K Vaikunth International short film competition, Goa

1st K. VAIKUNTH INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION – 2026
RULES & REGULATIONS
1. Categories
The competition shall be conducted under the following categories:
A. International Section
Open to all Indian and International filmmakers, irrespective of their state of residence.
B. State Section
Open exclusively to individuals who possess a minimum of fifteen (15) years of domicile in the State of Goa or Company/ Partnership having 51% of ownership of person having Goan origin.
Participants entering the State Section must provide valid documentary proof of domicile. (Residence Certificate issued by the competent Authority and Self declaration [Affidavit])
________________________________________
2. Eligibility
1. The competition is open to amateur and professional filmmakers.
2. A participant may submit films in either category, provided all eligibility requirements are met.
3. The top 3 to 5 films from the state section will be eligible for the International competition, at the discretion of the jury, Hence Goans should participate in State section, if they are eligible.
4. The producer/director submitting the film shall be responsible for all permissions, copyrights, and clearances related to the submitted work.
5. Films made from 1st January 2024 are eligible for this competition and for State level competition the Director and the Producer to be Goan or with 51% share of Goan if it is a company or partnership firm.
________________________________________
3. Film Duration
1. The duration of the short film must be not less than 5 minutes and not more than 30 minutes, including opening and closing credits.
2. Films exceeding 30 minutes or shorter than 5 minutes shall be disqualified.
________________________________________
4. Language
1. Films may be produced in any language and subtitle in English.
________________________________________
5. Submission Requirements
• All entries must be submitted online through the official competition portal or any other digital platform specified.
• The participant shall complete the online entry form and upload all required documents before the prescribed deadline.
• Films shall be submitted in digital format as specified resolution requirements, and file size in the competition guidelines.
• Where direct upload is not feasible, participants may submit a downloadable viewing link (such as a cloud storage or video hosting platform link) with appropriate access permissions.
• The submitted film link must remain active and accessible until the completion of the competition process.
• Each entry must be accompanied by:
1. A completed online entry form;
2. Synopsis of the film (maximum 300 words);
3. Director's profile and photograph;
4. Poster or promotional stills from the film.
5. Proof of domicile for entries under the State Section;
6. Declaration of originality and copyright ownership.
7. Submission of an entry shall constitute acceptance of all competition rules and regulations.Multiple entries from the same participant are permitted; however, each film requires a separate entry.
8. The film should be in full HD (1080p) or HD (720p) or Higher. Any resolution less then that could lead to disqualification.
• Participants shall ensure that all information provided in the submission form is accurate and complete. Incomplete entries may be rejected.
• No changes, substitutions, or updated versions of the film shall be permitted after submission unless specifically requested by the organizers.
• The organizers shall not be responsible for failed uploads, corrupted files, inaccessible links, internet disruptions, or any technical issues occurring during the submission process. Participants are advised to submit their entries well before the deadline.
________________________________________
6. Originality and Copyright
1. The submitted film must be an original work.
2. The participant shall obtain all necessary permissions for music, footage, images, performances, and other copyrighted material used in the film.
3. Any legal disputes arising from copyright infringement shall be the sole responsibility of the participant.
4. Plagiarized, copied, or AI-generated film presented as original work will be disqualified.
________________________________________
7. Content Restrictions
Films shall not contain:
• Obscene, defamatory, or offensive material;
• Content promoting hatred, violence, discrimination, or unlawful activities;
• Material that violates any law or infringes the rights of any individual or organization.
The organizers reserve the right to reject any entry deemed inappropriate.
________________________________________
8. Judging Criteria
Films shall be evaluated on:
• Originality and creativity;
• Storytelling and screenplay;
• Direction;
• Technical excellence (cinematography, editing, sound, etc.);
• Relevance to theme;
• Overall impact and artistic merit.
The decision of the jury shall be final and binding.
________________________________________
9. Awards
1. Separate awards shall be presented for the International Section and the State Section.
2. The organizers reserve the right not to confer any award if the entries do not meet the required standards.
3. Special Jury Awards and Certificates of Merit may be awarded at the discretion of the jury.
 
A. Competitive Awards
The Jury may confer the following awards in each section:
Sr. No Particulars
Prizes for the winners in State Level competition
1. Best Film Rs. 1,00,000/-
2. Second Best Film Rs.75,000/-
3. Third Best Film Rs. 50,000/-
4. Best Director Rs. 15,000/-
5. Best Cinematographer Rs. 15,000/-
6. Best Editor Rs. 15,000/-
7. Best Actor Male Rs. 15,000/-
8. Best Actor Female Rs. 15,000/-
9. Best Background Score/ Original Music Rs.15,000/-
10. Best Jury Award Rs. 15,000/-
Prizes for the winners in National/International Level competition
1. Best Film Rs. 2,00,000/-
2. Second Best Film Rs. 1,50,000/-
3. Third Best Film Rs.1,00,000/-
4. Best Director Rs. 25,000/-
5. Best Cinematographer Rs. 25,000/-
6. Best Editor Rs. 25,000/-
7. Best Actor Male Rs. 25,000/-
8. Best Actor Female Rs. 25,000/-
9. Best Background Score/ Original Music Rs.25,000/-
10. Best Jury Award Rs. 25,000/-

B. Jury Discretion
1. The Jury may recommend additional special awards or commendations.
2. The Jury may withhold any award if, in its opinion, no entry meets the required standard of excellence.
3. The Jury's decision shall be final and binding and shall not be subject to appeal.
C. Prizes
Awards may consist of trophies, certificates, cash prizes, mementos, or any combination thereof, as determined by the organizers.
________________________________________
10. Screening Rights
1. By submitting an entry, participants grant the organizers a non-exclusive right to screen the film as part of the competition, award ceremonies, promotional events, and related non-commercial activities.
2. Copyright ownership shall remain with the filmmaker.
________________________________________
11. Disqualification
Entries may be disqualified for:
• Providing false information;
• Failure to meet eligibility criteria;
• Violation of competition rules;
• Submission after the prescribed deadline.
________________________________________
12. Organizer's Rights
The organizers reserve the right to:
• Amend these rules when necessary;
• Verify the authenticity of submitted information and documents;
• Cancel or modify any category due to insufficient participation or unforeseen circumstances.
________________________________________
13. Acceptance of Rules
Submission of an entry shall be deemed as acceptance of all rules and regulations of the competition.

Please visit https://ravindrabhavanmargao.com/k-vaikunth-international-short-film-competition/ and fill the form.