The Bhopal Film Festival is a passionate collective of filmmakers, artists, and storytellers who believe in the power of cinema to build connections and spark dialogue. The Bhopal Film Festival was born from the desire to create a space where independent voices can be seen, heard, and celebrated, right here in the heart of Madhya Pradesh.

Our work grows from collaboration and curiosity. We come from different creative backgrounds, but share a commitment to stories that are honest, rooted, and imaginative. Together, we aim to nurture a community where cinema becomes more than an art form, it becomes a shared experience that brings people closer. We see this festival as a living, evolving platform, one that supports filmmakers, engages audiences, and places Bhopal firmly on the map for independent cinema and cultural dialogue.

TBFF is a new independent short film competition taking place on 21 February 2026 at Ravindra Bhawan Auditorium, Bhopal. The festival celebrates the unique culture of Central India and provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to share local stories with pride and reach a wider audience.

No Entry Fee: Participation is free for this first edition to encourage maximum entries. Event Format: A one-day event featuring selected short films across four categories, followed by the award ceremony. All styles and genres are welcome — what matters most is originality and storytelling.

Awards & Prizes

• Cash prizes
• Jury recognition
• Winning films become part of a travelling theatre across Madhya Pradesh

Rules & Terms

To be eligible, please follow these requirements:
• Short Film Duration: Films must follow the time limits of their category (either 10 minutes or 5 minutes). There’s no minimum length, but even very short films should fit meaningfully within a category.
• Completion Date: Films must have been produced after January 1, 2023. Only finished films are accepted; works in progress are not eligible.
Production: The festival focuses on independent cinema. Your film should be made independently, not as a commercial studio production. Sponsors or grants are fine, but the creative control must remain with the filmmaker.
• Originality: Films must be your own creative work with original storytelling. Do not use copyrighted material (music, clips, etc.) without permission.
• Language & Subtitles: Films in any language are accepted. If your film isn’t in English, please include English subtitles. Even if it’s in Hindi or a regional language, English subtitles are strongly encouraged for wider understanding. Subtitles are your responsibility to prepare.
• Eligilibility Criteria: Film submissions are open to all filmmakers, provided they meet at least one of the eligibility criteria: the filmmaker is from Madhya Pradesh, or the film is shot in Madhya Pradesh, or the story is set in or based on Madhya Pradesh. Any one of these conditions is sufficient for eligibility..
• Prior Screenings: Films don’t need to be premieres. You can submit films that have screened elsewhere or are online. However, showing something new or lesser known to local audiences adds excitement. If your film has won awards or been shown before,
mention it in the form — it won’t affect your eligibility.
• Format & Technical Requirements: Films shot on any device (camera, DSLR, or phone) are accepted. Submit your film as a digital file or link. It must be in HD quality (720p or 1080p) and in a common format like MP4 or MOV (H.264). If selected, we may ask for a higher-quality version for screening.
• Age Limit: Filmmakers aged 16 to 35 years can submit entries.
Submission Limit: There’s no limit on how many films you can submit, but each film must have its own entry form and fit only one category.
• Submission Fee: No fee will be charged. The festival is free to enter but beware of fake messages or websites asking for money. Only follow the official submission process.

Submission Process & requirements
Follow these steps to submit your film online:
1. Fill Out the Entry Form: Complete the official Bhopal Film Festival Submission Form (Google Form). The link will be available on our website and social media pages. Fill in all required details about you and your film. Incomplete forms won’t be accepted.
2. Provide a Screening Link: Share a URL link to your film for viewing. Physical copies like DVDs or drives are not accepted. You can share a Vimeo (preferred), YouTube unlisted, or Google Drive/Dropbox link. Make sure the link can be viewed or downloaded without login requests. If it’s password-protected (e.g. on Vimeo), include the password in the form.
Keep the Link Active: Your film link must stay active until February 2026. Avoid using links that expire (like WeTransfer). We recommend Google Drive or Vimeo. The file should be under 2GB for 10-minute films and under 1GB for 5-minute films for easier viewing. Your link will only be used by the jury. If your film is selected, we may ask for a better-quality version and permission to use short clips for festival promotion.
3. Submit Before the Deadline: The extended deadline for submission is January 7, 2025(11:59 PM IST). Late or incomplete entries may not be accepted. Once you submit, you’ll receive a confirmation message or email. Contact the festival team before the deadline if you face any issues.
3. Avoid Duplicate Submissions: Submit each film only once. If you have more than one film, fill out a separate form for each.
4. Queries and Support: For help or questions, contact us at the official festival email (to be shared on our website). Our team will assist you with submission or technical issues.
There is no entry fee — your only effort is to make a great film and submit it correctly.