Darbhanga IFF (Darbhanga International Film Festival) is the International film festival of Bihar state of India organized every year at Darbhanga city since 2013. Darbhanga city is the cultural capital of Bihar state, so it hosts the International film festival.
The city is distinguished by its art & cultural environment publicized countrywide. It is well known worldwide for Mithila/Madhubani Paintings, its heritages & historical monuments belonging to “DARBHANGA KINGDOM”. Darbhanga is covered by the Indian State of West Bengal from south & the country Nepal from east. The ancient name of the city was Dar-E-Banga. It is a Persian word which means "Gateway To Bengal". The name of the city modified as Darbanga by time and now finally modified as Darbhanga.

We celebrate Darbhanga IFF for a better development of Cinema, Film, Art & Culture in Bihar state of India. Films, filmmakers & artists from all states of India and all over the world participate in the festival every year. This festival is organized by DBG Film Club (Darbhanga Film Club). It is the first ever film club of Bihar state, registered under trust act, Government of India. The organization DBG Film Club was founded in 2013 by film festival curator & filmmaker: Writer/Director Meraj Siddiqui.

Awards & Prizes

There are three categories for Darbhanga IFF Awards - International, National & Regional and each category has five subcategories - Feature, Short, Documentary, Animation & Music Video.

Category 1: International, National, Regional
Sub Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, Animation, Music Video

Category 2: Web Series: International, National

There are 26 Awards in Category 1.

1. Best Film - Feature
2. Best Film - Documentary
3. Best Film - Short Fiction
4. Best Film - Animation
5. Best Actor - Feature
6. Best Actor - Short Fiction
7. Best Actress - Feature
8. Best Actress - Short Fiction
9. Best Singer - Male
10. Best Singer - Female
11. Best Story - Feature
12. Best Story - Short Fiction
13. Best Story - Documentary
14. Best Lyrics
15. Best Director - Feature
16. Best Director - Short Fiction
17. Best Director - Documentary
18. Best Cinematographer - Feature
19. Best Cinematographer - Short Fiction
20. Best Cinematographer - Documentary
21. Best Film Editor - Feature
22. Best Film Editor - Short Fiction
23. Best Film Editor - Documentary
24. Best Sound Design
25. Best Music Director
26. Best Music Video

There are 8 Awards in Category 2.
1. Best Web Series
2. Best Director
3. Best Cinematographer
4. Best Actor
5. Best Actress
6. Best Sound Design
7. Best Editor
8. Best Music Director

Rules & Terms

1. Entries of all Films / Documentaries (hereafter collectively called Films) shall be accepted online only on www.filmfreeway.com/DarbhangaIFF

2. Films made in the year 2024, 2025 & 2026 can only participate in the 14th Darbhanga International Film Festival 2027. Films made before 1st January 2024 can’t participate in the competition category. (Excluding Web series).

*All the web series (International / National) made after 31st December 2013 are eligible to participate in the competition/film festival.

*Films / Web series published/released on Cinema halls / Movie Theaters / TV Channels / Online Streaming Channels (like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, etc.) / Private Screenings / Festival Screenings can participate in the competition/film festival.

*Films / Web series published/released on public platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, etc, or any other social websites can not participate in the competition/film festival.

3. Films already selected in the official selection of Past editions of Darbhanga IFF can't enter again.

4. There are three categories in the festival – International, National & Regional and each category has five subcategories - Feature, Short, Documentary, Animation & Music Video.

*There are two categories for Web Series - International & National.

*International Category: Any film all over the world can participate in this category.

*National Category: Only Indian Filmmakers can participate in this category. The Director(s) or Producer(s) of the film must be an Indian citizen. (A document must be
submitted along with your film which proves your Indian Citizenship).

*Regional Category: Films made by Filmmakers belonging only to Bihar / Jharkhand state of India come under this category. The Director(s) or Producer(s) of the film must be a resident of Bihar or Jharkhand / Native place in Bihar or Jharkhand (A residential proof ID must be required with film submission). The films which are made in Hindi or regional languages of Bihar/ Jharkhand (like Bhojpuri, Maithili, Khortha, Maghi, Bajjika, Angika, Mundari, etc.) can only participate in this category.

5. Films / Web Series must be subtitled in English or Hindi.

6. Films may be entered by any organization, agency, Individual producer, or director.

7. Selection of films/videos for the Darbhanga International Film Festival will be done by a committee whose decision will be final. However, Festival Authorities reserve the right to accept or reject any film that is likely to offend the sentiments, feelings, or sensibilities of any caste, community, religion, or sector that is likely to promote racism or ill will in society.

