The Chennai International Film Festival (CIFF) is a festival organised in the city of Chennai, India, by a film society, the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation, with the support of the government of Tamil Nadu & Nation Film Development Corporation , providing a common platform for the film fraternity to show its expression through films; understanding other cultures and project the excellence of this art form; contribute to the understanding and appreciation of film cultures of the different nations in the context of the social and cultural ethos; and promote friendship and co-operation among peoples of the world.
The festival has been organized since 2003. It showcases international as well as Indian feature films. The Indian language films are divided into the Tamil (12 films) and the Indian panorama featured films (around 15 films). The festival screens more than 100 international feature films from more than 60 countries under noncompetitive section.
The Competition section is for Tamil Feature Films as well as for World Feature Films.
feature films. The Indian language films are divided into the Tamil (12 films) and the Indian panorama featured films (around 15 films). The festival screens more than 100 international feature films from more than 60 countries under noncompetitive section.

The Competition section is for Tamil Feature Films as well as for World Feature Films.

The CIFF provide awards in the following categories for Tamil Language Feature Films produced in India or one of the producers must be an Indian only:
• Best Tamil Feature Film
• Second Best Tamil Feature Film
• Special Jury award to an individual not covered in the above two awards
• Best Actor
• Best Actress
• Best Cinematographer
• Best Editor
• Best Sound Recordist

For the World Feature Films Competition, the following awards are given.
Best Feature Film
Second Best Feature Film
Special Jury award
Special Mention Certificate

Tamil Feature Films:
Films certified by CBFC between 16th October 2025 and 15th October 2026 are eligible for submission of the entries. One of the Producers must be an Indian. All Entries should be submitted through Film freeway site only
World Cinema competition:
Films completed after 1st November 2025 are only eligible for submission of the entries
Indian Panorama:
Films completed after 1st October 2025 are eligible for submission of the entries

World Cinema Non- competition:
Films that are completed after 1st July 2025 are eligible for submission of the entries
Main Condition:
No screening fee or rental will be paid to the right holders in case of selection in any of the above categories.
No Entry fee will be refunded for wrong entry categories.
All feature films should be 70 minutes and above are accepted

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sarmiladevi Kadiresan

    ​It was a privilege to participate in the 23rd Chennai International Film Festival. Screening our film, The Honourable Drum, in the World Non-Competition section was a career highlight. The festival team is incredibly professional, and the platform they provide for international cinema is world-class. The audience engagement and the quality of the screening facilities were superb. Highly recommended for any filmmaker looking for a prestigious stage in India.

    January 2026
  • Shrikant Choudhari

    It was a pleasure attending Chennai International Film Festival. Thank you for selecting our film RANGAAA in Indian Panorama Section.

    January 2026
  • A festival that actually shows the selection on cinema. Long running. Thanks much for the selection of Romancing Sydney.

    December 2025
  • Gerald Diraviam

    An excellent film festival showcasing the best of indian and world cinema..

    September 2025
  • Pooja Jangid

    It was an amazing and memorable experience.

    December 2024