Your project is complete. Now give it a release destination built for discovery.
The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) Film Release Program gives creators an opportunity to submit completed Short Films, Documentaries, Music Videos and Animated Films for consideration for an official digital release through the DPIFF YouTube channel.
The programme is open year-round, making it useful for creators ready to move from final export to a structured public-release application.
What the DPIFF release programme offers
A strong release application should communicate both the finished project and the creator behind it. Approved projects may receive the programme benefits listed by DPIFF, subject to review and release terms.
Official digital release
Approved projects can premiere through the official DPIFF YouTube channel, giving the work a clear public release destination.
Promotional visibility
Selected releases may receive social promotion and a dedicated DPIFF blog feature to help audiences discover the project.
Filmmaker recognition
The current programme information lists recognition benefits including a recommendation certificate and golden-frame thumbnail.
A professional release link
A public release can strengthen a creator’s portfolio, press outreach and audience-facing presentation.
Before you apply, make sure the project is not only finished—but genuinely ready to be seen.
Who can submit a project?
DPIFF currently lists four project categories for its ongoing Release Program:
- Short Film — narrative, experimental or independent short-form cinema.
- Documentary — factual and non-fiction storytelling.
- Music Video — visual projects created around an original or licensed musical work.
- Animated Film — animation-led stories and visual experiences.
Submit the category that best represents the completed work. If the project crosses formats, use the live application form and current terms to make the most accurate choice.
Prepare your release application
The application form collects information required for review, publication and promotion. Prepare these details in advance:
- Project category, project name and a working project link.
- Link password, if the screening link is protected.
- First name, last name, phone, email, city and country.
- A 1280 × 720 thumbnail and a 720 × 1280 poster; the current form lists a 10 MB limit and up to four files.
- A project summary, suggested YouTube title, YouTube description, Instagram ID and a quote for the blog post.
- Confirmation that you have reviewed the rights, consent and release terms.
How the DPIFF film release process works
Choose your category
Select Short Film, Documentary, Music Video or Animated Film.
Submit your materials
Share the project link, supporting details, written copy and visual files.
Complete payment and consent
The current release fee is ₹10,000. Review the live terms before payment.
Wait for review
If approved, the project can proceed to the official release pathway.
The official programme information states that final release is subject to approval and jurors’ discretion. If a project is not approved, the full release fee is refunded. Review the current consent terms and address music, footage, artwork, performance and other third-party rights before applying.
Make your project release-ready
Watch the final export from a reviewer’s perspective. Check that the picture is locked, audio is balanced, credits are accurate, subtitles are readable and the project link works without unnecessary access barriers.
- Test the exact project link in a private browser window or on another device.
- Confirm the password works, if required.
- Proofread the title, synopsis, credits, YouTube copy and quote.
- Check that thumbnail and poster files meet current specifications.
- Review rights and consent before authorising a public digital release.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of projects can I submit to DPIFF?
The current Release Program lists Short Films, Documentaries, Music Videos and Animated Films.
How much is the DPIFF release fee?
The current official release information lists a one-time fee of ₹10,000. Confirm the amount on the live form before payment.
Is there a deadline to apply?
The ongoing programme states that submissions are open year-round and does not list a specific deadline.
Does paying the fee guarantee publication?
No. The project must be approved. The current programme information states that the full fee is refunded if a submitted project is not approved.
Where can an approved project be released?
Approved projects can proceed to an official digital release through the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival YouTube channel, with the benefits listed by DPIFF.
Ready to release your project?
If your Short Film, Documentary, Music Video or Animated Film is complete and ready for review, prepare your materials and apply through the official DPIFF Film Release Program.
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