8. Darbhanga International Film Festival would be allowed to use all photographs and publicity materials received along with the film submission and the same will not be returned to the entrants.

9. Censorship will not apply to any films/videos entered into the festival.

10. The Festival Authorities shall have the non-exclusive right to exhibit and screen officially selected films, both within India and abroad, through online and/or offline modes, including festival-related events and promotional screenings, during the year 2027.

11. For promotional / publicity purposes, excerpts from any film entered in the festival may be shown on any Television Network / Internet or related media during the festival period.

12. Film Submissions with incorrect/inadequate/illegible/ambiguous particulars will not be considered.

13. Films submitted for selection will be considered as final and no changes will be entertained after submission.

14. Prize and Certificate will be awarded to the Director(s) or Producer(s) of the film.

15. Films of any length/duration can enter the festival.

16. Entry fee is applicable on every online submission.

17. Participation in the Festival implies acceptance of these Regulations.

18. Decision of the Festival Authorities regarding all matters not expressly provided for, in these regulations or which require interpretation of the clauses mentioned above shall be final and binding on all parties.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FILM SUBMISSION:

Please mail the below documents to darbhangaiff@gmail.com with your FilmFreeway submission tracking number. Please mention the subject of mail as "14th Darbhanga IFF 2027_Required Documents_<Your FilmFreeway Submission Tracking No>"

1. Synopsis of the film.

2. Cast and Credits with Photographs respectively.
(We also need photographs of each on-screen and off-screen crew member of your film with name and designation exclusively)

3. About Director(s) (Bio Data).

4. Photograph of Director(s) and Producer(s) of the film.

5. Production Still (minimum two).

6. Poster (Portrait 1080X1920 and Landscape 1920X1080 with high resolution)

7. Press Kit (not mandatory)

8. Censorship (If you have a censorship certificate from Govt. Of India / Govt. of other countries, please attach it.)

9. For International Category, an ID or document of the Director(s) & Producer(s) which proves your country's Citizenship. Preferred Document: Passport.

10. For National Category, an ID or document of Director(s) & Producer(s) which proves Indian Citizenship. Preferred Document: Adhaar Card / Passport

11. For Regional Category, a residential proof ID of Director(s) & Producer(s). Preferred Document: Adhaar Card.
36 Reviews
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  • SOMNATH MONDAL

    Festival authority has sent all information regarding Screening schedule s in very late. It was not possible to attend

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Süleyman Özdemir

    Just as a painter creates paintings, we filmmakers create films from frames, films that are like paintings.
    The cinema I make is actually a bit of a mirror of myself.
    A mirror in which I see myself, in which I find myself.

    Different civilizations also find themselves in this mirror...

    They see themselves in it...

    For these reasons;

    I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to you for including my film "An Anatolian Song" in the 2026 Official Selection of your 13th Darbhanga IFF International Film Festival!!

    I believe that cinema serves as a bridge for a beautiful world to live in, for societies to get to know each other, for the development of a culture of friendship,
    that it leads the way in the development of mutual understanding and universal brotherhood between societies,
    and that it plays an active role in raising people's sensitivity, even if only a drop, regarding environmental and nature sensitivity!!

    13th Darbhanga IFF International Film Festival - To the festival organizers
    With friendly greetings,

    Süleyman Özdemir

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • VINNU PRODUCTIONS

    NICE ATTEN THIS FILM FESTIVE

    February 2025
    Helpful
  • Jorge Morais

    I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to have our animated short film, "In Half," selected for the 12th Darbhanga International Film Festival. The festival's communication was exemplary clear, timely, and comprehensive ensuring that I was well-informed throughout the process.
    Although I was unable to attend the festival in person, I was particularly impressed by the festival's dynamic social media presence, which effectively highlighted various developments and events. This active engagement provided a sense of connection and kept the excitement alive for those of us who could not be there physically.
    Overall, my experience with the Darbhanga International Film Festival was highly positive. I look forward to considering future submissions and continuing to engage with a festival that values communication and community as much as it does cinematic artistry. Thank you once again for this wonderful opportunity.

    February 2025
    Helpful
  • Pooja Jangid

    It was a wonderful experience. Thank you for considering our film.

    February 2025
    Helpful