Mark your calendars! The contest will be held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, from June 2025.

The list of finalists will be revealed on December 5, 2025, followed by the announcement of the grand winner on December 10, 2025. Stay tuned to see which innovative voices rise to the top this season.

Last date for submission: 31st July 2025

Unlike your standard film festival, our contest offers much more than just a screening and an award ceremony. Selected filmmakers gain direct, personalized guidance from industry veterans—think private sessions that go beyond generic feedback, aimed at helping you refine your scripts and shape your future projects.

But the support doesn’t end there. If you have unproduced features or pilot scripts gathering dust, this is your chance: promising works get special consideration for larger exposure and unique opportunities. Plus, your short film doesn’t fade into obscurity after its festival debut—instead, we actively promote standout entries within our wider community, helping your creative voice reach new audiences. Each filmmaker’s path is different, so we tailor our support to where you are in your career, ensuring you get the most out of the experience—whether you’re looking for mentorship, industry connections, or that next big break.

We're excited to announce the prize details for the upcoming Kinosphere Short Film Contest 2025!

1. Top International Film: ₹50,000 - One Grand prize for the best short film from across the globe on the theme of PEACE. This prize is awarded by the Delphic Council that wishes to achieve world peace through encouragement of art and artists and bringing togeher of cultures. Compete with best in the world!
2. Top Indian Film: ₹15,000 for best short film made in an Indian Language. Chance to direct Kinosphere's next short film.
3. Second Prize - 3: ₹10,000 each for the best short films that missed the first prize.
4. Winner Certificates: Top 5 short films in all languages will receive winner certificates.
5. Free Silver Subscription: All participants will receive a free Silver subscription worth ₹5,000.
6. Participation Certificates: Every participant will receive a certificate of participation.
7. Film Screenings: Top 5 films will be screened at the Kinosphere Film Festival.

Note: Subtitles are mandatory for all short films.

As a finalist in the Kinosphere Short Film Contest, your journey doesn’t end with the awards ceremony. We’re committed to nurturing emerging talent far beyond the prizes:

• Mentorship and Creative Development: Finalists receive one-on-one guidance from established filmmakers and industry veterans—including past festival judges—helping you refine your craft and develop future projects.
• Film Promotion & Exposure: Your short film and your profile as a filmmaker will be promoted across Kinosphere’s digital platforms, social media, and partner networks, including spotlights in festival newsletters. We actively seek out media features to put your work in front of a wider audience.
• Networking and Industry Access: You’ll be invited to exclusive industry mixers and film society events (virtual and in-person), giving you valuable opportunities to connect with potential collaborators and mentors. Previous gatherings have included representatives from the Delphic Council of India, Goethe-Institut, and other cultural organizations.
• Project Development Support: Finalists may be considered for support on upcoming projects—including potential financing, script development workshops, and assistance with grant applications to organizations such as the NFDC, British Council, and Sundance Institute.
• Private Screenings & Invites: Gain access to private screenings, masterclasses, and discussions with renowned filmmakers, expanding both your skills and your professional network.

At Kinosphere, we believe every finalist has the potential for an enduring career in film. These opportunities are designed to help you take your next big leap—whether that means making your first feature, collaborating on international festival circuits, or simply telling the stories closest to your heart.

Don't miss this chance to showcase your creativity and talent!

One of the standout benefits for participants in the Kinosphere Short Film Contest and Festival is the access it offers to a vibrant film industry network. Over the years, our events have brought together a diverse mix of industry powerhouses—producers, directors, talent agents, and representatives from well-known streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hotstar. Filmmakers have the invaluable chance to:

Interact and build relationships with experts from renowned studios and production companies around the world Attend exclusive mixers and private panel discussions with creative decision-makers Discover co-production opportunities, mentorship, and guidance from industry veterans

Winners and selected finalists also receive special attention:

• Guidance in developing current and future projects
• Support in promoting their work to a wider audience, including introductions to key Influencers in the field
• Opportunities for long-term collaborations and project financing possibilities

This robust networking environment is designed to not only celebrate present achievements but to open doors for future collaborations and creative growth within the global film community.

