Dear Filmmakers,

It is with immense warmth and hope that I welcome you to the 14th CMS VATAVARAN International Environment and Wildlife Film Festival and Forum, to be held in November 2026 in India.

While this is technically the 13th edition, we have chosen to refer to it as the 14th, in respect of cultural sensitivities associated with the number, and more importantly, in recognition of this edition’s theme: “Regenerative Development—Going Beyond Sustainability.” In a world increasingly marked by environmental degradation, social disruption, and ecological fatigue, this theme urges us to not just sustain but to renew, restore, and regenerate life in all its forms.

The world today is witnessing an unprecedented convergence of crises: escalating climate disasters, collapsing biodiversity, growing inequality, and turbulent geopolitics. Amidst this, the role of environmental storytelling has never been more vital. Stories can cross borders, break silences, and build bridges. They carry the power to awaken, mobilize, and regenerate communities from within.

However, continuing this mission has become increasingly challenging. For nonprofit institutions like us, hosting a global film festival of this scale in the current climate, both literal and political, is a growing uphill task. Funding is scarce, priorities are shifting, and operational costs are surging. And yet, the urgency of our mission compels us to carry on. We consider it not just a program but a sacred responsibility to offer this space, this platform, for voices that the world needs to hear. Voices that defend the forests, protect our rivers, nurture wildlife, and fight for the future.

Since 2002, CMS VATAVARAN has stood as a lighthouse for filmmakers, educators, policymakers, and changemakers. It has amplified more than 3,000 films across India and the world through festivals, classrooms, town halls, and diplomatic platforms. Your films are not just screened; they are seen by decision-makers, scientists, youth, citizens, and communities who care.

This year, in response to evolving environmental priorities and feedback from our stakeholders, we have restructured our award categories to better reflect the urgency and complexity of today’s ecological challenges. The revised categories and submission formats have been thoughtfully curated and are detailed separately for your reference. These updates aim to make the festival more inclusive, focused, and impactful in addressing the pressing issues of our time.

Through CMS VATAVARAN, your work gains not just recognition but reach—in classrooms, in villages, in ministries, and in global forums. Our rigorous, transparent jury process ensures that each selected film reflects the highest standard of excellence, insight, and impact.

We invite you to be part of this journey, not just as filmmakers, but as storytellers of change and guardians of the Earth’s future.

We look forward to receiving your entry and to welcoming you to a festival that is, now more than ever, an act of hope, resilience, and collective responsibility.

With deep respect and solidarity,

Warm regards,
Dr. P N Vasanti
Director General, CMS
https://www.cmsindia.org/

Awards & Prizes

There are 20 awards in five Indian and International categories. Indian awards carry a citation trophy and money ranging from INR 25,000 to 50,000. International awards carry a citation and a trophy.

All films must be submitted under one of the following categories. Each category accepts both long and short formats, and awards will be presented in National and International divisions.

1. Climate Change: Adaptation & Mitigation (Long & Short—National & International) - This category invites compelling films that explore the causes, consequences, and solutions to the climate crisis. From extreme weather events and rising sea levels to community-led resilience, renewable energy innovations, and climate justice movements, the films should highlight both adaptation strategies and mitigation efforts across diverse geographies.
SDGs Covered: 13 (Climate Action), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 2 (Zero Hunger)

2. Biodiversity: Conservation & Coexistence (Long & Short—National & International) - This category invites films that celebrate and safeguard Earth’s biological and ecological richness across forests, wetlands, grasslands, and urban spaces. Entries may explore themes such as biodiversity-friendly development, forest and ecosystem restoration, pollution impacts, indigenous conservation knowledge, sustainable technologies, and the complex interconnections between nature, communities, and development. The focus is on promoting harmony between human activity and natural systems, while inspiring awareness, empathy, and collective action for biodiversity and environmental resilience.
SDGs Covered: 15 (Life on Land), 14 (Life Below Water), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 2 (Zero Hunger), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

3. Wildlife: Marine & Terrestrial Narratives (Long & Short—National & International) Films in this category should delve into the world of wild species across land and sea—exploring animal behavior, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, trafficking, conservation efforts, and the people working on the frontlines. Stories may range from community guardians of wildlife to global conservation movements.
SDGs Covered: 15 (Life on Land), 14 (Life Below Water), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)

4. Water: Access, Equity & Sustainability (Long & Short—National & International)— This category focuses on water as a fundamental yet increasingly threatened resource. Films may address water scarcity, pollution, climate impacts, traditional knowledge systems, sustainable innovations, and water justice. Emphasis is on community stories, governance, and equitable access to clean and safe water.
SDGs Covered: 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 13 (Climate Action), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

