Rules and Regulations

The AILIFFA – An Indian Legacy Film Festival Awards is established to recognize, celebrate, and promote excellence in filmmaking, storytelling, and performing arts that contribute to the preservation and advancement of cinematic and artistic legacy.

Please read these Rules & Regulations carefully before submitting your entry. By submitting to AILIFFA, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by the following terms.

1. Eligibility

• The festival is open to filmmakers, producers, directors, artists, production houses, and independent creators from any country.
• Participants must hold full rights, ownership, or authorized permission for the submitted work.
• All entries must be original works and must not violate copyright, intellectual property, or any legal rights of third parties.
• Works produced by individual creators, institutions, students, and production companies are eligible to participate.
• There is no restriction on the language of the content. However, films not in English must include English subtitles. Submissions without subtitles will be rejected.

2. Festival Categories

Entries may be submitted under one or more of the following categories. The festival committee reserves the right to reassign categories where appropriate.

Film Categories

• Feature Film
• Short Film
• Documentary Film
• Experimental Film
• Animation Film
• Student Film

Digital & Streaming Categories

• Web Series
• Short-form Digital Series
• Digital Storytelling Content

Music & Performance Categories

• Lyrical Video
• Music Video
• Independent Music Film

Performing Arts

• Stage Plays
• Theatre Productions
• Recorded Live Performances

Additional Creative Categories

• Ad Film / Promotional Film
• Social Awareness Film
• Cultural Heritage Film
• Cinematic Poetry / Visual Essay

3. Submission Guidelines

• All submissions must be completed through the official submission platform or designated festival portal.
• Each entry must include: Film title, Director name, Producer name, Production company (if applicable), Country of origin, Duration, Language, Synopsis, and a Poster or promotional still.
• Films must be submitted in high-quality digital format (MP4, MOV, or other accepted formats).
• The submitted film must be the final version intended for screening.
• Multiple entries from the same creator or production house are permitted.
• Once submitted, entries cannot be withdrawn after the official selection process begins.

4. Duration Limits

• Feature Film: Above 60 minutes
• Short Film: Up to 30 minutes
• Web Series Episode: Up to 45 minutes per episode
• Lyrical / Music Video: Up to 10 minutes
• Stage Play Recording: Up to 120 minutes

The festival committee reserves the right to accept exceptions where appropriate.

5. Selection Process

• All submitted entries will undergo an initial screening by the festival programming team.
• Selected entries will be placed into the Official Selection category.
• Officially selected entries may be screened during the festival event or festival platforms. Official Selection status does not guarantee public screening.
• Nominee films are privately screened by the judging panel.
• The selection committee's decision is final and binding.

6. Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated by a panel of industry professionals, filmmakers, critics, and cultural experts based on:

• Storytelling and narrative strength
• Direction and creative vision
• Cinematography and visual presentation
• Editing and pacing
• Music and sound design
• Acting performance
• Originality and innovation
• Cultural and social relevance
• Overall artistic impact

7. Awards and Recognition

The festival will present awards in various categories including but not limited to:

• Best Feature Film
• Best Short Film
• Best Director
• Best Actor
• Best Actress
• Best Screenplay
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Music / Sound Design
• Best Web Series
• Best Lyrical / Music Video
• Best Stage Play
• Best Documentary
• Best Experimental Film
• Best Student Film
• Jury Special Award
• Audience Choice Award
• Legacy Excellence Award

Additional honorary awards may be presented to recognize outstanding contributions to cinema and performing arts.

8. Screening Rights

• By submitting an entry, the participant grants AILIFFA the non-exclusive right to screen the film during the festival event.
• The festival may use clips, trailers, posters, and still images from the film for promotional and marketing purposes.
• The festival will not distribute or commercially exploit the film without prior written consent from the rights holder.

9. Copyright and Legal Responsibility

• The submitter confirms that they own all rights or have obtained necessary permissions for all content used in the film, including music, images, and performances.
• AILIFFA shall not be responsible for copyright infringement claims arising from submitted works.
• The participant agrees to indemnify and hold the festival harmless from any legal disputes related to the submission, including all claims involving copyright, trademark, credits, and publicity.

10. Code of Conduct

All participants, nominees, and attendees are expected to maintain professional conduct during festival activities. The festival reserves the right to disqualify entries or revoke participation in case of:

• Misrepresentation of content
• Offensive or illegal material
• Harassment or misconduct
• Violation of festival rules

11. Disqualification

Entries may be disqualified if:

• False information is provided during submission
• The film violates copyright or legal regulations
• Technical quality does not meet minimum screening standards
• Rules and regulations are breached

Submission fees are non-refundable, even if you withdraw your film or submit in the wrong category. No refunds will be provided in disqualification cases.

12. Amendments & Final Authority

• The festival management reserves the right to modify, update, or revise these rules and regulations at any time without prior notice. Updates become effective immediately.
• Participants are encouraged to review the latest guidelines available on the official festival platform.
• All decisions regarding selection, nominations, awards, and festival administration lie solely with the AILIFFA organizing committee and jury panel. Their decisions shall be considered final and non-negotiable.