India’s crowded film festival circuit faces scrutiny as independent filmmakers seek credible platforms

Industry professionals flag need for transparency and curatorial rigour amid surge in awards events

Mumbai, February 7:
India’s rapidly expanding film festival and awards ecosystem is facing renewed scrutiny from filmmakers and industry professionals, as questions around credibility, curation standards and tangible impact for independent creators gain prominence. The debate comes at a time when several platforms, including the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF), have opened submissions for upcoming editions, highlighting a broader churn within the cultural sector.

Over the past decade, the number of film festivals and awards ceremonies in India has grown sharply, driven by lower entry barriers, digital submissions and the rise of short-form and streaming-led content. While this expansion has created more opportunities for recognition, it has also led to concerns about dilution of standards and the emergence of events that offer visibility without sustained industry value.

Filmmakers seek clarity, not just accolades

Independent filmmakers say festival recognition remains important, but only when backed by transparent selection processes and credible juries. Many point out that awards alone no longer guarantee professional advancement unless accompanied by screenings, distribution pathways or meaningful industry engagement.

“A festival mention on paper doesn’t always translate into work,” said a Mumbai-based independent director whose short film has travelled to multiple Indian and international festivals. “What filmmakers look for now is whether a platform has a clear curatorial vision and whether industry stakeholders actually pay attention to its selections.”

According to data from the Film Federation of India and independent film collectives, India now hosts over 100 film festivals and awards platforms annually, ranging from long-established international events to city-based and niche-format showcases. The sheer volume has made discernment critical for emerging creators.

Short films move to the centre

One notable shift across festivals is the growing prominence of short films and digital-first narratives. Industry analysts attribute this to changing consumption habits, reduced production costs and the increasing acceptance of short-form cinema as a standalone art form rather than a training exercise.

Film schools and regional collectives report that a majority of first-time filmmakers now debut through short films, often using festival circuits to validate their work. However, curators caution that the rise in submissions has also made rigorous evaluation more challenging.

“A credible festival must reject far more films than it selects,” said a senior film curator who has served on juries in India and abroad. “The problem arises when festivals prioritise scale over selectivity. That’s where credibility begins to erode.”

Festival organisers respond

Festival organisers, including DPIFF, maintain that they are adapting to these concerns by refining submission guidelines, appointing independent juries and expanding categories to reflect industry changes. Organisers associated with several Mumbai-based festivals said efforts are being made to balance mainstream recognition with space for emerging voices.

“Indian cinema is no longer monolithic,” said Abhishek Mishra, chief executive officer of DPIFF. “Any festival that wants to remain relevant has to acknowledge regional diversity, new formats and independent storytelling.”

While organisers emphasise intent, industry professionals stress that outcomes matter more than positioning. The composition of juries, public disclosure of selection criteria and post-award opportunities are increasingly viewed as benchmarks of seriousness.

Regulatory and reputational challenges

The absence of a formal regulatory framework for film festivals in India has also contributed to inconsistencies. Unlike international festivals accredited by bodies such as FIAPF, most Indian festivals operate independently, relying on brand recognition rather than institutional oversight.

This has occasionally resulted in public disputes, allegations and legal scrutiny involving some platforms, further underscoring the need for governance standards. Legal experts note that transparency in sponsorship claims, affiliations and award processes is essential to avoid reputational risk.

“Cultural events today operate in a public trust space,” said an entertainment law specialist based in Delhi. “Lack of clarity can quickly become a legal and reputational issue.”

What lies ahead

As submissions open across festivals for the coming year, filmmakers are becoming increasingly selective about where they invest time and money. Many now research past jury members, winner trajectories and media coverage before submitting work.

Cultural commentators argue that the next phase of India’s film festival evolution will depend on consolidation rather than proliferation. Platforms that demonstrate consistency, credible curation and measurable impact are likely to survive, while others may struggle for relevance.

In an industry reshaped by digital disruption and regional storytelling, film festivals remain a vital gateway. Whether they function as genuine cultural institutions or merely symbolic showcases will depend on how they respond to the growing demand for accountability and substance.

For independent filmmakers navigating this crowded landscape, the message is clear: recognition matters, but credibility matters more.