The Centre for Digital Advancement (CDA) at FLAME University, Pune invites filmmakers, storytellers, and digital enthusiasts to submit captivating short films that showcase the transformative power of digital technology in society.

We seek films that creatively explore the concept of digital literacy, capturing its challenges, opportunities, and profound impact on everyday lives. Whether your film is shot on a smartphone or crafted on a professional set, what matters most is its ability to inspire, educate, and move viewers. Filmmakers at all stages—including students who wish to showcase class projects or graduation films—are encouraged to participate. We welcome fiction, documentaries, animation, or experimental formats. Any storytelling medium that highlights the significance of the digital technology and prompts thoughtful engagement is welcome.

Suggested Themes:

1. Citizen Engagement: Explore how digital platforms are reshaping civic participation, fostering government transparency, and redefining public conversations.

2. Algorithmic Artistry: Delve into the ways algorithms shape human behavior and cultural consumption, questioning the balance between technology and personal autonomy.

3. E-Government: Chronicle the shift from traditional governance to digital services, reflecting on how this impacts efficiency, accessibility, and citizen satisfaction.

4. Beyond the Screen: Investigate how online identities and virtual interactions influence personal realities and societal values.

5. Digital Activism: Celebrate stories of digital technology driving activism, enhancing transparency, advocating justice, and empowering voices across the globe.

6. Fighting Misinformation: Share compelling narratives on navigating truth in the digital era, offering insights on recognizing and overcoming misinformation.

7. Digital Payments: Uncover the stories behind the rising popularity of digital payments, their security, societal acceptance, and impact on daily financial interactions.

8. Social Media for Social Good: Spotlight impactful campaigns demonstrating social media's power to mobilize communities and bring about tangible, positive change.

9. Digital Safety and Privacy: Explore how societies negotiate between the benefits of digital connectivity and the essential right to privacy and safety.

10. Digital Literacy: Highlight innovative educational approaches, sharing inspiring stories of communities embracing digital technologies to transform lives.

11. Screen Addiction: Present a sensitive, insightful exploration of how excessive screen time affects mental health, social connections, and overall quality of life.

Submit your thought-provoking films, and join us in shaping conversations about our digital future.

Entry is completely free! Submit your film and share your ideas without any entry fees or submission costs.

Awards & Prizes

1st Prize - INR 20,000/-
2nd Prize - INR 15,000/-
All shortlisted films will be screened before a live audience and receive certificates.

Rules & Terms

Theme Alignment:
Films must clearly align with the theme of this competition.

Film Duration:
Films should be up to 20 minutes, excluding credits.

Eligibility:
Open to filmmakers worldwide—students, professionals, and enthusiasts are all welcome.

Submission Format:
Films must be submitted in MP4 or MOV format with HD resolution (1080p or higher).

Language and Subtitles:
Films may be in any language. Submissions not in English must include clear English subtitles.

Filming Equipment:
Films shot using any device, including mobile phones and professional equipment, are accepted.

Originality and Permissions:
Films must be your own original work, free of plagiarism. They should not contain third-party content (including music, footage, images, etc.) unless explicit permissions have been secured.
Films must not promote commercial products or services, contain trademarks, or depict dangerous, inappropriate, defamatory, offensive, or illegal behavior. All submissions must comply with applicable laws and confidentiality obligations.

Multiple Entries:
Participants may submit multiple films; however, each entry must be submitted separately.

Judging Criteria:
Entries will be evaluated based on Creativity and originality, Relevance to the theme, Storytelling and narrative impact, Potential to influence and engage audiences and
Technical quality (audio, visuals, editing).

Rights and Permissions from Winning Films:
By submitting your film, you agree to the following conditions if your film is selected as a winner:

A. All production and distribution entities involved grant FLAME University a non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, fully paid-up, sublicensable license for public screenings.

B. FLAME University may promote winning films, including titles and summaries, through online platforms, digital catalogs, and awareness campaigns. Films could also be considered for educational activities aligned with CDA’s mission, either directly by CDA or in collaboration with partnering organizations.

C. FLAME University may host additional public screenings and promotional events showcasing winning films to further CDA’s objectives of digital literacy and awareness.

D. Winning films may also be uploaded to CDA’s official channels for public viewing and wider dissemination.