Submission Guidelines

Short Film

Films must be submitted in HD format (1080p minimum) via digital file (MP4 or MOV).
The film can be in any language, but non-Hindi/English films must have English subtitles.
Original content only; no previously published or released films.
No restriction on the total number of film submissions per filmmaker.
Films should not contain offensive content, and the festival reserves the right to disqualify any entry deemed inappropriate.

Films must be submitted in HD format (1080p minimum) via digital file (MP4 or MOV).
Films in languages other than Hindi/English must have English subtitles.
Films must be original, completed on or after December 10, 2019, and not previously commercially released.
No restriction on the total number of film submissions per filmmaker.
The content should not infringe on any copyrights, and all necessary rights must be secured by the filmmakers.

Documentaries must be submitted in HD format (1080p minimum) via digital file (MP4 or MOV).
Subtitles in English are required if the documentary is not in Hindi/English.
Original content only; no archival material without proper permissions.
Documentary should be factual and can include a wide range of topics, such as social issues, environmental themes, cultural heritage, etc.
No restriction on the total number of film submissions per filmmaker.

Submit in HD format (1080p minimum) as an MP4 or MOV file.
If the film is not in Hindi or English, English subtitles are mandatory.
Only AI-generated animations (made using AI applications) are accepted.
No archival footage, stock material, or live-action allowed.
Must follow ethical guidelines - no misinformation, deepfakes, hate, or harmful content.
No restriction on the number of entries per filmmaker.
Submission grants the festival non-exclusive screening rights.
Must credit the AI tools/software used in the film.
Film should maintain high creative and technical standards.

The film must be entirely shot on a mobile phone and submitted in HD format (1080p minimum).
Any language is permitted, but non-Hindi/English films must have English subtitles.
The submission should include behind-the-scenes footage (up to 1 minute) showing the use of a mobile phone in the filmmaking process.
The content must be original and not published prior to submission.
No restriction on the total number of film submissions per filmmaker.

Deadline: Submissions must be received by October 31, 2025.
Entry Fee: To be paid through online payment gateway (Entry fee is non-refundable) for Feature Film : Rs. 2500/-, Documentary: Rs. 1500/-, Short Film: Rs. 1500/-, AI Short Film: Rs. 1000/-, Mobile Film: Rs. 500/-
Age Limit: Open to all ages; however, filmmakers under 18 need to submit parental consent.
Content Ownership: The filmmaker retains ownership of the submitted work but grants MERATV Film Festival rights to screen the film during the festival, related promotional events, and on the OTT platform www.meratv.in if selected.
Format: All films should be submitted in high-quality digital formats (MP4, MOV).
No Previously Submitted Films: Films previously submitted to MERATV Film Festival cannot be resubmitted in any category.
Jury Decision: The decision of the festival jury is final, and the jury reserves the right to withhold awards in any category if the entries are not up to standard.