AILIFFA – An Indian Legacy Film Festival Awards

Terms & Conditions for Submission of Films
(Through FilmFreeway or Official Platforms)

I. Application of These Terms & Conditions

The following terms and conditions (the "Terms") govern the submission of a film, series, or audiovisual content (the "Film") to AILIFFA – An Indian Legacy Film Festival Awards ("AILIFFA"), for consideration in the upcoming festival edition to be held in Chennai, India (the "Festival").

These Terms shall take precedence over any other document or communication issued by AILIFFA or its representatives.

Any queries regarding submissions or these Terms should be directed to the official AILIFFA communication channels.

II. Submission Agreement

By submitting a Film, the submitter (the "Applicant") confirms that they:

  • Have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms;
  • Have obtained all necessary permissions from rights holders, creators, producers, and stakeholders (collectively, the "Film Owners").

All submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.

AILIFFA reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to:

  • Accept or reject any submission;
  • Disqualify films that violate these Terms;
  • Take action if any associated individual brings disrepute, controversy, or violates community standards.

III. Submission Categories & Eligibility

Films must be submitted under designated categories defined by AILIFFA. Films that do not meet eligibility criteria will not be considered.

Categories include (but are not limited to):

  • Feature Films
  • Short Films
  • Documentary Films
  • Web Series / Digital Content
  • Lyrical / Music Videos
  • Stage Plays (Recorded)
  • Experimental / Art Films
  • Student Films

Premiere Status Requirement
Films should ideally have one of the following:

  • World Premiere: No prior public screening anywhere.
  • International Premiere: Screened only in country of origin.
  • Indian Premiere: Not previously screened publicly in India.

Films that have already been publicly screened, released, or widely distributed in India prior to the festival may not be eligible. A "Public Screening" includes any screening that is ticketed, advertised, or open to public/media.

IV. Eligibility Restrictions

A Film is not eligible if:

  • It was completed before the festival's eligibility cutoff date;
  • It has already been widely released (theatrical/OTT/TV) in India;
  • It has been publicly uploaded online without restrictions;
  • It lacks required premiere status (in most cases);
  • It was previously submitted and rejected in earlier AILIFFA editions;
  • It requires specialized formats (e.g., VR/AR) not supported by the festival.

V. Submission Process

All submissions must be made via FilmFreeway or Official AILIFFA submission channels.

The Applicant must:

  • Complete registration;
  • Pay applicable fees;
  • Provide a working online screener.

AILIFFA does not accept:

  • DVDs;
  • External download links outside official platforms;
  • Multiple versions of the same film.

The Applicant must ensure the screener is functional and accessible until the selection process is completed. Non-English films must include English subtitles.

VI. Submission Deadlines & Fees

Submissions must be completed before announced deadlines. AILIFFA may offer:

  • Early Bird deadlines;
  • Regular deadlines;
  • Late deadlines (with additional fees).

All fees are non-refundable. AILIFFA reserves the right to revise deadlines and fee structures at any time.

VII. Selection Process

All eligible films will be reviewed by AILIFFA's programming team. Selection is at the sole discretion of AILIFFA and is final. AILIFFA is not obligated to provide feedback or explain selection or rejection decisions.

Applicants will be notified via official communication channels. Selected films may also be considered for:

  • Special screenings;
  • Partner festivals;
  • Year-round programming.

VIII. Intellectual Property & Legal

The Applicant confirms that:

  • The Film is original or legally authorized;
  • All rights (music, visuals, performances) are cleared;
  • The Film does not violate any laws or rights.

The Applicant grants AILIFFA the right to:

  • Screen the Film during the festival;
  • Use promotional materials (clips, posters, stills).

The Applicant agrees to indemnify AILIFFA against any legal claims arising from the submission. AILIFFA is not liable for loss, theft, piracy, or unauthorized access despite security measures.

IX. Safety & Code of Conduct

AILIFFA promotes a respectful and inclusive environment. The following will not be tolerated: harassment, abuse, discrimination, or misconduct. AILIFFA reserves the right to take appropriate action, including removal or disqualification.

X. Screening & Scheduling

Selected films may be screened multiple times during the festival. Screening schedules, venues, and formats are determined solely by AILIFFA. Changes may occur without prior notice.

XI. Screening Requirements

Selected films must provide final exhibition copies in required formats. Accessibility requirements may include:

  • Subtitles;
  • Closed captions;
  • Audio descriptions (if applicable).

The festival may require participation from filmmakers for Q&A sessions, promotions, and public appearances.

XII. Final Authority

AILIFFA reserves the right to interpret and apply these Terms at its sole discretion. Any situation not covered in these Terms will be resolved by AILIFFA. All decisions made by AILIFFA are final and binding.

AILIFFA – An Indian Legacy Film Festival Awards | Chennai, India
Where New Voices Shape the Legacy of Cinema