Dekho Film Festival (formerly known as AAB Film Festival) celebrates the art of storytelling through films. "Dekho" means "watch" in Hindi, symbolizing our core mission – to bring audiences together to watch and appreciate remarkable films from around the world.

Previously hosted in cities like Kolkata, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Moga (Punjab), the festival evolved in 2024 with a brand-new identity as the Dekho Film Festival, marking its grand debut in the city of Bollywood dreams – Mumbai. Held on 18th–19th May 2024, the festival featured an eclectic lineup of 39 films, including selections from the AAB Film Festival and fresh entries for Dekho's inaugural edition.

The event was not just about films; it was a celebration of art, culture, and community. Attendees engaged in interactive sessions with notable talents like actor and director Kashyap Harsha Shangari, who shared insights and experiences with the audience.

Adding cultural flair to the festival, we hosted mesmerizing Kathak dance performances, captivating semi-classical dance shows, and soulful performances by a live music band during the awards ceremony.

We are thrilled to announce that Dekho Film Festival is now open for submissions for its 2025 Edition, which will take place in May 2025.

At Dekho Film Festival, we aim to create a space where stories come alive, cultures blend, and audiences connect with filmmakers and artists who inspire and entertain.

Join us in celebrating cinema – watch, experience, and connect with stories that matter.

Category Awards

Best One Minute Short Film
Best International Short Film
Best Indian Short Film
Best Indian Regional Short Film
Best Foreign Language Short Film
Best South Asian Short Film
Best Documentary Short Film
Best Animation Film
Best Experimental Film
Best LGBTQ Film
Best Student Short Film
Best International Feature Film
Best Indian Feature Film
Best South Asian Feature Film
Best Social issue Film
Best Human Rights Film
Best Music Video
Best Web Series
Best Women Films

Individual Award

Best Director
Best Debut Director
Best Women Director
Best Cinematographer
Best Editor
Best Screenwriter
Best Producer
Best Performances (Male)
Best Performances (Female)
Best Performances (supporting Role)

Special Festival Award
Jury Choice Award
Festival Choice Award
Audience Choice Award

1. ​Dekho Film Festival 2025 is a film festival with live screenings in front of live audiences open to all Organizations / Agencies / Independent Filmmakers / Producers / Directors.

2. Submission will be accepted through submission partners.

3. All submissions are final. No withdrawal after complete submission.

4. All genre films will be accepted.

5. All Selected films will require HD format of the film on festival demand for screening purposes through Dropbox or WeTransfer.

6. All films which are selected/nominated for the festival screening will be informed only by emails & listed on the festival website.

7. No inquiries or arguments will be entertained regarding non-selected films. The decision of the festival selection committee will be final.

8. All non-English foreign language films / regional language Indian films must have English subtitles.

9. Festival organizers will not be responsible if the film is not screened due to film format problems.

10. Festival Director reserves the right to disqualify any film on certain grounds.

11. Each entry will be accompanied by non-refundable fees.

12. The festival authorities will have the right to retain copies of each film and the material sent as part of our festival library & can be screened for education, promotion, awareness & non-commercial purposes.

13. The excerpts from films sent for Dekho Film Festival 2025 can be shown on Indian / International T.V. / Local Networks / Internet, etc., for promotional / publicity purposes.

14. Films that are submitted must be the entrant’s original work and shall not infringe on any copyrights or any other rights of any third parties. Contestants agree that they have obtained all required copyright permissions regarding music, sound & images, etc., presented in their film.

15. Entrants agree that Dekho Film Festival 2025 organizers will not be held liable for any copyright violations by you or your films.

16. Dekho Film Festival 2025 reserves the right to not screen any film for any reason it deems valid.

17. Dekho Film Festival 2025 will communicate all details through email communications only, so please provide an authorized email and respond to emails as soon as possible. No phone call inquiries.

18. Entrance fee is non-refundable. Entries will not be processed without entry fee payment. No refund for not-selected films and incomplete entries.

19. Dekho Film Festival 2025 organizers reserve the right to change, cancel, or reschedule the dates, venue, awards & categories without consent or information to contestants.

20. The organizers reserve the right not to award any or all of the prizes.

21. The Festival Director reserves the right to take all decisions about the festival.

22. The code of conduct will have to be strictly followed by the entrants; misbehavior will lead to disqualification & legal actions.

23. Dekho Film Festival 2025 organizers reserve the right to make any necessary changes in regulations or scheduling.

24. The decision of the management is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

25. Films once entered into the festival will not be allowed to be withdrawn. Participation in the Dekho Film Festival 2023 to 2025 implies acceptance of all these rules.

26. The decision of jury members will be final and accepted by all. No inquiries or arguments will be entertained.

27. Agreeing to the above terms & conditions of the Dekho Film Festival 2025 organizing committee implies compliance and acceptance.

28. The applicant agrees to have read and accepted the rules & regulations for participation in the Dekho Film Festival. The applicant confirms that he/she has the requisite authority or has obtained the requisite authority from the producer/right holder to enter this film into the Dekho Film Festival and make the print available for screening. Under NO circumstance will the authorities of the Dekho Film Festival entertain or be answerable to anyone else apart from the applicant.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Thanks for selecting "Enter the Room" into your festival. I wasn't able to attend the event in person, but was impressed by the level of communication and detail provided throughout. I had a good experience overall and will definitely consider submitting future projects to Dekho Film Festival.

    May 2024
  • NJ Batty

    Thank you to the Aab International Film Festival and all the team behind the event who make it possible. It is amazing to receive recognition and acknowledgment for all the work and energy that goes into making a short film.

    Keep up the amazing work!

    March 2023
  • Yolanda Belvis

    fanstastic, comunication. Agradecida por el premio a mejor historia. Best regards

    March 2023
  • opera totale

    Dear Indian friends, we are truly honored to have participated with ACQUA ALLE CORDE in your delightful festival. THANK YOU AGAIN 😘

    March 2023
  • Thanks for the jury to honour my Tamil short film “KAYAMAI” by officially selected at your film festival. It is my pleasure being a part of AIFF.

    March 2023