Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival

15 May , 2025
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Short Film Submissions Are Now Open for DPIFF 2026

Submit Your Short Film at India’s Most Prestigious International Film Festival

Lights! Camera! Legacy!

Are you ready to showcase your cinematic brilliance on one of the most distinguished platforms in the world? Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) proudly announces that short film submissions are now open for the 2026 edition! Filmmakers from across the globe are invited to submit their creative masterpieces for a chance to win the coveted Best Short Film Award.

What’s at Stake?

Selected short films will not only receive international recognition but also stand a chance to win the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Award — a symbol of cinematic excellence. The Winner will take home:

  • 🏅 Cash Prize of ₹1,00,000 (One Lakh Rupees)
  • 🏅 Official Trophy and Certificate

Additional accolades include:

  • 🥇 1st Runner Up: ₹15,000 + Memento
  • 🥈 2nd Runner Up: ₹10,000 + Memento
  • 🥉 3rd Runner Up: ₹5,000 + Memento

Visit: www.dpiff.in/nomination to submit your film and view rules, eligibility criteria, guidelines, and deadlines.


Why Submit to DPIFF?

Recognized among the Top 10 International Film Festivals in the world, DPIFF has carved a legacy as a global celebration of creativity. Every year, the festival honours trailblazing work in Indian and international cinema, with a growing focus on short films and documentaries.

As India’s most celebrated cinematic platform, DPIFF:

  • Streams Live on ZEE5
  • Telecasts on ZEE TV across 90+ countries
  • Reaches over 120+ million global viewers

Being selected or awarded at DPIFF not only amplifies your visibility but also places your film among top-tier entries, meticulously ranked as:

  • 🎞️ Top 100
  • 🎞️ Top 50
  • 🎞️ Top 21
  • 🎞️ Top 10

Spotlight on Past Winners

In 2024, the award for Best Short Film was clinched by ‘Good Morning’, a touching story of a boy lost in the silence of dreams, navigating grief and rediscovery amidst familial pressures. The film won hearts and headlines, along with the grand prize of ₹1,00,000.


A Message from the CEO

“Our vision extends beyond recognition — it’s about catalyzing a cultural renaissance in cinema. DPIFF is where legacy meets innovation. We honour not just established names but also the emerging storytellers who are shaping the future of cinema. This platform is for everyone who dares to dream.”
— Abhishek Mishra, CEO, Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival


About DPIFF

Founded in 2012 and established in 2016, Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival carries forward the legacy of Late Shri Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, fondly known as The Father of Indian Cinema. DPIFF honours the Indian Film Industry, Television Industry, and International Film Fraternity under one prestigious roof.

The grand award ceremony is held annually on February 20th in Mumbai and has been graced by the biggest icons in the industry, including:

  • Shah Rukh Khan
  • Deepika Padukone
  • Rani Mukerji
  • Ranveer Singh
  • Alia Bhatt
  • Sushmita Sen
  • Anupam Kher
  • Rekha
  • Shahid Kapoor
  • Kriti Sanon
  • Varun Dhawan
    …and many more.

Submit Now – Let the World Witness Your Story!

Whether you’re an emerging director or an established storyteller, this is your moment. DPIFF is more than an award — it’s a stage for visionaries, changemakers, and pioneers in the art of short filmmaking.


Deadline approaching fast. Don’t miss your chance to make cinematic history.


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