Rules and Regulations

1. Purpose of This Document

The NFR Kochi Film Festival is organised by the prestigious NEO Film School in Kochi. It is an annual celebration of cinematic excellence. This document is a comprehensive guide for potential participants of the NFR Kochi Film Festival 2024. It outlines the rules and regulations governing the submission and selection process. It also has important information such as key dates, eligibility criteria, guidelines and so on. 

Participants are encouraged to thoroughly read and understand this document. Ensuring compliance with all festival requirements will maximise chances of success.

2. Key Dates and Deadlines

Kindly take note of the following important dates and deadlines:

• Submission Opens: June 21, 2024. Filmmakers can begin submitting their entries for consideration.
• Submission Closes: August 15, 2024 August 31, 2024. The final date to submit your films for the festival. After this date, no entries will be accepted.
• Monthly Film Winners Announcements: July 24, 2024 and August 25, 2024. Winners of the monthly film competitions will be announced on these dates. 
• NFR Kochi Festival 2024: October 4 to October 6, 2024. The grand event of screenings, seminars, and the star-studded award ceremony.

Please mark these dates in your calendar to ensure you do not miss any deadlines.

3. Eligibility

All submissions must meet the following eligibility criteria to participate in the NFR Kochi Film Festival 2024.

1. Film Categories and Duration

• Short Films: Films with a duration of less than 20 minutes 40 minutes.
• Documentaries: Documentaries with a duration of less than 20 minutes 40 minutes.
• Animation Films: Animated films with a duration of less than 5 minutes 10 minutes.

2. Language and Subtitles

Films in all languages are accepted. All films must include English subtitles, regardless of the original language.

3. Production Date

Only films produced within the last three years are eligible for competition.

3. Submission Guidelines

The following guidelines will help provide a smooth submission process for all participants. Kindly ensure adherence to all rules of the NFR Kochi Film Festival 2024.

1. Submission Details

By submitting a film, the filmmaker agrees to the following:

• Submit a completed entry form. This form provides all essential information about the film and the filmmaker. 
• Submit the corresponding entry fees online. The entry fee is non-refundable.
• All work on the film is complete. NFR Kochi Film Festival does not accept work-in-progress films.
• Grant NFR Kochi Festival the right to screen their film and to use the material for promotional purposes. They may be required to provide promotional materials, such as trailers, posters, and stills.
• Accept all terms and conditions of the NFR Kochi Film Festival.

NFR Kochi Festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that does not adhere to the festival’s rules and regulations.

2. Entry Fees

The entry fees for each category are as follows:

• Short Fiction: ₹2000 per entry
• Documentary: ₹2000 per entry
• Animation Film: ₹2000 per entry

The entry fee must be paid online. You may pay by a QR code received after submitting your film. This fee helps support the festival’s operations and activities.

Ensure that the fee is paid promptly to complete the submission process. Entries without a completed form or unpaid fees will not be considered.

The fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the film is selected for the festival. 

3. Number of Submissions

Each filmmaker is permitted to submit one film in each category. This allows filmmakers to showcase a range of their work across different categories.

4. Submission Platform

Films can be submitted through the official festival submission platform. Detailed instructions for using this platform will be available on the festival’s website.

Alternatively, filmmakers can submit their films directly to the Neo Film School’s office. Kindly ensure the delivery of all materials by the submission deadline.

5. Format

All films must be submitted in Full High Definition (Full HD) format. This ensures that the films are of the highest quality for screening during the festival. Formats such as MP4 or MOV are generally preferred.

6. Originality and Copyright Requirements

NFR Kochi Film Festival aims to maintain integrity and fairness. Hence, all submissions must adhere to the following originality and copyright requirements:

• All submitted films must be original works created by the filmmaker. The film should not infringe on copyrights, trademarks, or intellectual property rights.
• The filmmaker must own all the rights to the submitted film. For copyrighted materials, the filmmaker must have obtained the necessary permissions. This includes the rights to music, images, or footage, permissions from actors, crew members, and any other contributors. The filmmakers must be able to provide documentation proving their ownership upon request.
• By submitting a film to the festival, the filmmaker agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the NFR Kochi Film Festival, its organisers, and partners from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the breach of copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights.

7. Restrictions on Content

NFR Kochi Film Festival aims to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment. Hence, the following content restrictions apply to all submissions:

• Films containing explicit sexual content, violence, or graphic depictions of drug use will not be accepted. Submissions should be appropriate for a general audience. 
• Films that include hate speech, discriminatory language, or any form of content that is offensive to individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other personal attributes will not be accepted. The festival aims to promote inclusivity and respect for all. 
• Films that explore sensitive themes are welcome. But they must do so responsibly and respectfully. The portrayal of sensitive issues such as mental health, domestic violence, or political conflict should be handled with care and sensitivity to avoid causing distress to viewers. 
• All films must comply with applicable laws and regulations. Submissions that depict illegal activities or promote unlawful behaviour will not be accepted. 
• The festival organisers reserve the right to disqualify any film that, in their opinion, violates these content restrictions. The decision of the festival organisers is final and binding.

