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.

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

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 2021, 2022 & 2023 can only participate in the 11th Darbhanga International Film Festival 2024. Films made before 1st January 2021 can’t participate in the competition category. (Excluding Web series).

*All the web series (International / National) made after 31st December 2012 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 will have the right to screen the selected films (for awards) in India or abroad on a non-commercial basis.

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 "11th Darbhanga IFF 2024_Required Documents_<Your FilmFreeway Submission Tracking No>"

1. Synopsis of the film 150 words.

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) 150 words.

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

5. Production Still (minimum two).

6. Poster (Portrait and Landscape 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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Thanks for selecting "Enter the Room" into your festival! The communication was clear and frequent and I received everything I needed. I had a good experience overall and will consider submitting future projects to Darbhanga International Film Festival.

    February 2024
  • ABHISHEK KUMAR ANMOL

    I am very thankful to film festival organizer,lots of opportunities gained From this film festival. it is my remarkable journey which i want to show infront of audience achieve more and more days by days.it is a journey of my representation infront of the society which is very helpful to me.
    thank you

    February 2024
  • barbara peikert

    I would like to thank the organizing team for giving me a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm with the screening of Snowshine at the Darbhanga International Film Festival. It is really a great feeling
    to participate at the festival, even if I can't be there. I hope there will be another opportunity one day.

    March 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks

  • Seerkatchi Packil Pandian Bhaskaran

    We're delighted and honored to receive an official Selection for our feature film, Visithiran. Our tremendous thanks to the great people at DIFF for all they do to support independent filmmakers!

    March 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks, Your Film won the highest number of awards, please check the website and see the award list.

  • Great Film Festival organised at the place of great Writer, Poet "Vidyapati" Organizers of festival are very well versed.
    Team Film "LABOUR PAIN ...an unending saga" Congratulate to all the participants and all the best for the future endeavours.

    March 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks