Cinema Father International Film Festival stands on the belief that cinema is not a product, not an algorithm, not a momentary distraction — but a living legacy passed from one generation to the next.

We honor the fathers and foremothers of cinema — the pioneers, rebels, poets, and truth-seekers — who believed that a single frame could challenge power, heal trauma, and preserve memory.

In an age of speed, Cinema Father chooses depth.
In an age of volume, we choose voice.
In an age of content, we choose cinema.

This festival exists to protect films that dare to slow down, to question, to observe, and to endure. Films that respect silence. Films that trust the audience. Films that are not afraid to be human.

Cinema Father is a space for filmmakers who create not for applause, but for posterity.
For films that may not go viral — but will remain vital.

We do not celebrate trends.
We celebrate truth.

We do not chase numbers.
We preserve meaning.

Cinema Father is not nostalgia.
It is responsibility.

We welcome films that are:

Driven by vision, not formula
Rooted in truth, observation, and human experience
Willing to slow down, question, and endure
Independent in spirit — regardless of budget or scale

We do not prioritise:

Virality or commercial trends
Algorithm-friendly storytelling
Popularity over purpose

We believe a powerful film does not shout — it stays.

Our selection process values:

Authentic voice
Clarity of intention
Emotional and intellectual honesty
Respect for cinema language

Cinema Father exists for filmmakers who create films they would want to be remembered for — not merely consumed.

If your film is made with patience, conviction, and belief in cinema’s lasting power, this festival is your home.

Awards & Prizes


Section 1: Production Award / Cinema Father Award

Best Feature Film:

Best Short Film

Best Animation

Best Documentary

Best Music Video

Best Web Series

Best Film-Jury

Best Director (The Guardian of Vision Award)

Best Debut Director (For Feature Films Only) (The First Voice Award)

Special Festival Mention Certificate

Honorable Jury Mention Certificate

Section 2: Creative Awards

Best Cinematography (The Light Bearer Award)

Best Editing (The Rhythm of Silence Award)

Best Screenplay (The Written Memory Award)

Best VFX

Section 3: Music Awards (The Invisible Storyteller Award)

Best Original Music

Best Background Music


Section 4: Performance Awards (The Human Truth Award)

Best Actor

Best Actress

Rules & Terms

1. Every official selected film in CFIFF will enjoy following benefits-

Promotion & Marketing:

-Listing on fest website in official selection section.
-Lifetime dedicated film page on fest website in catalogue.
-Film team video interviews will be published in Filmmaker’s Cut and promoted on social media.
-Film Pitch video will be published in Film Market and promoted among industry professionals.
-Film article in News & blog on festival website.

Film Market & Distribution:

-Miniboxoffice Film Market subscription for 03 months.
-Film Distribution, Sales, Pitching & networking opportunities.
-Personal page, project listing & future opportunities.

Recognition & Awards:

-Every submitted film will get certificate of participation.
-Every officially selected film will get Certificate of Excellence- Official Selection certificate.
-Every Award Winner will get Certificate of Excellence- Award Certificate & Trophy.
-Every festival attendee will get festival mementos.

Feedback & Criticism:

-Festival provide a unique opportunity for every filmmaker to get Jury score sheet in order to understand ‘how the movie performed in festival’ and for scope of improvement.
-Audience interaction after film screening.

Learning & Exchange

-Master Classes on various current topics & trends.
-Culture & business exchange with fellow filmmakers.

2. Eligibility, Year of production & accepted movie duration:

Films must be subtitled in English if language is other than English.
Year of production: Jan-2024 onwards
Feature Film, Documentaries & Animation: up-to 150 min
Short Film, Documentaries & Animation: up-to 60 min
Music Videos: 2-8 min & Web series- any duration

3. The decision of the Jury will be final and can’t be challenged.

4. CFIFF-26 stages/process:

• Entry submission as per rules & regulations.
• Notification of shortlisted films by the festival office on 05 June 2026 and late submission notification on 07 June 26.
• Delegate registration to attend CFIFF-26. All filmmakers must have registered as delegate to attend the festival. Hospitality charges are applicable for filmmakers & attendees, which include lunch, tea/coffee with cookies & master classes.
• Festival movies screening & workshops followed by award ceremony on 20 June 2026 at Bangalore, India.

5. Cinema Father International Film Festival-2026 does not take any type financial commitment for the expense incurred on the correspondence by the participant. All Travel, Lodging & Boarding and other miscellaneous expenses will have to be borne by the participant himself for attending the festival. No request for the same will be entertained.

6. The actual postal charges are applicable for award delivery via courier in case you are unable to attend the festival.

7. Once the film submitted can’t be withdrawn in any circumstances, however festival director reserve the rights to disqualify any film on certain grounds.

8. By submitting movie to Cinema Father International Film Festival-2026, filmmaker/producer takes the whole responsibility of copyright issues of music, script and other creative and technical aspects of film.

9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sergey Hamilton

    It was fantastic! Thanks for this experience.

    June 2025
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  • Juan luo

    Thank for the precious recognition and evaluation provided by professional team on our awarded film.

    June 2025
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  • Agustin Palleres Yoffe

    Thanks a lot for the Award of Best Debut Director. Its an Honor! And its a great festival. Very warm people!

    June 2025
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  • Цэг М.

    A great festival! Was very well organized and good communication! Hope to see you in the future with another project! Thank you so much!

    June 2025
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  • Simmer Bhatia

    Was overwhelmed to receive the best screenplay and certificate in person , without having to pay for it, unlike other festivals. I feel it's a great gesture as lots go in into making of any movie and accolades of winners in person, should not be charged to respect their work. And I have huge respect for Cinema Father International Film festival for doing this . Thank you 🙏

    April 2024
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