Embark on a creative journey with NAFA's Marathi International Film Festival. We invite you to bring your stories to life through the lens of cinema and captivate audiences worldwide.

We extend a warm invitation for Marathi film entries from around the world, embracing a diverse array of narratives.

Submission Categories:

1) Short film (competition) in Marathi language (up to 30 mins in length)
The top three films in the short film category will be showcased at the NAFA Marathi International Film Festival in August 2026. A special subcategory of awards will also recognize the top three short films produced in the United States.

2) NAFA Film School Spotlight (for film school students) in any language (up to 20 min in length).
The NAFA Film School Spotlight is an exclusive section of the NAFA Film Festival dedicated to showcasing outstanding short films created by emerging filmmakers. This initiative provides a platform for film school students across the globe to present their work to a broader audience, gain industry recognition, and engage with established filmmakers.

The top three short films in the NAFA Film School Spotlight category will be showcased at the NAFA Marathi International Film Festival in Aug 2026.

3) NAFA Middle and High School Spotlight (for school students) in any language (up to 10 min in length).
The NAFA School Spotlight is an exclusive section of the NAFA Film Festival dedicated to showcasing outstanding short films created by school going students.

Language is not a barrier in film school or student short films category! We encourage submissions in any language. Selected films must include English subtitles where necessary to ensure accessibility for all audiences. This is a unique opportunity for students to present their vision and engage with the film community.

4) Feature film (non-competition) in Marathi language (Minimum 70 mins in length)
Selected film (s) will be showcased at the NAFA Marathi International Film Festival in Aug 2026.

5) Music Video in Marathi language (3 -5 minutes in length) for consideration for screening at the NAFA Marathi International Film Festival in Aug 2026.

6) Web Series in Marathi Language for consideration for screening at the NAFA Marathi International Film Festival in Aug 2026.

7) Micro dramas (90 seconds to 2 minutes in duration) will be considered for potential development into a larger micro-drama series in the future.

NAFA Marathi International Film Festival will be held 7, 8 and 9 Aug 2026, at the California Theatre, San Jose CA.

Rules & Terms

• Film must be produced between January 1, 2024, and Jun 25, 2026
• Film must not have been previously released (DVD/Blu-ray or television or OTT or digital media such as YouTube)
• Previously submitted films for NAFA’s festival in 2024/2025 are not eligible for re-submission
• Dubbed/ remade versions are not eligible for competition
• Promotional, educational, student and documentary films are not eligible for competition
• Films selected for the festival will be screened in the theater. The submitter of the film accepts to provide DCP or MP4 file with English subtitles for festival screening
• By submitting the film to the festival, it is assumed that the submitter holds all rights in and to the film and material and that they have authority and capacity to submit the film and material for NAFA Film Festival
• The submitter shall indemnify and hold harmless NAFA and NAFA Film Festival against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered
• Festival rules & regulations including submission deadlines are subject to change due to any unforeseen circumstances

-- Additional Rules for short-film competition/non-competition --
• A film produced prior to January 1, 2024, can be submitted, but won’t be eligible for competition
• If the film is already released through DVD/Blu-ray or available online, it can be submitted, but won’t be eligible for competition