Aaina has been engaged from 2011 in promoting disability issues through film festivals. DHWANI aims to create awareness about the situation of people with disabilities as well as to create opportunities for them through the creative industry in the future.

This year, DHWANI celebrates its milestone 10th edition by showcasing inspiring stories of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Moving beyond the traditional narratives of struggle, the festival highlights the aspirations, achievements, and dreams of PWDs, focusing on inclusion, empowerment, and triumph.

Calls for entries for Competition is open to anyone above 18 years of age - professionals, amateurs, students, advertising professionals and filmmakers on the theme of "The lives and aspirations of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)"

The festival involves screening of films related to disability from across the world and all platforms as well panel discussions on varying themes highlighting disability issues.

This year the call for films is open to 3 categories – upto 1 minute, upto 5 minutes and upto 30 minutes.

The festival will be held in Bhubaneswar for two days. We will have a screening of films, panel discussions and an award ceremony with an expected footfall of more than 250 visitors per day from different backgrounds.

Awards & Prizes

Cash prizes for each category

– ₹45000 /- for 1st position
– ₹35000 /- for 2nd position
– ₹25000 /- for 3rd position

**Since the primary objective of the festival is to promote inclusion it is a mandate that in case the Protagonist / Main Role is played by a Person with Disability then 50% of the Prize money will be given to them.

Rules & Terms

The organization shall have the final say on all issues pertaining to the festival. Decisions on the prizes awarded shall be final. Any dispute with regards to this will not be entertained by the organization.

Registration & Participation
1. Filmmakers must be 18 years of age during submission of films.
2. Film Entry fees are NOT REFUNDABLE once the film is accepted by the organizer.
3. Filmmaker(s) are allowed to submit maximum 2 films, however choice of category lies with them.
4. The attendance of the filmmakers at the Festival is not mandatory, but we would be happy to welcome all filmmakers during the screening and festival.

Language Criteria
1. We are open to Films from any location
2. We welcome films in any language
2. SUBTITLES in ENGLISH are MANDATORY for all dialogues & captions since the audience will include those with hearing impairment and with different languages from various parts of the world.

Selection Process
1. Film selections for the festival will be done by a specially constituted Jury.
2. All filmmakers will be notified of acceptance via e-mail as soon as possible. If the ownership of a work is transferred to a successor after the selection has been made, the successor’s permission for the film to take part in the competition must be conveyed to the festival.

Awards
1. Since the primary objective of the festival is to promote inclusion it is a mandate that in case the Protagonist / Main Role is played by a Person with Disability then 50% of the Prize money will be given to them.
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Daria Tchapanova

    Read this review before you submit your film. The festival contacted me directly and encouraged me to submit my film. Although I was told that I would not need to pay any submission fees, I ended up having to pay one anyway. My film was selected and even received an award that included a cash prize. However, I was only notified of the selection a few days before the festival took place. Communication throughout the process was poor and unclear, and despite repeated attempts to follow up, the prize money has never been transferred.
    Overall, the situation feels questionable due to the lack of transparency and unreliable communication. I do not recommend submitting films to this festival, especially for international filmmakers.

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • Subrata Sanyal

    We did not get the laurel from Dhiwani Film Festival which is very unfortunate inspite of our several request follow up mail. We are not interested to participate in such indisciplined festival committee in future. It is very sad that this festival did not brother to communicate whenever we try to communicate our requirement to them.

    October 2025
    Helpful