First Films Fest (FFF) is a flagship initiative by IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay, dedicated to advancing India’s AVGC-XR ecosystem.
At its heart, FFF celebrates first films by animation filmmakers — early works that mark the beginning of onward creative journeys. The festival is a meeting ground for emerging and established voices, featuring screenings, panels, workshops, and global showcases that inspire dialogue and cross-cultural exchange.

FFF is more than a festival — it’s a movement to:
• Celebrate the power of first films and the passion behind them.
• Strengthen India’s creative ecosystem through collaboration and exchange.
• Foster new connections between artists, technologists, and educators.
• Champion innovation and imagination in the AVGC-XR space.

Festival Highlights:
Experience three unforgettable days of creativity and inspiration:
Film Screenings – Curated selections of debut animation films.
Talks & Panels – Conversations with global creators and innovators.
Exhibitions – Immersive showcases of art, design, and digital media.
Workshops & Masterclasses – Hands-on sessions with industry experts.
Gaming & XR Experiences – Explore interactive frontiers of storytelling.

Awards & Prizes

Awards for:
Best of Firsts- overall achievement in storytelling, design, innovation
Jury Prize- originality, experimentation
Audience award- viewer votes
New Voice- authorial voice

And many more!

Rules & Terms

1. Completion Date: Animated films completed after January 1, 2020 are eligible.
2. Availability: Films must not be publicly available online or on streaming platforms before the festival dates. Films previously screened online as part of another festival remain eligible.
3. Submission Platform: All entries must be submitted exclusively via FilmFreeway.
4. Type of Work: Submissions must be animated films — short, feature, or experimental. Works combining live-action and animation are eligible if animation is the predominant element. The festival reserves the right to determine eligibility.
5. Runtime:
◦ Short films: under 40 minutes
◦ Feature films: 40 minutes or longer
6. Fees & Costs: The festival does not pay screening fees or cover delivery/shipping costs.
7. Screeners: Submit an online screener via FilmFreeway upload, password-protected Vimeo link, or unlisted YouTube link.
8. Multiple Entries: Multiple submissions are allowed, but each must have a separate entry form and fee.
9. Documentation: Entrants must provide complete credits, contact details, and all required submission materials.
10. Language: Films in any language are eligible but must include English subtitles or closed captions.

Student Film Eligibility
• Entrants must provide proof of current student status.
• Graduates who completed their film while enrolled (within the previous academic year) may also apply.

Selection & Screening
11. Selection Decisions: Determined by the festival’s selection committee. All decisions are final and non-appealable. Individual feedback will not be provided.
12. Withdrawal: Once selected and confirmed, a film cannot be withdrawn.
13. Delivery: Selected filmmakers must deliver the screening copy by the stated deadline (preferably online). If sending by courier, the festival must be informed in advance.
14. Formats Accepted: Exhibition copies should be in QuickTime ProRes, 4K, or 1920x1080 48Hz.
◦ Encrypted DCPs are not accepted for short films.
15. Publicity Use: The festival may use short extracts for publicity and marketing. Press kits will be requested upon selection.
16. Festival Director’s Discretion: The Festival Director reserves the right to include or exclude any film at their discretion.

Legal & General Conditions
17. The festival is not liable for loss or damage to submitted materials.
18. Films must not infringe copyright or contain unlawful content.
19. By submitting, the entrant confirms they own all rights or have obtained necessary permissions and agrees to indemnify FFF against any legal disputes.
20. Censor Clearance: A CBFC certificate is not required at submission. Selected films will be submitted by the festival for Ministry of I&B clearance and screened only upon receiving exemption.