Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival is the only event in Chennai exclusively run 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 Madras University, Loyola College, Madras Christian College, Ethiraj College, Stella Maris College, Women's Christian College, Dr Ambedkar Govt Arts College, Don Bosco Arts and Science College, Madras School of Social Work, LV Prasad College of Media Arts, Roja Muthiah Research Library, Periyar Thidal and Goethe-Institut.

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.

To celebrate our 10th edition, we introduced competition for Indian films in the festival for both documentaries and short films, in 2021.

Awards & Prizes

Documentary section :

Shubradeep Chakravorthy Memorial Award
Best Indian Long Documentary (40 min and above) : Rs.25,000/-
Best Indian Short Documentary (less than 40 min) : Rs.25,000/-

Short film section :

Arunmozhi Memorial Award
Best Indian Short Fiction : Rs.25,000/-
Best Tamil Short Fiction : Rs.25,000/-

Rules & Terms

1) There will be a competition for Indian short films and documentaries

2) There will be not any competition for international documentaries and short films; they will be screened under non competition section

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 (if required)

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11) Selected films cannot be withdrawn by the filmmakers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.

16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Willy Martin

    Thanks you for the experience!

    April 2023
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  • Remo Notarianni

    I felt honoured that my film, The Orphanage for Records, was shown at such a fantastic event and appreciated by filmmakers with depth and understanding.

    March 2023
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  • Sai Karan Talwar

    Thank you very much for having our film GHANIMAH screen at your lovely festival, we are very grateful!

    March 2023
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  • Michelle Bauer Carpenter

    We were very honored to have Awadagin Pratt: Black in America screen at the Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival. The communication was prompt and detailed, and I was notified early about screening dates and venues. I wish I could have attended the festival. It looked like an amazing festival.

    March 2023
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  • boxiong lan

    It Is A Great Film Festival！

    March 2023
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