Accepting animated film submissions for the following categories:
Competition Animated Short:
Explore the world of concise storytelling through animation. From whimsical tales to poignant narratives, this competition invites creators to craft animated shorts upto 30 minutes, showcasing their ability to captivate audiences in a limited timeframe.
Competition Experimental Animated Short:
Push the boundaries of animation with experimental storytelling. This competition challenges animators to venture into the avant-garde, creating visually striking and conceptually daring animated shorts. Entries, upto 30 minutes, should redefine the norms of animated storytelling.
Competition Generative AI Short:
Dive into the future of creativity by submitting generative AI animated shorts. This competition welcomes entries upto 30 minutes that leverage artificial intelligence to create unique, innovative, and thought-provoking animated content, showcasing the fusion of technology and artistic expression.
Competition Animated Commercial Short:
Infuse creativity into advertising with animated commercial shorts. In this competition, animators are challenged to tell compelling stories, promote products, or convey messages within a concise timeframe upto 10 minutes. Blend storytelling finesse with marketing ingenuity to craft memorable animated commercials.
Rules and regulations for submissions:
Submission deadlines (the following deadlines must be met without exception):
Early bird deadline: 31 December 2025
Regular deadline: 31 January 2026
Official selections for the festival will be announced and listed on the official CHIAFF website and social media channels. Selected filmmakers will also be intimated via mail. on or by Feb 25, 2026
Submitted films must have been completed within the 24 months prior to the start of the festival.
Multiple films by the same director require separate entries.
Submissions must be made under the specific categories listed.
The same film cannot be submitted under multiple categories.
The Festival Director reserves the right to rule on any cases not provided for in these guidelines individually.
Format
Entries should be submitted in Full HD, 2k or 4k digital film format.
Files should be tested on multiple platforms for playability and compatibility. The festival will not reach out to individual directors for resubmission if the file does not play.
All films containing dialogue and/or VO/Narration should be Close Captioned or Subtitled in English. This should be burned into the film itself by default and not a separate subtitle file.
Entry Fees
CHIAFF requires a nominal entry fee per film submitted. If a director is submitting multiple films, each entry requires a fee to be paid.
Early Bird (31 Dec 2025) Fees: USD 1 for student entries and USD 4 for professionals.
Regular (31 Jan 2026) Fees: USD 2 for student entries and USD 5 for professionals.
The entry fee is non-refundable.
Promotion
By submitting the film, you grant CHIAFF rights to use parts and imagery from the film in festival promotion materials.
The Festival Director reserves the right to rule on any cases not provided for in these guidelines individually.
If your film is selected, one person from the crew will be provided with shared accommodation and food for the days of the film festival. PLEASE NOTE that travel will NOT be borne by the festival.
Please note:
Once the film has been selected by the selection committee it cannot be withdrawn.
The department will hold the rights for the screening of the selected films.
For any further queries regarding submissions and deadlines please contact chiaff@chitkara.edu.in
