RULES & REGULATIONS – For Consideration – Indian Competition Section
Welcome to the Indian Competition Section of the Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF). We’re delighted to have you here.
Founded in 2014 in the historic city of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), AIFF has evolved into one of India’s most respected film festivals. It is organized by the Marathwada Art, Culture and Film Foundation (MACFF) and presented in collaboration with Nath Group, MGM University, and Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, Mumbai. The festival is proudly endorsed by FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) and the Federation of Film Societies of India (FFSI), with continued support from Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), the Government of Maharashtra and the Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation Limited.
AIFF celebrates powerful storytelling from India and around the world. The Indian Competition Section showcases exceptional Indian feature films from the festival year, offering filmmakers a distinguished platform to present their work to critics, industry professionals, and engaged audiences. Beyond screenings, the festival fosters meaningful dialogue through discussions, awards, and interactive sessions—deepening the appreciation of cinema as both an art form and a medium of expression.
If your film reflects originality, strong craft, and a distinct voice, we warmly invite you to submit and be part of this vibrant cinematic movement.
1. Indian Competition Section Eligibility (12th AIFF: January 20th–24th, 2027)
– Indian Competition Section: Fiction feature films (70+ mins), produced between 1st Sept 2025 to 31st August 2026, in 2K/4K DCP format.
– Must be original version with English subtitles; remakes/dubbed versions not eligible.
– Director/producer must be Indian (at least one Indian producer in International co-productions).
– All films submitted for Indian Competition consideration are also considered by default for the non-competitive “India Focus” section
– Marathi language films will be additionally considered for an exclusive non-competitive Marathi film section envisioned by the festival team.
Indian Competition Awards
– Golden Kailash (Best Film): Golden Kailash trophy + Cash prize of ₹3,00,000 + Certificate
– Silver Kailash (Best Actor/Actress/Script): Silver Kailash trophy + Cash prize of ₹25,000 each + Certificate
– Audience Choice Award (Valid for multiple AIFF sections)
– FIPRESCI-India Prize for debut directors in India Focus, exclusive Marathi film section and World Cinema Sections.
2. Submission, Selection Procedure & Deadlines
– Submit via official website or FilmFreeway within the specified deadlines.
– 9 Indian Competition Films will be selected by a team of Preview Committee, independent from the festival organizers.
Early Bird Deadline : 31st July 2026
Regular Deadline : 31st August 2026
Late Deadline : 15th Sept 2026
– Only online preview links will be accepted (no physical formats).
Work-in-progress films may be considered with reasonable conditions in place. It is the responsibility of the submitter to make this apparent to the festival team.
– Entries will be valid only after satisfying the stated eligibility criteria and verification of entry fee payment.
3. Entry Fee for each title for Indian Competition submission
Early Bird : ₹6,000
Regular Deadline : ₹7,000
Late Deadline : ₹8,000
4. Selected Films – Requirements
– Updates regarding officially selected films will be communicated only through AIFF’s official email and social media channels.
– Submit 2K/4K DCP with English subtitles by 30th Dec 2026.
– Provide clean trailers/promos (max 2 mins).
– Include official festival laurels in online publicity.
– Films cannot be withdrawn after selection and confirmation.
5. Screenings & Format
– Each film screened maximum up to 2 times during the festival edition.
– Exhibition Formats: DCI compliant 2K/4K DCP only. Other digital formats will be considered in extremely special cases and only if duly approved by the AIFF Programming team.
6. Applicant Obligations
– Ensure rights to submit the film.
– Provide film materials like DCP, promotional materials for cataloguing and publicity upon request.
– Provide the CBFC Certificate of the film if certified. If not certified, furnish the details/status of the same to the AIFF Programming team.
– Follow all festival rules and regulations.
7. Festival Obligations
– Uphold fairness in all festival procedures.
– Covers replacement cost for damaged screening material (while in custody only).
8. Contact
Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival
C/o Nath Group 1, Chateau Windsor, 1st Floor, 86, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate, Mumbai, INDIA 400020
C/o Nath Group, Paithan Road, Chhatrapati Sambhajianagar, Maharashtra, INDIA 431001
Email: info@aifilmfest.in | Website: www.aifilmfest.in
Phone: +91-9970468249 / +91-9130100095