5. Youth (National & International—Two Sub-Categories: Under 16 Years and Under 25 Years): This category is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of environmental storytellers. Open to young filmmakers under the age of 25, it is divided into two subcategories: under 16 years and under 25 years. Films must not exceed 30 minutes in duration and can focus on any environmental or conservation issue, from local school projects and community actions to global climate activism. The category aims to celebrate youthful creativity, critical thinking, and passion for the planet.
SDGs Covered: 4 (Quality Education), 13 (Climate Action), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 15 (Life on Land)

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR ENTRANTS
(Applicable for All Categories—Long & Short Formats, National & International)

INDIAN ENTRANTS
1. Only bonafide Indian citizens are eligible to submit entries under the National Categories.
2. Films submitted under National Categories must focus on local, regional, or national environmental, wildlife, water, climate, or biodiversity concerns within India.
3. For Indian productions involving foreign collaborators, the following conditions must be met:
o At least one of the co-producers must be an Indian citizen.
o The director of the film must be an Indian national.

INTERNATIONAL ENTRANTS
4. Only non-Indian citizens are eligible to submit entries under the International Categories.
5. Films submitted may address global environmental challenges, country-specific issues, or even focus on India’s environmental and wildlife concerns, provided the entrant is a foreign national.

YOUTH/STUDENT FILMMAKERS (INDIAN & INTERNATIONAL)
6. Entries under the Youth Category (Under 16 / Under 25) are open to filmmakers currently enrolled in recognized schools, colleges, or universities.
7. The following special considerations apply:
o Foreign students studying in Indian institutions may submit films under the National Category only if the film focuses on Indian environmental or wildlife themes.
o Indian-origin students studying in foreign institutions may also submit under the National Category, subject to thematic relevance.
8. All student/youth entries must be supported by:
o A valid institutional endorsement letter from the student’s school/college/university.
o Parental authorization for participants under 18 years of age.

Rules & Terms

CMS VATAVARAN – RULES AND REGULATIONS

These rules and regulations govern participation in the '14th CMS VATAVARAN—International Environment and Wildlife Film Festival and Forum,' to be held in November 2026. We request all filmmakers to read them carefully before submitting their entries.

1. QUALIFYING DATES
All films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2023. The release date, copyright date, or first public screening must fall within the calendar years 2023 to 2026.

2. DURATION OF FILMS
Submissions will be accepted in the following two categories:
• Short Films: Up to 30 minutes
• Long Films: More than 30 minutes

Each of the four award categories except Youth (Climate Change, Biodiversity, Wildlife, and Water) accepts entries in both Short and Long formats. Youth category accepts only short format films.

3. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Entries are welcome in all languages. However, non-English and non-Hindi films must include hardcoded English subtitles or voiceover to be eligible.

4. EXHIBITION & JUDGING FORMAT
Films must be submitted in H.264 HD format through any of the following modes:
• Pen Drive/Hard Disk
• Downloadable Vimeo/Google Drive/Dropbox link

All files must be downloadable and accessible until the end of the festival period. YouTube links are not acceptable.

5. PRESS KIT & FESTIVAL DIRECTORY
Each submission must include the following for promotional and documentation purposes:
• 5 high-resolution stills from the film (JPEG/TIFF/EPS)
• 2 recent photographs of the Director
• Film poster and any relevant press material (optional)
These can be shared via email or submitted along with the entry via Pen Drive or upload link.

6. DELIVERY & COURIER INSTRUCTIONS
• All shipping charges must be prepaid.
• Cash on Delivery (CoD) will not be accepted.
• Ensure materials are clearly labelled and include the duly filled entry form.

7. CREDITS & ENTRY RIGHTS
• Names in the film’s credit roll must match those in the official entry form.
• Entries can be submitted by the producer, co-producer, director, broadcaster, or any authorized individual/ organization holding rights to the film.

8. BROADCAST OPPORTUNITIES
All nominated films will be eligible (OPTIONAL not MANDTORY) for television and digital broadcast, including satellite, cable, OTT, and terrestrial platforms.
• Broadcast rights will be negotiated separately with individual broadcasters at prevailing market rates.

9. ENTRY FEES & PAYMENT OPTIONS
• Entry fees are non-refundable.
• Early bird submissions received on or before January 31, 2026 will be free of charge.

