Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility

1. The festival is open to filmmakers, producers, production houses, film schools, and independent creators from all countries of the world.
2. Films completed after January 1, 2024 are eligible for submission.
3. The applicant must hold all necessary rights and permissions related to the submitted film.
4. The festival reserves the right to request proof of ownership and authorization.

2. Competition Categories

Submissions are accepted under the following categories:

1. Feature Films: Feature-length films.
   Duration: 70 minutes and more
2. Documentary Films:
   1. Feature-Length Documentary Film (>40 minutes)
   2. Short-Length Documentary Film (up to 40 minutes)
3. Short Films: Fiction films.
   Duration: Up to 20 minutes
4. AI-Assisted Films
   Duration: Up to 30 minutes

3. Language & Subtitles

1. Films not in Hindi or English need English subtitles.
2. English subtitles should be clearly legible and synchronized.
3. Films not in Hindi or English submitted without English subtitles may be rejected without review.

4. Submission Guidelines

1. All entries must be submitted through FilmFreeway.
2. Multiple entries are permitted; however, each film must be submitted separately.
3. Submission fees are non-refundable.
4. The festival does not provide fee waivers except under special circumstances approved by the Festival Director.

5. Selection Process

1. All submissions shall be reviewed by the Festival Programming Committee.
2. Selected films will be designated as Official Selections.
3. All Officially Selected films will receive a scheduled public screening at the Festival.
4. The Festival Director and Programming Team reserve the right to determine the final screening schedule.
5. Decisions of the Selection Committee are final and non-negotiable.

6. Screening Requirements

Selected films must provide:

• High-resolution screening file (MP4, MOV or DCP)
• Trailer (if available)
• Film Poster
• Production Stills
• Director Photograph
• Director Biography
• Synopsis

Failure to provide required materials may result in removal from the official program.

7. Premiere Status

PIFFI does not require premiere status.

The festival welcomes:

• World Premieres
• International Premieres
• Asian Premieres
• Indian Premieres
• Regional Premieres
• Previously Screened Films

Priority may be given to premiere screenings at the discretion of the Programming Committee.

8. Promotional Rights

By submitting a film, the applicant grants PIFFI the right to use:

• Film Stills
• Posters
• Publicity Materials
• Trailers
• Excerpts up to 60 seconds

for festival promotion, publicity, press coverage, website content, social media campaigns, and marketing activities. The festival shall not commercially exploit or distribute the complete film.

9. Jury & Awards

1. Films selected for competition shall be evaluated by an independent jury.
2. Separate juries may be constituted for Feature Films, Documentary Films, and Short Films.
3. Jury decisions shall be final and binding.
4. Awards may be withheld if entries do not meet the required standards.

10. Withdrawal Policy

1. Once a film has been selected and officially announced, it cannot be withdrawn from the festival program.
2. The festival reserves the right to remove any film that violates festival regulations or copyright laws.

11. Copyright Responsibility

The submitter accepts full legal responsibility for:

• Copyright permissions
• Music rights
• Image rights
• Performance rights
• Third-party content clearances

12. Code of Conduct

PIFFI is committed to maintaining an inclusive, respectful, and professional environment.

Any participant engaging in harassment, discrimination, hate speech, intimidation, or abusive behaviour may be removed from festival activities and future participation.

13. Festival Rights

The festival reserves the right to:

• Amend categories
• Revise awards
• Modify schedules
• Change venues
• Update regulations

whenever necessary in the interest of festival operations.

14. Acceptance of Terms

15. Student Film Rules

• Open to students enrolled in a recognized educational institution.
• A valid Student ID Card or Enrollment Certificate is mandatory.
• Eligible students receive a 40% discount on all applicable submission fees.
• Students from PIFFI Partner Schools/Institutions may be eligible for a submission fee waiver.
• The Festival reserves the right to verify student status and reject invalid submissions.