CALL FOR ENTRIES
Banjara International Touring Film Festival
5th EDITION
(2026 RELAUNCH)

RULES & REGULATIONS

1. ELIGIBILITY

1.1 Open Submissions

BITFF accepts submissions from international, national, and regional filmmakers worldwide.

1.2 Production Year & Release Status

There is no restriction on the year of production or release status. Films may be released or unreleased and may have been exhibited online or offline on any platform.

1.3 Original Work & Authority

All submissions must be the original work of the applicant or submitted by an authorized representative with full legal authority to enter, exhibit, and promote the work.

2. SUBMISSION CATEGORIES

2.1 Official Submission Categories

• Student Short Films

• Professional Short Films

• Feature Films

2.2 Duration

• Short Films: 40 minutes or less

• Feature Films: More than 40 minutes

2.3 Student Verification

Student Short Films must be submitted by filmmakers (film directors) who are actively enrolled as students of any school or college at the time of submission. A valid student ID is mandatory for the submission. 

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3. GENRES / SUBCATEGORIES

Films may belong to one or more genres, including but not limited to:

• Fiction / Narrative

• Drama

• Animation

• Documentary

• Social Awareness

• Experimental

Genres are used solely for programming and curatorial purposes and do not constitute separate award categories.

There is no restriction on theme, subject, topic, or genre. 

Documentary films are evaluated with consideration for the unique language and intent of non-fiction cinema.

4. SUBMISSION PLATFORM & MATERIALS

4.1 Submission Method

All films must be submitted exclusively through BITFF’s official online submission partner, FilmFreeway.

No physical or direct submissions are accepted.

4.2 Preview Access

Applicants must ensure that preview links are accessible and downloadable for review purposes.

4.3 Required Materials

• Film poster

• Synopsis (maximum 200 words)

• Accurate filmmaker/producer contact details

If an agency submits on behalf of a filmmaker, direct contact details of the filmmaker or producer must still be provided.

5. SUBTITLES & LANGUAGE

5.1 Films may be silent, with dialogue, or without dialogue.

5.2 English subtitles are mandatory for all non-English films.

5.3 BITFF may request additional subtitle formats or languages for selected films depending on screening locations.

6. MULTIPLE ENTRIES

Applicants may submit multiple films.

Each film must be submitted as a separate entry with a separate submission fee.

7. FEES & WITHDRAWALS

7.1 Submission Fees

All submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.

7.2 Withdrawal Policy

Once a film is submitted, it cannot be withdrawn from festival consideration at any stage.

However, filmmakers may request exclusion from public acknowledgment features such as the Submissions Showcase.

8. SELECTION, SCREENING & TOURING

8.1 Selection Process

Selections, screenings, awards, touring invitations, and promotional features are determined through curatorial review, jury evaluation, and editorial discretion.

8.2 No Guarantees

Submission does not guarantee:

• official selection

• screening

• awards

• touring inclusion

• promotional placement

8.3 Touring Model

BITFF operates a flexible, opportunity-driven touring model. Selected works may be programmed into curated screenings or touring events across different locations during the edition cycle.

9. PROMOTION & SUBMISSION SHOWCASE

9.1 Submission Acknowledgment & Showcase

BITFF may acknowledge submitted films by displaying the film’s poster, title, and basic information as part of its Submissions Showcase and/or official BITFF digital platforms, solely for acknowledgment and informational purposes.

Inclusion in the Submissions Showcase or any promotional mention does not imply official selection, screening, touring invitation, nomination, or award recognition.

Filmmakers may request exclusion from the Submissions Showcase at any time by contacting BITFF.

9.2 Editorial & Promotional Discretion

All promotional activities, acknowledgments, and showcase features are subject to BITFF’s sole editorial discretion, including extent, timing, format, and visibility.

Promotional activity is not guaranteed and cannot be claimed, demanded, or legally challenged by any participant.

10. SELECTED FILMS – MATERIALS & SCREENING COPIES

Once a film is shortlisted or selected, filmmakers may be requested to:

• provide publicity materials (stills, posters, trailers)

• submit a screening copy in the specified format

Detailed instructions will be communicated individually.

11. FESTIVAL ATTENDANCE

Filmmakers and delegates of selected films may be invited to attend festival events.

BITFF does not guarantee or reimburse travel, accommodation, or related expenses unless explicitly stated in writing.

12. SCREENING CONDITIONS

While BITFF makes best efforts to present films in professional screening conditions, commercial cinema hall presentation is not guaranteed. Screenings may take place in auditoriums, cultural venues, or alternative screening spaces.

13. COPYRIGHT, RIGHTS & LIABILITY

13.1 Rights & Permissions

The applicant confirms that all necessary rights, permissions, and licenses (including music, script, and underlying works) have been secured.

13.2 Accuracy of Information

The applicant accepts full responsibility for the accuracy of all information provided.

13.3 Indemnification

By submitting a film, the applicant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless BITFF, its organizers, affiliates, representatives, and partners from any claims, damages, or legal disputes arising from the submission, exhibition, or promotion of the work.

BITFF does not verify ownership of rights and is not responsible for copyright disputes.

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13.4 Usage of AI

BITFF does not assume responsibility for rights clearance related to AI-generated or AI-assisted materials. Filmmakers are solely responsible for ensuring that all AI-assisted content submitted complies with applicable copyright, authorship, and usage rights.

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14. SHIPPING & INSURANCE

Any costs related to shipping, insurance, publicity materials, or screening copies are the sole responsibility of the participant.

15. FESTIVAL RIGHTS & CHANGES

BITFF reserves the right to:

• accept or refuse any submission without assigning reasons

• modify schedules, venues, dates, or formats

• announce selections in multiple phases or cycles

• interpret these rules at its sole discretion

All decisions of the festival management are final and binding.

16. PROMOTIONAL & PARTNERSHIP ENQUIRIES

For branding, promotional, or partnership opportunities, please contact:

Email: contact@banjaracinema.com