Applicable Fees after January 31, 2026, onwards:
Category: National/ International
General Filmmakers INR 2,500 USD 100
Youth Filmmakers INR 1,500 USD 50

For Indian Entries
• Payment options: Credit/Debit Card, Cheque, or Demand Draft (DD)
• DD/Cheque in favor of: Centre for Media Studies

For International Entries
• Payment options: Credit Card (VISA) or Bank Transfer

Bank Details for Wire Transfer:
• Account Holder: Centre for Media Studies
• Bank Name: Bank of India
• Branch: Saket, New Delhi
(Detailed transfer information will be shared during submission process.)
For complete submission instructions and category descriptions, please visit: https://www.cmsvatavaran.org/

GENERAL GUIDELINES

14th CMS VATAVARAN—International Environment & Wildlife Film Festival and Forum
1. One film may be submitted under one category only. However, filmmakers are welcome to submit multiple films in different categories, each with a separate Entry Form and Entry Fee.
2. Film entries must be submitted in one of the two duration formats:
a. Short Film: Up to 30 minutes
b. Long Film: More than 30 minutes
3. All genres are accepted—documentary, fiction, non-fiction, animation, experimental, etc.—as long as the film relates to environmental, wildlife, climate, water, or conservation issues.
4. Each film submitted requires its own Entry Form and Entry Fee.
5. Previously submitted films to CMS VATAVARAN or revised/modified versions of past entries will not be considered.
6. CMS will not be held liable for any loss or damage to the films during transit or while in possession. Filmmakers are advised to insure their entries, if required.
7. CMS reserves the right to reassign a film to a more appropriate category. Filmmakers will be notified of any such change.
8. CMS retains the right to exclude entries that are inconsistent with the ethos of the festival or produced in a way that disrespects nature, wildlife, or communities.
9. The Festival Screening Committee will determine the final screening schedule, protocol, and composition of events.
10. Exhibition copies submitted will not be returned and will remain part of the CMS VATAVARAN archive for educational and non-commercial use. Please do not send original masters or irreplaceable materials.
11. Trophies and citations for international winners will only be handed over in person at the festival. Requests for shipping awards to other countries will not be entertained.
12. All entries must be previewed before submission. Films with technical errors, unresolved time codes, or incomplete formats may be disqualified.
13. The decisions of both the Nomination Jury and the Award Jury will be final and binding. No correspondence regarding jury decisions will be entertained.
14. The Jury holds the right to withhold an award if a category lacks sufficient qualifying submissions or to create special recognition awards where applicable.
15. CMS reserves the right to modify any aspect of the festival—including dates, venues, categories, or eligibility criteria—without prior notice.
16. Entrants must thoroughly review the CMS VATAVARAN Rules & Regulations, Category Descriptions, and Entry Form before submission.
17. Submission of a film implies full acceptance of all CMS VATAVARAN terms, rules, and guidelines.
18. The Festival Directorate will have the final say in all matters related to the festival.
19. Any matter not explicitly covered in these regulations will be resolved at the sole discretion of the Festival Directorate.
20. All legal disputes will fall under the jurisdiction of the courts of Delhi, India.
21. All CMS VATAVARAN materials, including this document, are copyright protected. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.

JUDGING PROCESS

Judging by the 14th CMS VATAVARAN, it will follow a robust three-tier process:
1. Peer Review: Initial screening to ensure eligibility and relevance.
2. Nomination Jury: A panel of national and international experts will review eligible entries to finalize the official nominees.
3. Award Jury: From among the nominees, the Award Jury will select the final winners in each category.

Both juries comprise professionals and thought leaders from diverse fields such as environment, wildlife, film, academia, media, science communication, policy, industry, and creative arts. Judges assess entries based on the following criteria:
• Content relevance
• Treatment and storytelling
• Authenticity and accuracy
• Technical quality
• Educational value
• Inspirational and motivational impact

This transparent and respected process ensures that selection at CMS VATAVARAN is a mark of excellence, credibility, and global recognition.

Send the entry form with all enclosures to

CMS VATAVARAN,
RESEARCH HOUSE, Saket Community Centre
New Delhi – 110 017, INDIA
P: 91-11-2686 4020, 2685 1660 F: 91-11-2696 8282

For submission-related inquiries, please contact
Mr. Sabyesachi Bharti
submission@cmsvatavaran.org

For all festival-related queries and information, please write to
info@cmsvatavaran.org
26 Reviews
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  • Bishal Swargiary

    It's great that India has a film festival of this kind. Excellent films with excellent communication.
    Thank you

    August 2024
    Helpful
  • Carolina Feity

    I’m grateful for this amazing opportunity. Thanks!!

    March 2024
    Helpful
  • hoon sik Oh

    아쉽게 수상은 못했지만 의미 있는 영화제에 출품할 수 있어 기뻤습니다.
    다음 시즌에는 더 좋은 작품으로 찾아가겠습니다.

    March 2024
    Helpful
  • Wen-yuan HSIEH

    Thanks for this great festival.

    March 2024
    Helpful
  • Dr Deepak K

    Previlaged to be part of this Prestigious Festival with a 'definite cause'.

    March 2024
    Helpful