SHORT FILM CONTEST 2025
SIFAA National Short Film Festival 2025
Tagline: Let’s unite all the filmmakers under one roof. About the Festival Welcome to the SIFAA National Short Film Festival 2025, a celebration of creativity, vision, and the unstoppable spirit of Indian storytellers. Hosted by the South Indian Film & Arts Academy (SIFAA) and powered by Nine Reel Studios, this festival is more than an event — it’s a movement to bring together the country’s most passionate filmmakers on one common platform. This year’s festival is a hybrid experience — blending the ease of online access with the energy of offline screenings and events across key cities in India. From compelling fiction and raw documentaries to bold experimental work and bite-sized mobile films, we embrace every voice that dares to tell a story. Our Vision At SIFAA, we believe that every filmmaker deserves a stage — no matter the budget, language, or background. Our mission is to spotlight emerging and independent talent, provide valuable networking opportunities, and celebrate the power of short films as a standalone art form.
What to Expect
Screenings of selected short films across India & online platforms
Awards & Recognition across multiple categories
Participation Certificates for all entrants Nominee List published on our social media & emailed to participants Medals & Awards Ceremony for top categories, presented on the final event dayExclusive Masterclasses by renowned Indian directors, actors, editors & technicians
Networking Sessions for creators, producers & collaborators
Submission Guidelines
Films must be completed after January 1, 2023
Open to all Indian languages (with English subtitles) Maximum film duration: 40 minutes Submissions accepted via Google Drive, YouTube (private), or any secure streaming link Multiple submissions allowed — a filmmaker can submit more than one film Films already screened at other festivals are welcomeFilm Categories
Fiction Short Films
Documentary Films
Mobile/Vertical Films Animated Shorts Experimental / Art House CinemaCategories
SIFAA National Short Film Festival 2025
Best Short Film (Overall)
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Actor (Male & Female)
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Animation Short
Best Student Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Mobile Film (filmed via smartphone)
Audience Choice Award (online voting)
Special Mentions
Best First-Time Filmmaker
Best Regional Film (Kannada,Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, etc.)
Important Dates
Early Bird Deadline: JUNE 30th 2025 (FEE - 799 RS)
Final Submission Deadline:AUGUST 30th 2025 (FEE -999 RS)
Nominee Announcement: SEPTEMBER 30th 2025
Award Ceremony & Masterclass Weekend: NOVEMBER 1st 2025
