BCIFF — Official Submission Guidelines (2026 Edition)

1. Eligibility Requirements

1.1 Film Types Accepted

We accept the following formats:

  • Short Films (Fiction, Live Action) — up to 30 minutes

  • Documentary Shorts — up to 30 minutes

  • Animation / Experimental Shorts — up to 30 minutes

1.2 Completion Date

  • Films must be completed on or after 1st January 2023.

  • Works-in-progress are allowed only if the final version is delivered before the festival screening.

1.3 Language Requirements

  • Films in any language are accepted.

  • English subtitles are mandatory for all non-English films (including Hindi and regional Indian languages).

1.4 Premiere Status

  • Premiere is NOT required.

  • Films already screened publicly or online are still eligible.

  • Films previously submitted to BCIFF but not accepted may be resubmitted only if significantly re-edited.

2. Submission Formats

2.1 Upload Requirements

Submissions must be provided via:

  • Direct BCIFF Upload Form, or

  • FilmFreeway Secure Screener

2.2 Screener Specifications

  • Minimum resolution: 1080p (1920×1080)

  • Accepted formats: .mp4 / .mov (H.264/H.265)

  • Audio: Stereo or 5.1 mix

2.3 Final Exhibition Copy

If selected, filmmakers must provide:

  • DCP, ProRes, or High-Quality MP4

  • Subtitle file: .srt or burned-in

  • Poster (300 DPI)

  • Trailer (optional)

3. Copyright & Intellectual Property (Legal Requirement)

By submitting a film, the filmmaker confirms:

3.1 Ownership Declaration

  • The submitter owns all rights (copyrights, trademarks, music, images, footage) OR

  • Has obtained all necessary permissions/licenses to use them in the film.

3.2 Copyright Compliance

The film must not infringe any:

  • Copyrights

  • Trademarks

  • Moral rights

  • Privacy rights

  • Music licensing rights

  • Archival footage rights

  • Performance rights

3.3 Indemnification Clause

The submitter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless BCIFF, its partners, jury members, and affiliates from any claims related to:

  • Copyright violation

  • Unauthorized use of content

  • Libel, slander, defamation

  • Unlicensed music or footage

(This is a standard protection clause used by top festivals.)

4. Terms of Exhibition & Usage Rights

4.1 Festival Screening Rights

If selected, the filmmaker grants BCIFF a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to:

  • Screen the film during the festival dates

  • Use excerpts (max 30 seconds) for promotional purposes

  • Use posters, stills, and the film title in marketing materials

4.2 Digital Screening (If Applicable)

For films recommended to Open Theatre (our digital screening partner):

  • Screening will only happen with the filmmaker’s written consent

  • No rights are transferred without approval

4.3 No Commercial Use

BCIFF will never sell, rent, or commercially exploit the submitted films.

5. Submission Fees & Refund Policy

5.1 Fee Structure

  • Standard submission fees apply (as listed on the Submissions Page).

  • Fees may differ between:

    • Early deadline

    • Regular deadline

    • Late deadline

5.2 Refund Policy

  • Submission fees are non-refundable, except in case of:

    • Festival cancellation

    • Technical issues caused by BCIFF

5.3 Multiple Entries

Filmmakers may submit multiple films.
Each film requires a separate form and fee.

6. Selection Process

6.1 Screening Committee

  • All films are reviewed by BCIFF’s programming team.

  • Shortlisted films are sent to the Jury for final selection.

6.2 Programming Decisions

  • All decisions by the Festival Programming Team & Jury are final and binding.

  • Due to volume, feedback on submissions is not guaranteed.

6.3 Notification

Selected filmmakers will receive:

  • Email confirmation

  • Next steps for materials delivery

  • Festival schedule updates

7. Awards & Recognition

Awards categories may include:

  • Best Short Film

  • Best Documentary Short

  • Best Animation / Experimental Short

  • Jury Choice Award

  • Best Director

  • Best Cinematography

  • Best Editing

  • Best Music/Sound

BCIFF reserves the right to add/remove award categories.

8. Disqualification Conditions

A film may be disqualified if:

  • Submission guidelines are violated

  • Copyright is breached

  • Offensive, hateful, or illegal content is included

  • Submission materials are incomplete

  • Fraudulent information is provided

  • Fee is not paid

No refunds will be issued in such cases.

9. Privacy & Data Protection

BCIFF follows:

  • Indian IT Act (2021 amendments)

  • Data Protection principles

We collect:

  • Filmmaker contact details

  • Submission materials

  • Festival-related media

We do NOT share or sell data to third parties except:

  • FilmFreeway (if submitting through them)

  • Open Theatre (only with filmmaker approval)

10. Agreement Confirmation (Legal Binding)

By submitting to BCIFF, the filmmaker acknowledges that:

  • They have read and accepted all submission guidelines.

  • They agree to all festival terms, rules, and legal conditions.

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