1st prize01
₹1,00,000
Cash prize + the opportunity to direct a feature film, fully funded by ETV Win
Indie Filmmaking Challenge
Independent voices. Original stories. The Top 3 films share ₹2,20,000 — and each winner gets the opportunity to direct a feature film, fully funded by ETV Win.
Deadline31 Oct 2026No late entries
Runtime35–60 minCompleted 2025–26
Entry fee₹2,500+ taxes · non-refundable
Prizes₹2,20,000+ funded feature, Top 3
Organised By
Powered By
Powered By
Open across India
Any Indian language
Any Indian language
01 — What you win
The real prize is a feature film.
Each of the Top 3 gets the opportunity to direct a feature film with ETV Win — fully funded by ETV Win. The cash comes on top.
Powered By2nd prize02
₹70,000
Cash prize + funded feature film opportunity with ETV Win
3rd prize03
₹50,000
Cash prize + funded feature film opportunity with ETV Win
The feature-film opportunity is non-transferable and subject to ETV Win’s development, production, and contractual requirements. Winners must be available for meetings, script development, and production as required; if a winner is unable or unwilling to participate, the opportunity may pass to the next eligible participant.
02 — Can you enter?
Check your film before you pay.
The entry fee is non-refundable once you register, so run through the rules first. Each statement below covers a reason films get disqualified.
Filmmakers across IndiaIndividuals or teamsNo age or experience limitOne film per participant or teamNo theme — your own story
03 — How it works
From submission to the awards stage.
- NowYou are here
Register & submit
Register, pay the ₹2,500 + taxes entry fee and share a private or unlisted link to your full film.
- 31 Oct 2026
Submissions close
Final deadline. Late submissions are not accepted.
- After the deadline
Screening, then jury
Every entry is screened for eligibility first — films that miss the requirements may be rejected before the jury. Eligible films are evaluated by the appointed jury; shortlisted films may get an additional screening.
- 27–28 Nov 2026
Winners announced
Awards at the Media & Entertainment IP Summit 2026. The jury’s decision is final and binding.
04 — Specs & judging
Screening-ready, judged on craft.
Tech specs
- Resolution
- 4K or higher
- File format
- MP4 or MOV
- Picture & sound
- Good quality, suitable for screening
- Link
- Private or unlisted is fine
- If shortlisted
- You may be asked for a higher-quality screening copy
Nine criteria, one professional jury
ETV Win sits on the jury.
- 01Storytelling
- 02Direction
- 03Screenplay
- 04Performances
- 05Cinematography
- 06Editing
- 07Sound design
- 08Originality
- 09Overall impact
05 — Fine print
The rules, in plain terms.
Content guidelines
Not allowedHeavy violence & bloodshed
No excessive graphic violence, extreme gore, or heavy bloodshed as the film’s primary attraction.
Not allowedPolitical campaigning
Films must not primarily promote, endorse, or campaign for or against a party, organization, candidate, or ideology.
Not allowedAbusive language
No heavy or excessive use of abusive, vulgar, or offensive language.
Not allowedAnything else inappropriate
No unlawful, hateful, discriminatory, sexually explicit, or otherwise highly inappropriate content.
Organizers and jury have final discretion on whether a film violates these guidelines.
Your rights
You keep full ownership of your film.
- Organizers may use your film’s title, poster, trailer, stills and short excerpts to promote the challenge.
- Full films won’t be publicly screened without your permission unless separately agreed.
- Winning projects may be subject to a separate agreement.
06 — Partners
Who’s behind the challenge.
Presenter & organizer
ICMEG
Lead ecosystem organizer, community mobilization, creator outreach.
Jury, prizes & feature film
ETV Win
Jury participation, prize funding, feature-film opportunity for the Top 3 winners.
Production ecosystem
ProducerBazaar
Production ecosystem support, talent networking, industry connections.
Legal & IP
IP Climb
Legal and IP guidance, rights and licensing support, creator protection.
Talent & casting
PB Casting
Talent discovery, representation services, industry networking, career development support.
Education & community
The Psychic Filmmaker
Storytelling and screenwriting education, filmmaking workshops and masterclasses, creator community.
FAQ
Can’t find yours? Write to info@icmeg.org or call +91 78933 63294.
Filmmakers across India — individually or as a team. There’s no age or experience restriction, and each participant/team may submit only one film.
Submissions close
31 Oct 2026
Late entries aren’t accepted · ₹2,500 + taxes per film, non-refundable once registered.