Madurai International Documentary and Short Film Festival is one of the oldest documentary film festivals in India. Started in 1998, we have been successfully organising this festival annually to introduce and nurture documentary and short film culture in and around Madurai, one of the oldest cities in the world. Our event is an inclusive, democratic, local, independent and a small event with a purpose. By showing films at multiple venues, we reach out to the audiences who would otherwise miss out such opportunities.

We are proud to announce the 28th edition of our film festival.

Awards & Prizes

We are introducing a competition for Tamil documentaries with cash awards for two winners.

Rules & Terms

1) There will be a competition and cash awards for Tamil documentaries (made by natives residing in Tamilnadu) in this edition. The best Tamil documentary will get Rs.25,000 cash prize and a citation. The second best winner will get Rs.10,000 as a cash prize and citation.
1a) There is no competition for other categories.
2) No screening fee will be provided
3) Will be held offline depending upon the local administrative situation; if the local administration does not allow offline / physical event, the festival will be conducted online.
4) Downloadable links / files should be sent for the selection
5) Local stay will be provided to the filmmakers of the selected films, if the festival takes place offline
6) No travel support will be provided to the filmmakers who attend the film festival, if the festival takes place offline
7) Films that promote or support hatred will not be admitted
8) Discussions will be organized via online if the filmmakers can't attend the festival
9) The films should have subtitles in English, including for the films that have the conversation or interviews or voice over in English.
10) Entry fee will not be returned.
11) Selection Committee and Jury are results are final and non negotiable.
12) Selected films will also be screened in the non commercial film screenings and film festivals in the future (organised by MARUPAKKAM) with the consent of the concerned filmmakers / producers.

22 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Nevena Semova

    Lovely festival, great hospitaility and a really warm welcome for our film! Thank you!

    January 2026
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  • Balajee S R

    It was such a cozy and beautiful experience to attend the festival. Being able to show my short film to college students was an unforgettable event. Thank you so much MIDSFF for providing an opportunity to show my film to the public. It was truly an honor.

    December 2025
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  • barbara peikert

    A big thank you, it is always great to be invited to screen “The Cormorant's Shadow” in a beautiful location in front of an interesting audience.

    December 2025
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  • Peter Bromley

    Pleased to hear For The Camera was selected in the experimental documentary category. Communication from the festival was very good.

    December 2025
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  • Alyona Yanushko

    Screening our film at your esteemed festival was a matter of great importance to us.

    October 2025
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