The Cine Dreams International Film Festival (CDIFF) is hosting its 3rd edition in Mumbai, the beating heart of India’s cinematic landscape. We’ve chosen Mumbai not just because it’s home to the Hindi film industry, but also because it’s a vibrant hub for Marathi, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, and other regional cinema. This city houses not only actors but a plethora of technical professionals who breathe life into films.

The vision behind CDIFF is to create a global convergence of filmmakers from all linguistic backgrounds. By bringing everyone under one roof, we hope to foster a sense of community where artists can appreciate each other’s work, network, and potentially collaborate on future projects. More than just showcasing films, we aim to highlight the rich tapestry of stories that reflect the zeitgeist of our times and convey meaningful messages that resonate across cultures. Given that I Ayub Khan, am a writer, producer, director, and distributor, I deeply understand the aspirations of budding talents in the film industry. The Cine Dreams International Film Festival is our endeavor to provide a nurturing platform for these emerging artists. We aim for it to be a place where their dreams get a chance to shine, where good work is recognized, and where the future of cinema looks brighter than ever. Additionally, we believe that such an initiative will not only promote quality filmmaking but also boost tourism and business opportunities in our country

Awards & Prizes

Lifetime Achievement Award
At the upcoming CineDreams International Film Festival, we are proud to announce that we will be bestowing Lifetime Achievement Awards upon two iconic figures in the Bollywood industry. This recognition stands as a testament to their unparalleled contributions, unwavering dedication, and indelible impact on the world of cinema. Their cinematic journey has not only shaped Bollywood but has also left an everlasting imprint on the hearts of audiences globally. Join us as we celebrate the remarkable legacies of these two legendary celebrities and pay tribute to their lifetime of work, passion, and commitment to the craft.

Awards of the night
Our esteemed jury members will meticulously screen all submissions. After their thorough evaluation, selected films will be nominated for the following awards

Best film will receive a cash prize of 25k along with a trophy and certificate
Awards with Cash Prize + Trophy & Certificate

(Indian Category)
Best feature Film (India) - ₹25,000
Best Director Male - ₹25,000
Best Director Female - ₹25,000
Best Story - ₹21,000
Best Screenplay - ₹21,000
Best Dialogue - ₹21,000

Best Short Film - ₹15,000
Best Short Film Director - ₹15,000
Best Short Film Writer - ₹15,000

Best Documentary - ₹15,000

(Foreign Film Category)
Best Foreign Film - ₹25,000
Best Foreign Film Director - ₹25,000
Best Foreign Film Story/Dialogue/Screenplay - ₹25,000

(Regional Film Category)
Best Regional Film - ₹25,000
Best Regional Film Director - ₹25,000
Best Regional Film Story/Dialogue/Screenplay - ₹25,000
................................

Awards with Trophy & Certificate
This Category will receive a spectacular trophy and a certificate
Best Actor
Best Actor | Short Film
Best Actress
Best Actress | Short Film
Best Debut Producer
Best Debut Producer | Short Film
Best Debut Director
Best Debut Director | Short Film
Best Male Character Artist
Best Male Character Artist | Short Film
Best Female Character Artist
Best Female Character Artist | Short Film
Best Child Actor Male
Best Child Actor Male | Short Film
Best Child Actor Female
Best Child Actor Female | Short Film
Best Music | Feature Film
Best Lyrics | Feature Film
Best Male Singer| Feature Film
Best Female Singer | Feature Film
Best Background Music | Feature Film
Best Background Music | Short Film
Best Choreography | Feature Film
Best Sound Design | Feature Film
Best Sound Design | Short Film
Best Cinematography | Feature Film
Best Cinematography | Short Film
Best Editor | Feature Film
Best Editor | Short Film
Best Art Director | Feature Film
Best Art Director | Short Film
Best Costume | Feature Film
Best Costume | Short Film
Best Action Sequence | Feature Film
Best Action Sequence | Short Film
Best VFX & Graphics | Feature Film
Best VFX & Graphics | Short Film
Best Horror Film | Feature Film
Best Horror Film | Short Film
Best Comedy Film | Feature Film
Best Comedy Short Film
Best Thriller & Suspense | Feature Film
Best Thriller & Suspense | Short film
Best Family Drama | Feature Film
Best Family Drama | Short Film

Rules & Terms


All selected films will be screened across two screens at PVR CINEMA over two days. Festival pass holders can watch any film from morning 8:30 AM to midnight. They will also have the opportunity to rate the films they watch. These audience ratings will be combined with the jury’s scores to determine the final awards. Moreover, films that attract higher viewership will receive additional points based on their popularity.

The awards will be presented by renowned guests in a grand ceremony, ensuring that each winner’s hard work and creativity are celebrated in a fitting manner.

Eligibility
Films made from 1st Jan 2020 to 31st December 2025 are eligible.
All Languages and All Formats are accepted
Film can be entered by any organization / agency or by individual film Producer /Director who holds the copyright and/or authority by proxy. There is no restriction on number of entries.

Awards of the night
Our esteemed jury members will meticulously screen all submissions. After their thorough evaluation, selected films will be nominated for the following awards

Any other movie type is not eligible for submissions.

8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Christopher Matthew Spencer

    We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have “The Red Market” (https://www.instagram.com/theredmarketfilm/) featured at your event. The entire team, from Brian Cutler Actors Studio to the dedicated students and alumni from Dodge College at Chapman University, appreciates your support and recognition. Being seen and celebrated by your audience is an honor we hold dearly.

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Bud Patel

    It was pleasure submitting to the festival

    October 2025
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  • Lijin Lohithakshan

    Initially, the festival offered to screen my film and requested the DCP. After I inquired, they did not reply on time. Despite this, I kept communicating and made the DCP as they requested. Later, I received a WhatsApp message saying that due to time restrictions, my film was removed. This was very embarrassing for me as I had already invited people to attend. Subsequently, they sent an email saying the venue got cancelled and they are shifting the festival to a new date. The festival has not happened yet, and we don't know when. I found the overall oragnaising is very unprofessional.

    September 2025
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  • Ram Kumar Bharatam

    I am verymuch thankful to the Jury Members and Festival Organisers for selecting Our short film Oka Majili for multiple awards. This is a great honour for us and boosts our interest to produce more good films in future.

    September 2025
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  • Dharam Sawlani

    It could be better if we watched all the films, to give us a better learning experience

    September 2025
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