Wench Film Festival is India's First Fantastic Film Festival showcasing films made by filmmakers inclusive of BIWOC, LGBTQ+ women, and Non-Binary.

Fantastic Films Include Horror, Sci Fi, and Fantasy!

Films completed after March 2022 are eligible.

Wench Film Festival is back, and it's bigger and bolder than ever! As India's first and foremost celebration of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy cinema, we're thrilled to announce our monumental 4th edition, landing on the extra-special date of February 29th, on this remarkable leap year.

This time around, we're taking giant leaps in the world of genre films, presenting a meticulously curated selection of 29 films that will transport you to worlds unknown. Get ready for an astonishing lineup featuring 14 India Premieres and 10 Asia Premieres, ensuring that you'll be among the first to witness these cinematic marvels.

But that's not all! On March 2nd, we're shining a spotlight on Indian talent with a dedicated day featuring 10 captivating films, accompanied by the brilliant minds behind them. Directors will be present for engaging Q&A sessions, offering a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the magic behind the movies.

Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic journey, as we explore the realms of imagination and creativity like never before. Join us at the Wench Film Festival's 4th edition FEB 29 - MAR 3 and be part of this incredible leap into the world of genre filmmaking.
TICKETS ON INSIDER.

After a successful physical Edition 3 we have decided NOT to have any screenings online and focus on growing a thriving and engaged community. The Festival will take place at Veda Factory, MUMBAI.

HIGHLIGHTS OF PREVIOUS FESTIVALS

V3, 2023 (HYBRID)
25 FILMS ALL SCREENED PHYSICALLY IN 2 LOCATIONS
-OPENING SPEAKER ANVITA DUTT
-MASTERCLASS IN HORROR BY VIKRAM BHATT
-HORROR WRITERS ROOM WITH KAIZAD GUSTAD
-PITCH IT TILL YOU MAKE IT - INDIA'S FIRST HORROR PITCHING SESSION
-LIVE SCORING TO THE FIRST SCI FI FILM - A TRIP TO THE MOON
-DISCUSSING GENRE AND THE GAZE WITH VISHAL FURIA AND ENSIA MIRZA

V Two, 2022 (HYBRID)
47 FILMS
43 DIRECTED BY WOMEN.
6 IMPORTANT PANELS - 23 PANELISTS
-HIGH ON SPIRITS
-NO FREAKINGIdeaWhat THISThingIs (NFT)
-VR HERE
-FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING : THE INSIDE STORY
-I SEE DEAD PEOPLE
-SCREAM QUEENS

V One, 2021 (Virtual)
41 Films -
18 Features
12 Shorts
11 Kids Films
ALL DIRECTED BY WOMEN !
7 Important Panels - 52 Panelist’s
-Consent and Intimacy on Set
-Inclusivity Matters!
-Scream Queens
-Inside Out
-Genre Films
-Sound of Music
-Women In Advertising

With stellar ticket sales in Year 1, 2, and 3 of the festival with titles that were largely discovered at the festival is testimony to what the festival set out to achieve and is probably the best response received for any online festival from India.

ARE YOU READY TO SMASH THAT BLOODY CEILING WITH US?

(PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PHYSICAL PART OF THE FESTIVAL CAN CHANGE IF COVID STRIKES AGAIN OR SOMETHING NEW CROPS UP! PLEASE CHECK HERE OR ON OUR WEBSITE www.wenchfilmfestival.com FOR UPDATES)

BLOOD THIRSTY
DWARVES
ELVES

WFF IS A FANTASTIC FILM FESTIVAL- ONLY FANTASY, SCI-FI AND HORROR FILMS WILL BE ACCEPTED (Documentaries, Narratives and Hybrids)
Horror is subjective as a theme as well and need not only be knee jerk reactive. Climate Change and Sexual Assault are both completely different topics but Horrific in nature. It's how you treat your film.

Should the submitted film not adhere to this eligibility requirement or to the following rules and terms, WFF retains the right to disqualify said film and is under no obligation to contact the submitting party and/or refund the submission fee.

Please carefully read the following terms and rules, including Selection and Notification, Submission Rules, and Terms and Conditions.

-Films completed after March 2022 are eligible.

-By submitting to the festival you confirm that you own the rights of the film, including the rights to the music in the film. WFF is not responsible and will not be held responsible in case of any dispute. Your film may be disqualified without a notice or refund.

- We Welcome Narrative, Animated, Experimental, Documentary and Music Videos

-All entries should be sent via FilmFreeway with a secure Online Screener.

-There is no minimum / maximum running time.

-Filmmakers may submit multiple entries as long as each film is submitted with its own Entry Form, Online Screener and paid Entry Fee.

-Submitted films that are not eligible will be withdrawn. Please check eligibility before submitting. Questions may be sent to submissions@wenchfilmfestival.com

-You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Wench Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

-The entrant expressly agrees that the film may be shown at the festival and used for promotional purposes in connection with the festival. This includes, among other things, the distribution of the film to all jury members, the use of excerpts for advertising clips and other uses within the framework of the festival. In addition, the submitter agrees that the film may be shown at events after the festival.

-Submitted films must not have undergone commercial exploitation – for example, an official theatrical release and a DVD and Blu-ray release – by the time of the festival. Private“ screenings such as premieres, festival participations, and self-distributed DVDs and Blu-rays are exempt from this restriction

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Not all of our team could make it there in person, but we're happy at least one of us went! This is what she said: "I really enjoyed attending Wench Film Festival at Veda Black Box this year. The program included unique and breath taking short and feature films. The venue's courtyard was perfect to meet and connect with fellow film makes. A huge Thank you to Sapna and the rest of the team for giving us the opportunity to screen Sweet Survival."
    I personally loved to see how much love went into every detail of the festival and really hope that one day I'll be able to attend, too!

    March 2024
  • Volition Production

    Sapna and the Wench team are wonderful communicators and I’m a huge fan of this festival! Sadly I couldn’t make it to Mumbai from the US this round but hope to experience the festival in person soon. Thanks Wench for being so excellent and including Volition in the festival!

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much and we can't wait to see what you make next :)

  • Virginie Selavy

    A very exciting festival run by lovely people. I would have loved to be able to attend. Communication was excellent and there was a great sense of energy and enthusiasm from the organisers.

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Virginie and we hope to see you In India with your next one :)

  • Ariel Hansen

    While I wasn't able to make it in person, the communication and online promotion from this festival was top knotch! It was very exciting to know that our work was being seen by a whole new audience who otherwise likely would never have heard of our work before. Seeing which filmmakers were attending with their films and all the events they had going on it also looks like there's some great hospitality and networking for those who are able to attend in person.

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your film Ariel. We hope to see ya at the fest soon!

  • Nehal Pal

    Wench Film Festival is a groundbreaking celebration of genre-based cinema. We are thankful for such a great opportunity to have our short film Night of The Bride screen at Wench 2024. While we couldn't attend the festival in person, we followed the social media updates really closely, and it was amazing to see how well-rounded the entire festival experience was. From unique and edgy installations to engaging panels to the amazing line-up, it was a complete delight for cinephiles. What sets Wench apart from the others is that it truly celebrates and champions diverse voices, especially in the genre space. Kudos to Sapna and the team!

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Nehal. It was so good to see yours and Virats work at the fest. The audience really loved it and congrats on the win. To many more.