Madhubani: The Land of Rich Heritage and Art

Madhubani, derived from the Hindi words "Madhu" (honey) and "Ban" (forest), is steeped in the ancient lore of the honey-laden forests that once thrived here. As one of Bihar’s 38 districts, Madhubani became independent from Darbhanga in 1972, forming part of the Darbhanga division. The region is renowned for its deep cultural roots, tracing back to the majestic Mithila kingdom.

Globally celebrated for its iconic Madhubani or Mithila Paintings, this district is a hub for a unique and intricate art form that has stood the test of time. These paintings vividly portray the customs, traditions, and everyday lives of the people - depicting significant moments like births, marriages, festivals, and more. Made using natural materials such as twigs, bamboo sticks, and pigments from flowers and vegetables, Madhubani paintings have become an important cultural export, cherished worldwide.

Madhubani is also a gateway to historical and spiritual treasures like Saurath, Bhawanipur, Uchaitha, and the majestic Navlakha Palace of Rajnagar, built by Maharaja Rameshwar Singh.

The Madhubani Film Festival: A New Cultural Frontier

In an effort to connect the rural heartlands of Bihar with the power of cinema, the DBG Film Club has launched the Madhubani Film Festival. This initiative is dedicated to showcasing films that promote the region’s rich culture, heritage, literature, and art. Our mission is to bridge the gap between regional, national, and international cinema, fostering creativity, innovation, and technological advancements in filmmaking.

We are committed to supporting budding filmmakers from Bihar, providing them with a platform to hone their skills and celebrate the art of filmmaking. The festival also aims to enhance the commercial prospects of the region, helping to grow a thriving film industry that benefits the local economy and nurtures new talent in cinema.

Awards & Prizes

There are three categories for Madhubani Film Festival Awards - International, National & Regional and each category has five sub categories - Feature, Short, Documentary, Animation & Music Video.

Category: 1. International, 2. National, 3. Regional
Sub Categories: 1. Feature, 2. Short, 3. Documentary, 4. Animation, 5. Music Video

There are 26 Awards in each category. There is no prize money, award comprises a memento and a certificate.

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

Rules & Terms

1. Entries of all films / documentaries (hereafter collectively called films) shall be accepted online only on www.filmfreeway.com/MadhubaniFilmFestival

2. Films made in the year 2024, 2025 & 2026 can only participate in 7th Madhubani Film Festival 2026. Films made before 1st January 2024 can’t participate in the competition category. Films published / released on public platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook etc or any other social video websites except Cinema halls / Movie Theaters / TV Channels / Private Screenings / Festival Screenings can not participate in the competition / film festival.

3. There shall be three categories in the festival – International, National & Regional and each category has five sub categories - Feature, Short, Documentary, Animation & Music Video.

International Category: There is no restriction for this category. Any film all over the world can participate in this category.

National Category: Only the films made by the filmmakers of India come under this category. The director(s) or producer(s) of the film must be a citizen of India. (A document must be required with film submission which proofs your Indian Citizenship). The films made by non-Indians citizen are not eligible for this category.

Regional Category: Only the films made by filmmakers of Bihar State of India come under this category. The director(s) or producer(s) of the film must be a resident of Bihar. (A residential proof ID must be required with film submission). The films made by outsiders of Bihar state can’t enter this category. The films which are made in Hindi or regional languages of Bihar State (like Maithili, Maghi, Bajjika, Angika etc.) can only participate in this category.

4. Films must be subtitled in English or Hindi.

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

6. Selection of films / videos for Madhubani 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 sentiments, feelings or sensibilities of any caste, community, religion, and sector is likely to promote racism or ill will in the society.

7. Madhubani 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.

8. Censorship will not be applicable to any films / videos entered in the festival.

9. The Festival Authorities will have the right to screen the selected films (for awards) in India or abroad on non-commercial basis.

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

11. Film Submission with incorrect / inadequate / illegible / ambiguous particulars will not be considered.

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

13. Prize and Certificate will be awarded to the director(s) or producer(s) of the film.

14. Films of any length/duration can enter in the festival.

15. An entry fee is applicable on every online submission.

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

17. 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 us the below documents on madhubanifilmfestival@gmail.com with your FilmFreeway submission tracking number. Please mention the subject of mail as "7th Madhubani Film Festival 2026_Required Documents_<Your FilmFreeway Submission Tracking No>"

1. Synopsis of the film.

2. Casting / Credits with photographs please attach.

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

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

5. Still photographs of film (minimum two).

6. Production Still (minimum two).

7. Poster (Portrait and Landscape with high resolution)

8. Press Kit (not mandatory)

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

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

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

12. For Regional Category, a residential proof ID of Director(s) & Producer(s). Preferred Document: Adhaar Card.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Hisako Kobayashi

    I came from Japan to attend the Madhubani Film Festival!And I had the most amazing time I've ever had in my life. The festival organizers were very warm and hospitable, and I was able to learn about the wonderful culture of the Madhubani people.
    The festival became a lively forum for the exchange of ideas among new directors, actors and producers, and in the short time we spent together we all became like old friends. I even won the Best Short Film Award and got to meet my favorite Bollywood star, so it was a dreamlike film festival. Thank you so much for the wonderful time! I miss you all people in madhubani movie festival.

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • RedCardinal MotionPictures


    I'm extremely disappointed with the way the was organized. First of all, the results were announced a whopping 15 days after the festival, which is unacceptable. But what's even more shocking is that the regional category, which was a separate entity that required a joining fee, was completely struck off without any announcement or explanation. It's unprofessional and unfair to the filmmakers who participated in this category, including myself. The lack of transparency and communication from the organizers is appalling. Needless to say, I will not be recommending this festival to anyone in the future.

    November 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hi there, You have submitted your film in the wrong category. Please read the Rules and terms before submitting. It's your mistake. We have not received any film in Regional Category so the results are not announced for regional category.

    Your film is in Assamese language, and you are not from Bihar, So you are disqualified from regional category.
    We repeat - Please read all points in Rules and terms before submitting the film.

    Thanks - Team Madhubani Film Festival.

    Please read here
    3. There shall be three categories in the festival – International, National & Regional and each category has five sub categories - Feature, Short, Documentary, Animation & Music Video.

    International Category: There is no restriction for this category. Any film all over the world can participate in this category.

    National Category: Only the films made by the filmmakers of India come under this category. The director(s) or producer(s) of the film must be a citizen of India. (A document must be required with film submission which proofs your Indian Citizenship). The films made by non-Indians citizen are not eligible for this category.

    Regional Category: Only the films made by filmmakers of Bihar State of India come under this category. The director(s) or producer(s) of the film must be a resident of Bihar. (A residential proof ID must be required with film submission). The films made by outsiders of Bihar state can’t enter this category. The films which are made in Hindi or regional languages of Bihar State (like Maithili, Maghi, Bajjika, Angika etc.) can only participate in this category.

  • Harry Waldman

    Thanks for selecting "Enter the Room" into your festival!

    November 2023
    Helpful
  • VIKAS KUMAR VERMA

    This is a great opportunity for new filmmakers, Madhubani Film Festival had opened the door for upcoming and budding artist filmmakers.

    November 2019
    Helpful