channels.

Official announcements and public information may also be published through the DPIFF News platform and other authorized DPIFF communication channels.

21. Fairness, Complaints & Right of Response

DPIFF seeks to consider legitimate complaints, concerns and requests for clarification in a fair and responsible manner.

Where appropriate, individuals or organizations materially affected by significant allegations or disputed factual claims in DPIFF News may be given a reasonable opportunity to provide relevant information or a response.

Complaints concerning festival participation, awards, submissions, commercial arrangements, editorial content or other DPIFF activities may be directed to the appropriate DPIFF department or contact channel.

General organizational enquiries may be directed through the DPIFF Contact Us page.

22. Corrections, Clarifications & Accountability

DPIFF recognizes that factual or administrative errors may occur despite reasonable review and safeguards.

When a material error is identified and verified, DPIFF may issue a correction, clarification, update, retraction or other appropriate remedy depending on the nature of the matter.

Editorial corrections are governed in greater detail by the DPIFF Corrections, Clarifications & Retractions Policy .

DPIFF is committed to addressing legitimate concerns rather than intentionally concealing material errors or misconduct.

23. Reporting Ethical Concerns

DPIFF encourages individuals to raise genuine concerns regarding potential misconduct, conflicts of interest, improper influence, significant factual inaccuracies, unethical conduct or violations of applicable DPIFF policies.

Concerns should provide sufficient information to allow DPIFF to understand and, where appropriate, review the matter.

DPIFF will consider legitimate concerns responsibly and may conduct appropriate internal review depending on the nature and seriousness of the issue.

For editorial concerns, readers may contact the DPIFF Editorial Desk or use the editorial contact information provided on the DPIFF Newsroom page.

24. Good-Faith Reporting & Non-Retaliation

DPIFF encourages good-faith reporting of genuine ethical or compliance concerns.

Individuals should not knowingly make false allegations, fabricate evidence or misuse complaint processes to harm another person or organization.

DPIFF does not support retaliation against a person who raises a genuine concern in good faith or participates honestly in an appropriate review.

25. Responsibility for this Code

DPIFF's leadership and designated responsible teams are responsible for maintaining the principles established by this Code within their respective areas of responsibility.

The DPIFF Editorial Desk is responsible for applying the relevant editorial principles to DPIFF News and editorial publishing.

Other DPIFF departments, committees, programme teams and designated representatives remain responsible for applying the ethical standards relevant to their respective activities.

Individuals acting on behalf of DPIFF are expected to understand and comply with the policies and standards applicable to their role.

26. Related DPIFF Policies & Resources

This Code of Ethics provides an overarching ethical framework for DPIFF. Detailed requirements are established through separate policies and procedures applicable to specific activities.

27. External Standards & Legal References

DPIFF's ethical framework is intended to operate alongside applicable laws, regulations and professional standards. The following external resources are provided for reference and do not replace applicable law, professional advice or DPIFF's specific policies and contractual requirements.

28. Review & Updates

DPIFF may periodically review and update this Code of Ethics to reflect changes in organizational practices, applicable requirements, technology, industry standards and stakeholder needs.

The effective date displayed at the beginning of this Code indicates the current version applicable to DPIFF's activities.

Updates to this Code do not automatically alter contractual, submission, award, employment or other specific terms unless expressly stated.

Our Commitment

DPIFF is committed to conducting its activities with integrity, fairness, professionalism, transparency and respect.

From celebrating filmmakers and cinematic achievements to administering festival programmes, awards, submissions, editorial publishing, partnerships and public communications, DPIFF seeks to uphold standards that protect the credibility of its work and the trust of its participants, audiences, partners and the wider film community.

This Code represents DPIFF's commitment to responsible conduct and continuous improvement across its organizational and public-facing activities.