Following these guidelines will ensure submissions are considered for competition. Careful attention to the submission process helps contribute positively to the NFR Kochi Film Festival.

4. Selection Process

The selection process is designed to ensure the best and most impactful films are chosen for screening and awards. The process involves various stages of review by a diverse panel of jurors and experts. The selection committee is appointed by the NFR Kochi Festival’s Executive Committee.

1. Award Jury

The jury for the NFR Kochi Film Festival comprises distinguished individuals with extensive experience in filmmaking. The jury is divided into the following three main categories:

1. National and International Jurors

Over 10 renowned jurors from both national and international film industries. These jurors bring a wealth of experience and a global perspective to the selection process.

2. Experts from All Departments of Filmmaking

More than 50 experts representing various disciplines in filmmaking. This includes experts in direction, cinematography, editing, sound design, and more. These experts ensure a comprehensive evaluation of each film’s technical and artistic merits.

3. Public Jury Panel

A panel consisting of over 30 members from diverse walks of life. They provide a broader societal perspective, ensuring the films resonate with a diverse audience.

2. Selection and Notification

The selection process is meticulous and multi-tiered. This will ensure that only the highest quality films make it to the festival.

1. Review Process

• Preliminary Selection Process: The festival selection committee reviews all submitted films. They check for adherence to all rules and regulations of the festival. 
• Second Level Selection by Public Panel: A public jury panel reviews all films that pass the preliminary selection process.
• Final Selection: The award jury conducts the final selection. 

All committee members will submit an affidavit declaring their non-involvement in any submitted films to avoid conflicts of interest.

2. Notification

The films selected for the NFR Kochi Film Festival 2024 will be announced on the official festival website. 

No letters of non-acceptance will be sent. Nor does the festival provide feedback or reasons for rejection.

The decisions made by the selection committee and the jury are final and cannot be contested. 

3. Appeals

If a filmmaker disagrees with the decision regarding their film’s selection status, they have the option to appeal. Appeals can be directed to the Festival Director, who serves as the final appellate authority. The Festival Director will review the appeal and make a final decision.

5. Screening and Promotion

The NFR Kochi Film Festival promises an exceptional platform for filmmakers to showcase their work to a diverse audience. The exact locations for screenings in Kochi will be announced on the website. Selected filmmakers will have the opportunity to gain exposure through the various promotional activities of the festival.

1. Conclaves and Networking

The festival will also host a series of events. These will provide networking opportunities and promote collaboration within the film industry. The Director or a representative of the selected film can attend these seminars. 

Attendees can look forward to engaging with sponsor brand kiosks, attending various NFR Conclaves, and connecting with high-profile individuals during the star-studded Award Ceremony. 

6. Awards and Prizes

The NFR Kochi Film Festival offers a range of prestigious awards and prizes across various categories. The prize money for each category is as follows:

1. Short Films

• Best Short Film: ₹100,000 (divided equally between Producer and Director)
• Second Best Short Film: ₹50,000
• Best Director: ₹25,000
• Best Cinematography: ₹25,000
• Best Editing: ₹15,000
• Best Sound: ₹15,000
• Best Male Actor: ₹20,000
• Best Female Actor: ₹20,000

2. Documentary Films

• Best Documentary Film: ₹100,000
• Second Best Documentary: ₹25,000

3. Animation Films

• Best Animation Film: ₹50,000
• Second Best Animation film: Memento and certificate
• Best Director: Memento and certificate
• Best Cinematography: Memento and certificate
• Best Editing: Memento and certificate
• Best Sound: Memento and certificate

4. Monthly Selections

The festival also conducts monthly selections for the best short films, documentaries, and animation films. 

5. Special Jury Awards and Participation Certificates

Special jury awards will be presented to deserving candidates. Participation certificates will also be presented to acknowledge participation in the festival.

7. General Terms and Conditions

• Submission implies acceptance of all festival rules and terms and conditions.
• NFR Kochi Festival reserves the right to update the rules, terms and conditions without prior notice.
• Submission, and later selection, imply the granting of rights by the filmmaker to the NFR festival, and its affiliates, to present the film at the venues and platforms chosen by the festival team for the duration of the festival and for a year since. This may include portions of the selected film, its trailer, posters and so on.

Filmmakers are required to read and understand this document thoroughly before submitting their films.

8. Contact Information

For any queries:

• Contact the festival team at info@nfrkochifestival.com 
• Visit our official website nfrkochifestival.com