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Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival

Code of Ethics

Effective Date: 21 August 2026

Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) publishes news and editorial content through the DPIFF News section as part of its mission to cover Indian and international cinema, filmmakers, artists, festivals, awards, and developments across the global film industry.

This Code of Ethics establishes the principles and editorial standards that guide how DPIFF News researches, reports, writes, reviews, and publishes editorial content.

Editorial Independence

Editorial decisions at DPIFF News, including what to cover, how a story is reported and framed, which sources are used, and when content is published, are made by the DPIFF Editorial Desk based on editorial judgment, accuracy, relevance, and newsworthiness.

Editorial decisions are not influenced by advertisers, sponsors, festival partners, commercial relationships, public relations interests, or other external parties.

Commercial relationships with individuals, organizations, studios, production companies, brands, or event partners do not determine whether a subject receives favorable, unfavorable, or preferential editorial coverage.

No Pay-for-Coverage

DPIFF does not accept payment, gifts, favors, or other consideration in exchange for independent editorial coverage, favorable treatment, or guaranteed publication.

Coverage of films, filmmakers, artists, organizations, festivals, productions, and industry developments is determined by editorial judgment, relevance, public interest, and newsworthiness.

Advertising, sponsorship, partnerships, event participation, or other commercial relationships do not guarantee editorial coverage.

Sponsored and Promotional Content

If DPIFF publishes sponsored, paid, branded, promotional, or advertising content, it will be clearly identified through an appropriate disclosure such as "Sponsored," "Promotional Content," "Advertisement," or another clear designation.

Sponsored and promotional material will be kept clearly distinguishable from independent editorial and news reporting.

The existence of advertising or sponsorship does not give an advertiser or sponsor editorial control over independent DPIFF News coverage.

Conflicts of Interest

DPIFF is a film festival and awards organization. Because of this relationship, DPIFF News may report on subjects connected to DPIFF, including its festival, events, nominees, jury members, participants, partners, and award recipients.

Where a material relationship between DPIFF and the subject of a story could reasonably affect a reader's understanding of the coverage, that relationship will be disclosed clearly within the relevant article where appropriate.

Editorial personnel are expected to disclose personal, professional, or financial interests that could reasonably create an actual or perceived conflict with their editorial responsibilities.

Where appropriate, an editorial decision may be reviewed or reassigned to reduce the risk of a conflict affecting coverage.

Sourcing and Verification

DPIFF News aims to verify information before publication using reliable and appropriate sources.

Depending on the nature of a story, sources may include official statements, public records, primary documents, interviews, direct communications, established news organizations, industry sources, and other credible information.

DPIFF News does not intentionally present rumors, speculation, or unverified claims as established fact.

When information is based on an unconfirmed report, anonymous source, third-party publication, social media post, or other source whose reliability cannot be independently established, the nature and status of that information will be clearly communicated to readers where relevant.

Accuracy and Corrections

Accuracy is a fundamental editorial responsibility of DPIFF News. We make reasonable efforts to ensure that names, dates, locations, figures, quotations, attributions, and other material facts are reported correctly.

When a material factual error is identified, DPIFF will review the issue and make an appropriate correction, clarification, update, or retraction where warranted.

DPIFF does not intentionally conceal material factual errors. Corrections and significant editorial changes may be identified within the affected article so that readers can understand the editorial history.

Further information about our correction process is available in the Corrections, Clarifications & Retractions Policy .

Attribution and Original Reporting

DPIFF News seeks to provide original, useful, and properly attributed editorial content.

Information obtained from another publication, organization, individual, or source will be appropriately attributed where attribution is relevant and necessary.

DPIFF does not intentionally present another publisher's reporting, quotations, images, or other original work as its own.

Where DPIFF News reports on information first published elsewhere, the relevant source may be identified clearly within the article.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

DPIFF may use artificial intelligence and other technology-assisted tools to support certain editorial activities, including research assistance, transcription, translation, organization of information, and drafting.

AI-generated or AI-assisted material is not considered automatically publishable. Content produced with the assistance of AI is subject to human editorial review, verification, editing, and approval before publication.

Final editorial responsibility for published content rests with the DPIFF Editorial Desk, not with an AI system or automated tool.

DPIFF does not intentionally publish fabricated quotations, invented sources, false information, or misleading material generated by AI.

Fairness and Right of Response

DPIFF News aims to report fairly and responsibly, particularly when coverage involves allegations, disputes, criticism, or matters that could materially affect an individual's or organization's reputation.

Where appropriate and reasonably practicable, subjects of significant allegations or disputed claims may be given a reasonable opportunity to provide a response or relevant information.

A response or statement may be included in the original article or in a subsequent update where editorially appropriate.

Privacy and Respect for Individuals

DPIFF News respects personal privacy and seeks to avoid unnecessary intrusion into private life.

Personal information will be included in editorial coverage only when there is a legitimate editorial reason and the information is relevant to the story.

Particular care will be taken when reporting on sensitive personal circumstances, private individuals, victims, minors, and other vulnerable persons.

Images, Media and Copyright

DPIFF News seeks to use photographs, videos, graphics, and other media responsibly and in accordance with applicable copyright, licensing, and attribution requirements.

Where attribution or permission is required, appropriate credit or acknowledgment will be provided.

DPIFF does not intentionally misrepresent the source, context, or nature of visual material used in editorial content.

Diversity of Perspective

DPIFF News aims to reflect the breadth and diversity of Indian and international cinema fairly and responsibly.

Editorial coverage is not intended to favor or disadvantage any particular studio, production company, region, language industry, filmmaker, artist, platform, organization, or individual based solely on commercial, personal, regional, linguistic, or other interests.

Editorial selection is guided by relevance, public interest, newsworthiness, and available evidence.

Editorial Accountability

The DPIFF Editorial Desk is responsible for maintaining and enforcing these editorial principles across DPIFF News content.

Editorial standards may be reviewed and updated from time to time to reflect changes in journalism practices, technology, applicable standards, and the needs of readers.

DPIFF remains committed to transparency, accuracy, editorial independence, and responsible journalism.

Contact the DPIFF Editorial Desk

Questions, concerns, or feedback regarding this Code of Ethics may be directed to the DPIFF Editorial Desk.

DPIFF Editorial Desk
Email: pr@dpiff.in
Website: DPIFF.in

DPIFF welcomes responsible feedback from readers, sources, filmmakers, industry professionals, and other interested parties regarding the accuracy, fairness, and integrity of its editorial coverage.