🔹Rules & Eligibility
* Minimum runtime: 2 minutes
* Films must be completed on or after 1 January 2021
* Open to both Indian and international filmmakers
* Only completed films are eligible (no trailers, teasers, or promos)
* Films with watermarks or embedded logos will not be accepted
* Selected Indian films must provide a valid CBFC certificate prior to public screening, if required
* Submissions must be made via FilmFreeway
* Filmmakers may submit more than one entry. Each entry must be accompanied by a separate entry form and entry fee.
* Filmmakers must provide all necessary documentation and information required for submission, including credits and contact details.
* Films that were previously submitted but not selected in past editions are not eligible for LFF 2026 or any future editions of the festival.
IMAGINARIUM:
Animated works can include short films, feature films, and experimental animations. “Animated works” are defined as films that contain a substantial amount of animation of any technique. Combinations of animation and live-action may be eligible if the larger part of the film is animated. The Festival reserves the right to determine whether films qualify as animation.
Eligibility for Student Films:
To qualify for the Student Film category, entrants must provide proof of current student status. Filmmakers who have graduated within the last academic year, and made their film while they were still students may also submit under this section.
📌Technical Requirements
* Format: MP4 (H.264) or MOV
* Resolution: Minimum HD (1920×1080)
* Selected films may be required in high-resolution MOV format for screening
* English subtitles are mandatory for all non-English films
📌 Content Guidelines
Films must not include:
* Explicit nudity or vulgar content
* Hate speech targeting individuals or communities
* Excessive abusive or offensive language
Non-compliant entries may be disqualified without prior notice.
📌Legal & Screening Disclaimer
* By submitting via FilmFreeway, the filmmaker confirms that they hold all necessary rights and permissions for the submitted work.
* LFF is not responsible for copyright violations; responsibility lies with the submitter.
* The festival reserves the right to use excerpts, stills, posters, and trailers of selected films for promotional purposes.
* Submission fees are non-refundable.
* The festival reserves the right to accept or reject any film without providing a reason.
* Screening schedule and programming decisions are at the sole discretion of the festival.
* All official communication will be conducted via FilmFreeway.
* The festival does not pay screening fees to filmmakers or cover delivery costs for any films selected for screening at the festival.
* The festival shall not be liable for any loss of or damage to audiovisual or other materials submitted by applicants
* By submitting a film, the applicant confirms that they are the rightful owner of the film or have the necessary rights and authority to submit it for selection. The applicant also agrees to indemnify LFF against any legal claims or disputes that may arise from the submitted film.
* The festival will submit all selected films to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, for clearance. Films will be screened only after receipt of censor exemption.
📌 Judging Criteria
Films will be evaluated based on:
* Storytelling & originality
* Direction & creative vision
* Technical execution
* Emotional and social impact
* Innovation (especially in Animation & AI categories)
