The Auroville Film Festival is a biennial film festival that started in 2009 and established itself as a success with editions in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2020 and 2022. It is a central contribution to the cultural life in Auroville, an international township in the making in South India.

We feature international films that explore the theme of human unity.

The aim of the Auroville Film Festival is to connect with people and cultures within and beyond Auroville and to further Auroville's aspiration by showcasing films that develop the theme of human unity.

Our unique structure allows us to incorporate local participation in the screening of films, the creation of art installations, live music events and other festive activities. With three screening venues including one outdoor venue, an outdoor music stage, a food court, a discussion area we attract large audiences and enable an exciting festival ambiance.

We are also showing films made by local filmmakers, students and films made about Auroville and/or its bioregion. Films for these three local categories are not to be submitted through FilmFreeway.

Our festival is totally non-commercial: No entrance fees to view the festival program. Submission fee for the international category of films that develop the theme of human unity is US$ 5. All revenue received from submission fees is spent entirely on the organization of the festival.

The prizes will be in kind and expressive of the spirit of Auroville.

THE THEME IS "HUMAN UNITY"
"As we all know, unity refers to that which is one and cannot be divided; associated with humanity it refers to all that is one or all that can become united in humanity. It includes also all the processes exploring its development: oppositions, difficulties, failures, etc...
It can be experienced within oneself or in relation with other human beings …or even with everything that exists in the world… animals, plants and nature, stones, situations, events …
Human unity aims at unity in diversity; a unity beyond religions, nationalities and, more generally, beyond uniformity. It springs from the deepest source of one's own being, and it embraces all forms of existence."

PLEASE NOTE:
Deadline for "Films that develop the theme of Human Unity" is July 31, 2023.

a) The screening format in the main venue is digital file in 1080p HD. All screening copies of selected films must be delivered to the festival digitally in 1080p via downloadable link on FilmFreeway, Vimeo, Dropbox or similar services.

b) No DVDs / Blu-ray accepted

c) Films of any duration will be accepted.

d) Non-English submission must have English subtitles.

e) The films for this category must have been completed after 1 January 2021.

f) Auroville Film Festival will take responsibility for the final selection of all films.

g) The prizes will be in kind and expressive of the spirit of Auroville.

h) This International category will be judged by a separate jury of 3, at least one of whom will be Aurovilian and none of whom will be involved in the selection or organization process.

i) Our festival is totally non-commercial: no entrance fee to view festival programs.
Submission fee for the international category of films that develop the theme of human unity is US$ 5. All revenue received from submission fees is spent entirely on the organization of the festival.

j) Submission fees are not refundable.

k) No screening fees will be paid for screening submitted and selected films at the festival.

l) If the film submission does not include an online screener and synopsis it will not be considered

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kaushal Oza

    Highly recommend this gem of a festival. The organizers are passionate about the festival and leave no stone unturned to make the film makers welcome at Auroville. There are tons of outings planned to introduce one to the unique communities of Auroville. Wonderful and curious audience.

    February 2024
  • My film Amuka was in competition this year. Unfortunately the festival was just online because the physical venues were cancelled just a few days before because of the covid restrictions. It was amazing the high quality of the films selected and the staff was great in communication and passionate about the films which is not so common in film festivals organizers. Well done Auroville film Festival!

    January 2022
  • Fueye Films

    Everything perfect with the festival !! Thank you

    January 2020
  • anupama mandloi

    It was a great experience. The films I managed to catch while there, were meaningful and a great pick. The response to our film Aunty Sudha Aunty Radha was heartwarming. The festival really positioned the film well for the audience ... a big thank you for that! It's a great festival for makers as it encourages discussion, debate and appreciation for films centred around humanity.

    January 2020
  • Barry Mitchell

    Thanks to the team at Auroville FF for making us welcome and for screening our little film as part of the Human Unity strand. We certainly need to stand together in order to tackle the climate challenge, which daily is becoming more urgent. What a great festival, with a lovely engaged atmosphere, and a great selection of quality films. Hope it continues to grow.

    January 2020