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 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.

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11) Selected films cannot be withdrawn by the filmmakers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.

19 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ahamed Rebin

    Loved the audience. Thanks to the coordinators.

    March 2024
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  • Dhananjay Bhawalekar

    Good festival nice management and good communication

    March 2024
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  • Harry Waldman

    Thanks for selecting "Enter the Room" into your festival. I couldn't attend the festival in person, but was impressed by the level of communication provided throughout. I had a very good experience overall, and will definitely consider submitting future projects to Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival.

    March 2024
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  • 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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