India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage has always found a powerful voice through cinema. As a universal language, film connects cultures, preserves stories, and inspires generations across the world.

HIFA International Film Awards (HIFA), launched in 2026, is an international platform dedicated to celebrating cinematic excellence and discovering new voices in global cinema. The festival brings together filmmakers, film professionals, critics, students, and cinema lovers from around the world to honor creativity, storytelling, and innovation.

HIFA supports independent and emerging filmmakers by providing recognition, visibility, and opportunities for cultural exchange. Along with film screenings, the festival features discussions, workshops, and masterclasses focused on filmmaking and film appreciation.

We invite the global film community to be part of HIFA International Film Awards and celebrate the art of cinema beyond boundaries.

Awards & Prizes

HIFA International Film Awards (HIFA) honors outstanding cinematic achievement across diverse formats and storytelling platforms. Selected films will be recognized with Official Selection Laurels, while winners will receive award trophies, digital certificates and laurels.

Awards are presented in the following categories:

🎬 Feature Film Awards

1. Best Feature Film – Indian
2. Best Feature Film – Foreign
3. Best Director – Feature Film (Indian)
4. Best Actor – Feature Film (Indian)
5. Best Actress – Feature Film (Indian)
6. Best Director – Feature Film (Foreign)
7. Best Actor – Feature Film (Foreign)
8. Best Actress – Feature Film (Foreign)

🎥 Documentary Film Awards

1. Best Long Documentary Film
2. Best Short Documentary Film

🎥 Short Films Awards

1. Best Long Short Film – Indian
2. Best Long Short Film – Foreign
3. Best Director – Long Short Film (Indian)
4. Best Director – Long Short Film (Foreign)
5. Best Actor – Long Short Film (Indian)
6. Best Actor – Long Short Film (Foreign)
7. Best Actress – Long Short Film (Indian)
8. Best Actress – Long Short Film (Foreign)

1. Best Short Film – Indian
2. Best Short Film – Foreign
3. Best Director – Short Film (Indian)
4. Best Director – Short Film (Foreign)
5. Best Actor – Short Film (Indian)
6. Best Actor – Short Film (Foreign)
7. Best Actress – Short Film (Indian)
8. Best Actress – Short Film (Foreign)

🎓 Student Films

1. Best Student Film – Indian
2. Best Student Film – Foreign
3. Best Director - Student Film Indian
4. Best Director - Student Film Foreign

🎶 Music Videos & Animation

1. Best Music Video Album
2. Best Feature-Length Animation Film
3. Best Short Animation Film

🏆 Official Selection & Winner Recognition

1. All officially selected entries will receive an Official Selection Digital Laurel
2. Award winners will Honoured with Winner Trophies, Laurel and Digital Certificate.

Rules & Terms

HIFA International Film Awards 2026 – Submission Guidelines & Terms

The HIFA International Film Awards (HIFA) will be held from 19 to 20 September 2026. All participants are requested to carefully read and follow the guidelines mentioned below before submitting their Entries.

1. Eligibility to Apply

Submissions are open to filmmakers from all backgrounds and regions worldwide. Whether you are an independent creator, student, Film Institutes, University or professional. HIFA values creativity and storytelling over geography or scale.

2. Film Completion Date

Only films completed on or after 1 January 2023 are eligible for submission.

3. Mandatory English Subtitles

All submitted films must include English subtitles. Entries without subtitles may be rejected without review.

4. Multiple Submissions

Filmmakers may submit more than one Entry. Each entry must be submitted separately with its own submission fee.

5. Content Not Accepted

The festival does not accept the following:
- Amateur or home videos
- Films promoting political or religious propaganda
- Pornographic or sexually explicit content
- Technically poor-quality films (unclear audio, low resolution, missing subtitles, etc.)

6. Copyright & Legal Ownership

The submitter must hold all rights to the film, including music, visuals, and content. Any copyright infringement will result in immediate disqualification. HIFA will not be held responsible for such violations.

7. Jury & Selection Process

All films are reviewed by the festival jury. The jury’s decision is final and binding, and no correspondence regarding the results will be entertained.

8. Promotional Usage Rights

By submitting a film, the filmmaker grants HIFA permission to use excerpts, trailers, posters, and stills for promotional and marketing purposes related to the festival.

9. Festival Rights

HIFA reserves the right to accept or reject any submission at any stage without providing a reason.

10. Legal Indemnity

The submitter agrees to indemnify and hold HIFA harmless against any legal claims, including copyright, trademark, or ownership disputes.

11. Screening Permission

If selected, the filmmaker grants HIFA full permission to screen the film during the festival Delegates.

12. Schedule & Screening Changes

HIFA reserves the right to change screening schedules, venues or decide not to screen a selected film, if necessary, due to logistical or technical reasons.

13. Rule Modification

The Festival Director holds the authority to modify, waive or interpret any rule when required.

14. Required Materials (For Selected Films)

Selected filmmakers must submit:

- Film synopsis (English)
- Director’s biography and filmography
- Film posters (minimum 300 DPI resolution)
- Final film file with English subtitles

15. Submission Method

Film links and required materials must be sent via email to:
📧 hifafestival@gmail.com

Physical submissions are not accepted.

16. Submission Fee Payment

Payment can be made using the following methods:

Bank Transfer

Bank: State Bank of India

Account Name: Haryanvi Innovative Film Association
Account No.: 39760029617
IFSC: SBIN0050934

Branch: State Bank of India, Mini Sectt. Rohtak-124001

17. Contact Information

📞 Phone:
📧 Email: hifafestival@gmail.com

🌐 Website: www.hifafestival.com

18. Refund Policy

Submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances, including submissions made in an incorrect category.