Organised by
RAGA – Rajagiri Association of Graphic Arts
Rajagiri College of Management and Applied Sciences, Kakkanad, Kochi

In Association with
MACTA – Malayalam Cine Technicians Association

RIFF 2026 invites short film submissions from filmmakers, students, and independent creators across India and around the world. We welcome original films that celebrate creativity, innovation, and powerful storytelling.

Eligibility

• Open to students, independent filmmakers, and professionals.
• Films may be in any language (English subtitles are mandatory for non-English films excluding Malayalam language).

Festival Dates: October 13–15, 2026
Submission Deadline: September 30, 2026

First Prize: 25,000/-

Click Here to Apply

Join RIFF 2026 and share your vision with audiences, filmmakers, and industry professionals through an inspiring celebration of cinema. The Rajagiri International Film Festival (RIFF) 2026 invites entries for its Short Film Competition, which aims to recognize outstanding achievements in filmmaking while encouraging creativity, innovation, artistic excellence, and socially relevant storytelling. Films may be submitted in any technical format and in any language with English subtitles or in English. Awards, certificates, trophies, and Jury Special Mention Awards will be presented to outstanding films selected by the Festival Jury.

The terms and conditions of the competition are as follows

Who can compete
Students, independent filmmakers, professionals, and film enthusiasts from India and abroad may submit their entries. Each application must contain only one film with one applicant registered under either an institution or as natural person. The applicant must possess all necessary rights to submit the film.

Entry Fee
Entry Fee. Rs 1,000/-

Theme of the Film
Films promoting creativity, culture, social awareness, innovation, human values, environment, education are welcome. Each submission must include a brief synopsis.

Language
Films may be in any language with English subtitles, or in English.

Duration
The short film should not be less than 5 minutes or more than 30 minutes, including opening and closing credits.

Film Format
Films may be Fiction, Animation or Student Films. Entries should preferably be submitted in MP4 format, Full HD (1920 × 1080), with a maximum file size of 2 GB.

Title & Credits
Each film must clearly display its title and end credits, including the names of the producer, writer, director, and principal crew.

Jury
The Festival Committee will appoint an independent Jury to evaluate all official selections and determine the award winners. The Jury’s decision shall be final.

Distribution of Awards
Awards will be presented to the official applicant listed in the submission form. If the film is submitted on behalf of a production company or institution, the award will be presented accordingly as specified in the application.

Declaration
The applicant shall declare that he/she possesses all legal rights to submit the film and that the film does not infringe upon the copyright or intellectual property rights of any individual or organization. The applicant shall also grant RIFF the non-exclusive right to screen the selected film during the festival and to use excerpts, stills, and promotional material for festival publicity.

Festival Participation
Officially selected 4 team members will be invited to attend RIFF 2026. Screening, panel discussions, workshops, and award presentations will be conducted during the festival. Please note that RIFF 2026 will not provide travel, accommodation, or any related expenses for participating filmmakers. All such arrangements shall be the sole responsibility of the participants.

Method to Apply

• Applicants should complete the official online submission form.
• The completed application form, film, synopsis, director’s profile, poster, and supporting materials should be uploaded through the official submission portal or Google Drive as instructed on the festival website.
• All correspondence shall be made through the official festival email.

Mode of Submission

• Entries shall be accepted Online Only.
• NOC from producer

Last Date
The last date for receiving entries is September 30, 2026.

Screening Rights
Selected films may be screened during RIFF 2026 and at official promotional events organized by RAGA. Copyright shall remain with the filmmaker.

Invalid Entries
Incomplete applications, incorrect information, corrupted files, or entries not complying with the festival regulations may be rejected without prior notice.

Content Policy
Films promoting hatred, discrimination, or violating applicable laws, as well as those containing obscene, offensive, or repulsive language or scenes, may be disqualified at the discretion of the Festival Committee.

Festival Decision
In matters not covered by these regulations, the decision of the Festival Committee shall be final and binding.

Results
Official selections and award winners will be announced through the RIFF website and official social media platforms.

Posters of the Film
Shortlisted films shall submit a high-resolution A3-size digital poster displaying the title of the film, a brief synopsis, and the names of the principal crew for festival publications.