Your finished film deserves a considered destination—and the DPIFF 2027 nomination window is now open.
The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) is inviting filmmakers from around the world to submit eligible short films for its 2027 awards programme. The current call welcomes independent filmmakers, documentary creators, animation artists, student storytellers and AI filmmakers across five award categories.
Five ways to enter DPIFF 2027
Choose the category that best represents the finished work. A strong submission begins with an accurate category, a clear synopsis and a screening link that works from beginning to end.
Best Short Film
For narrative and independent short-form cinema.
Documentary
For documentary short films and real-world stories.
Animation
For animated short films and visual storytelling.
Student
For eligible student filmmakers and projects.
AI Film
For films that responsibly use artificial intelligence.
Who can submit?
The current DPIFF 2027 requirements state that films may be submitted in any language. Films that are not in English or Hindi must include accurate English subtitles. Eligible films must have been completed between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2026, with a total runtime of 1 to 40 minutes, including opening and closing credits.
Before you submit, make sure the film link, poster, synopsis and category all describe the same finished work.
Prepare your nomination materials
The live nomination form asks for filmmaker and film details, a poster, a short synopsis and a screening link from YouTube, Vimeo or Google Drive. A password can be provided when the screening link is protected. Student and AI entries may require additional information, including institution details or AI tools and level of involvement.
- Final film with a working screening link
- Readable film poster in an accepted format
- Concise, accurate short synopsis
- Director name and applicant contact details
- English subtitles where required
- Student or AI information where applicable
What recognition is available?
DPIFF lists cash prizes, official trophies, winner certificates, festival laurels and international recognition across the five categories. The published prize information lists ₹1,00,000 for Best Short Film and ₹10,000 for each of the Documentary, Animated, Student and AI categories.
These benefits are opportunities for recognition, not guarantees of selection or an award. Filmmakers should review the live nomination page and terms before submitting.
Submit through the official DPIFF page
The regular nomination fee currently shown on the official page is INR 2,500. The official selection announcement is listed as TBA, while selected filmmakers are currently scheduled to be notified on 10 February 2027. Festival and awards ceremony details are to be announced.
Is your short film ready?
Review the current eligibility requirements, select the right category and prepare your submission before the deadline.
Open the DPIFF 2027 Nomination Page
