Your film is finished. Is your nomination ready to be judged?
The DPIFF 2027 Short Film Awards are inviting filmmakers worldwide to submit completed work across five award categories. This practical readiness guide helps you choose the right category, check the current eligibility rules, prepare a reliable screening link and submit before the regular deadline.
What is open for DPIFF 2027 nominations?
DPIFF’s current nomination programme welcomes independent filmmakers, documentary creators, animation artists, student filmmakers and AI storytellers from around the world. Each entry should present one finished film clearly, with the category, synopsis, poster and private screening link aligned.
Choose the category that fits the film
A nomination is stronger when the category describes the work accurately. DPIFF currently lists these five award categories:
Best Short Film
For narrative and independent short-form cinema.
Best Documentary Short Film
For nonfiction stories shaped around real people, places, ideas or events.
Best Animated Short Film
For animation-led films across different techniques and visual approaches.
Best Student Short Film
For eligible student filmmakers and film-school creators.
Best AI Short Film
For films where artificial intelligence forms part of the creative or production process and is disclosed in the form.
Run this eligibility check before you apply
- The film was completed between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2026 under the current DPIFF 2027 information.
- The total runtime is between 1 and 40 minutes, including opening and closing credits.
- The film can be submitted in any language; films not in English or Hindi include accurate English subtitles.
- The poster, synopsis, director details and screening link all describe the same final cut.
- Student or AI entries have the additional institution, student or AI-tool information requested by the form.
Prepare the nomination materials
Do not wait until the payment page to discover that a link is restricted or a poster is missing. Keep this compact submission folder ready:
- Film title and director name
- Short, accurate synopsis
- Readable film poster in an accepted file format
- YouTube, Vimeo or Google Drive screening link
- Password, if the screening link is protected
- Applicant contact details, city and country
- Student or AI information where applicable
Test the screening link from a separate device or private browser window. A working link makes the jury’s review easier and prevents avoidable last-minute corrections.
Understand the current nomination timeline
Prepare and submit
Confirm eligibility, category and materials before completing the official form.
Regular deadline
The current regular deadline listed on the official nomination page.
Late deadline
The current late deadline listed by DPIFF. Avoid waiting if your film is ready now.
The official page currently lists selected filmmakers to be notified on 10 February 2027. Official selection and ceremony details are currently shown as to be announced.
Give your finished film its next serious step
If your film meets the current requirements, choose the most accurate award category, test your screening link and complete the official nomination form before the regular deadline.
Submit Your Film to DPIFFOpen the ChecklistWhat recognition is listed?
The current DPIFF nomination page lists cash prizes, official DPIFF trophies, winner certificates, festival laurels and international recognition across the five categories. These are programme opportunities, not guarantees of selection or an award; review the current terms before submitting.
Frequently asked questions
Who can submit a film to DPIFF 2027?
Independent filmmakers, documentary creators, animation artists, student filmmakers and AI storytellers from any country can review the current nomination requirements and submit eligible work.
What is the current DPIFF short-film runtime?
The current requirement is 1 to 40 minutes, including opening and closing credits.
What is the regular DPIFF nomination deadline?
The official page currently lists 30 November 2026 as the regular deadline and 31 December 2026 as the late deadline.
How much is the current nomination fee?
The official page currently lists INR 2,500. Confirm the live amount before payment.
Where do I submit my short film?
Use the official DPIFF nomination form at dpiff.in/nomination.
