Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival is the only event in Chennai exclusively organised for documentaries. The festival has brought in many renowned filmmakers from across India to the city in the past. The festival has also collaborated with prestigious institutions such as Anna University, Tamilnadu Government MGR Film & TV Institute, Chennai Institute of Journalism, Asian College of Journalism, Vinayaka Mission Research Foundation - Chennai Campus, SRM University, ICAT Design and Media College, Madras University, Loyola College, Madras Christian College, Ethiraj College, Stella Maris College, Women's Christian College, Dr Ambedkar Govt Arts College, DOT School of Design, Don Bosco Arts and Science College, Madras School of Social Work, LV Prasad College of Media Arts, Roja Muthiah Research Library, Periyar Thidal, Goethe-Institut and Discovery Book Palace. We also collaborated in 2025 with Chennai International Short Film Festival (CISFF) by organising a special show at Sathyam Cinemas, Chennai.

The idea behind the film festival is to promote and support documentary and short film culture (both viewing and making) in the state of Tamilnadu for which the city of Chennai is the administrative, economical and political capital.

Awards & Prizes

It is a non competitive film festival.

Rules & Terms

1) Only the films recommended by our official selection committee will be screened.

2) There will be not any competition.

3) No screening fee will be provided to selected and non selected films

4) Depending upon the local administration, the film festival will be held as an offline / physical event

5) Downloadable film files (MP4) should be sent for the selection

6 a) No travel support will be provided to the filmmakers who attend the film festival, if the festival takes place offline

b) Local stay will be provided to the filmmakers of the selected films, if the festival takes place offline

7) Films that promote or support hatred will not be admitted

8) Discussions will be organised via online if the filmmakers can't attend the festival physically

9) The films should have subtitles in English.

10) Entry fee will not be returned

11) Selected films cannot be withdrawn by the filmmakers

12) The decision of the selection committees and jury is final

13) The film should have been produced within last 24 months.

26 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ridashisha Kurbah

    Great festival with great audience and hospitality.
    Thank you for letting me be a part of your festival.

    March 2026
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  • Raakesh Rawat

    I had the pleasure of being physically present at the 15th Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival 2026, and it was a truly memorable experience. It was wonderful to watch my film with such a beautiful and engaged audience, which made the screening very special for me as a filmmaker.

    One moment that especially stayed with me was when I was running late for my screening. The festival director, Amudhan, was incredibly considerate and gracious- he even adjusted the timing of the screening so that I could be present in the auditorium during the film. That gesture meant a lot and reflected the warmth and care the festival extends to filmmakers.

    Throughout the process, the festival team was very responsive and clear with their emails and communication, which made the experience smooth and welcoming.

    Although the festival is non-competitive, it was absolutely worth the submission fee. The festival has a genuine passion for cinema and creates a meaningful space for filmmakers and audiences to come together.

    I’m grateful to have been part of the festival and would happily participate again in the future.

    March 2026
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  • Thomas Fitch

    The Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival was a really nice experience. The films are well curated and very enjoyable. It was really valuable to meet other filmmakers to discuss their films, experience, and influences. The people running the festival were very professional and kind. It's a small intimate experience but that's what helps make it so approachable.

    March 2026
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  • Santosh Ram

    Its one one of the best festivals . It gives platform to filmmakers to showcase their various subjects.It truly supports Indi cinema and quality cinema . Film Activist , Film Director and Festival Director Amudhan Sir with his team pulls it out . Hats off to him .

    March 2025
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  • Parvathi Nayar

    It was so fulfilling to be part of the 14 Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival, a staple of the city. It is thoughtfully curated and was special to be part of the Filmmakers Panel Discussion, moderated by Amudhan, the acclaimed Festival Director.

    March 2025
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