Waterfront Indie Film Festival

By submitting a film to the Waterfront Indie Film Festival (WIFF), filmmakers agree to comply with the following rules and regulations:
1. Eligibility
• Open to All: WIFF is open to filmmakers from all countries and territories.
• Criteria: WIFF is open to submissions of all films completed between 1st January 2024 and 30th September 2026.
• Film Categories: The festival accepts films in the following categories:
o Feature Films
o Short Films
o Documentary Films
o Experimental Films
• Submission Deadline: All entries must be submitted by the official deadline, August 30, 2026.
• Competition: Films completed between January 1, 2024 and September 30, 2026 are eligible for competition, regardless of their theatrical release or public screening in Mumbai.
• Film Length:
o Feature Films: Above 60 minutes
o Short Films: Below 45 minutes
o Documentaries: Any length
o Experimental Films: Any length
2. Submission Requirements
• Format: Films must be submitted in MP4 or MOV format with subtitles in English (if the original language is not English).
• Submission Platforms: All entries must be submitted through the festival’s official submission platform FilmFreeway. Filmmakers must ensure all technical aspects of their films meet the festival’s submission guidelines.
• Film Synopsis: A brief synopsis (max. 300 words) of the film, director's note along with a short biography of the director and key cast and crew members, must accompany the submission.
• Promotional Material: Filmmakers can provide at least one high-resolution image (minimum 300 dpi), a trailer (if available), and a poster for promotional purposes.
3. Selection & Screening
• Selection Process: All films will be reviewed and selected by the festival’s official programming team, screening committee and jury members. Selected films will be notified no later than September 15, 2026.
• Screening Formats: Selected films will be screened via a high-resolution MP4 or MOV file. Filmmakers must provide the final screening copy (without any watermarks or logos) by September 20th. Please note: the festival is not equipped to screen through DCPs.
• Language: Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles. Subtitles must be hardcoded for screening.
4. Awards & Categories
• Award Categories: Films are eligible for multiple awards, including Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography and others (see Awards section for full list).
• Prize Disbursement: Cash awards will be paid to the film’s designated producer or representative appointed by the producer in writing. Taxes or any other applicable charges are mandatory.
• Jury Decision: All decisions by the jury panel are final and cannot be appealed.
5. Filmmaker Participation
• Competition Status: By submitting the film, the filmmaker agrees not to withdraw the film after it has been officially selected for screening.
• Festival Attendance: Filmmakers are encouraged to attend the festival in person. Travel, accommodation, and other expenses remain the responsibility of the filmmakers.
• Publicity and Promotion: By submitting the film, the filmmaker agrees to allow WIFF to use excerpts (up to 2 minutes) for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, trailers, and press coverage.
• Press & Interviews: Filmmakers may be asked to participate in interviews or press-related activities. Participation is optional but highly encouraged.
6. Copyright and Ownership
• Copyright: Filmmakers must hold the necessary rights to the submitted film, including all audio, video, and music content. WIFF assumes no responsibility for any copyright disputes.
• Liability: Filmmakers are responsible for ensuring that the content of the film does not infringe upon the rights of others, including any defamatory, libelous, or obscene content.
• Rights to Screen: By submitting, the filmmaker grants WIFF the right to publicly screen the film at the festival and associated events. This right is non-exclusive and is limited to the duration of the festival.
7. Festival & Screening Rights
• Festival Screenings: WIFF reserves the right to screen selected films at any festival-related events, including but not limited to, press screenings, private screenings, or industry networking events.
• Online Screening: WIFF may choose to host certain films on their official digital platforms for global viewing post-festival on approval of the filmmakers/producers. If the film is chosen for this, the filmmaker will be notified and can approve associated terms.
• Festival Archive: All submitted films may be archived for festival records and promotional purposes, and will not be made available to the general public without prior approval from the filmmakers.
8. Disqualification
• Non-compliance: Any film that does not meet the technical and submission requirements or violates any of the festival’s rules may be disqualified at the discretion of the selection committee.
• Failure to Respond: Filmmakers must respond to the festival's communications promptly. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification.
9. Festival Liability
• Festival Liability: WIFF and its affiliates will not be held liable for any loss, damage, or theft of materials submitted for the festival. By submitting a film, filmmakers agree to release the festival from any liability related to the screening or distribution of their work.
10. Miscellaneous
• Changes to Terms: WIFF reserves the right to change any of the terms or rules of the festival, including awards, categories, and submission deadlines. All changes will be communicated via official channels.
• Final Agreement: Submitting a film to WIFF implies that the filmmaker has read and understood the rules and agrees to abide by them.
Contact Information
For any inquiries or clarifications regarding rules and regulations, please contact -
Email: waterfrontindiefilms@gmail.com