Registration Details

• Registration Fee: ₹5000 per film (non-refundable)
• Film Duration: Maximum of 30 minutes
• All Language Short Films Welcome!

Eligible and Ineligible Film Types

We welcome all genres and styles—from heartfelt dramas to bold experimental shorts—as long as your entry is a scripted film. To keep the spirit of storytelling front and center, please note that certain types of projects are not eligible for submission:

• Documentaries
• Reality shows
• Film trailers
• Director's or showreel compilations

If your film has a script and a narrative structure—no matter how traditional or unconventional the approach—it’s eligible. However, entries that fall outside these guidelines, such as unscripted works or promotional reels, won’t be considered for the contest. All genres are accepted, including non-narrative or experimental shorts—just be sure your submission is a scripted film. Let your imagination run wild—drama, comedy, animation, thriller, or something beautifully unclassifiable—all are welcome!

Eligibility of Previously Screened Films

Wondering if your film is eligible even if it’s had its moment in the spotlight before? Absolutely! We welcome short films that have already been screened, distributed, or entered into other festivals. Whether your masterpiece has graced other events, made the rounds online, or gathered audiences elsewhere, it’s still eligible for submission to the Kinosphere Short Film Contest.

So, if you’ve got a hidden gem—new or "gently premiered"—don’t hesitate to share it with us. Our primary focus is on celebrating creativity and connecting filmmakers with new opportunities, no matter where their films have previously been showcased.

Don't miss this chance to showcase your creativity and talent!

Multiple Entries Welcome

There’s no cap on creativity—participants are welcome to submit as many short films as they wish. Please note that each film submitted will require its own individual registration fee.

Payment Options

Pay Now

Other Payment Methods

You can make the registration payment through the following methods:

1. Bank Transfer
   Transfer directly via NEFT/IMPS to our HDFC Bank account:
   Account Name: KINOSPHERE PVT. LTD.
   Account Number: 50200061895381
   IFSC Code: HDFC0001216

How to Participate in our Short film contest 2025

All participants must register through our app to enter the contest. You are expected to upload your youtube link in the short film uploads section. In case you do not have it uploaded already, you can share your film and we will upload it on our youtube channel and share the link with you to upload it from your account.
Download the app here: App Link

For more details, contact 9600032187.

Unleash your creativity, and let your short film shine on the Kinosphere platform!

Short Film Contest May 2024

Kinosphere successfully hosted a highly anticipated Short Film Contest and Festival, providing a dynamic platform for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their talents and compete for prestigious awards. The event attracted an array of creative minds, each eager to present their work and gain recognition within the industry. With a strong emphasis on creativity, innovation, and storytelling, the contest empowered emerging filmmakers to push boundaries and express their unique visions.

This year’s contest sought not only technical brilliance but also bold, forward-thinking perspectives and stories with universal appeal. Filmmakers from diverse backgrounds were encouraged to present content that challenged conventions, highlighted underrepresented voices, and offered fresh approaches to cinematic storytelling. The result was a collection of films that stood out for their originality and the passion behind every frame.

The festival, which followed the contest, offered an exciting opportunity for the winning films and other selected entries to reach a broader audience. This celebration of cinematic excellence brought together industry professionals, film enthusiasts, and the filmmakers themselves for a memorable showcase of talent. The atmosphere was electric as films that had stood out for their narrative power, technical brilliance, and originality captivated the audience, further cementing Kinosphere's role in supporting emerging talents.

During the award ceremony, the highly respected Director K.S. Ravi Kumar personally presented the winners with certificates of achievement, recognizing their hard work, creativity, and dedication. These certificates stand as a symbol of their success and commitment to their craft, offering validation to the winners as they continue their journey in the film industry. Overall, the Short Film Contest and Festival was a resounding success, marking another milestone for Kinosphere in fostering creativity and offering a platform for talented filmmakers to shine.

The winners were selected by Director Priyadarshan

 

Award Winners of the Kinosphere Short Film Contest:

• Vignesh Paramasivam – Awarded Best Film Critics for his outstanding short film, Thunai.
• Nithya – Received 2nd Best Film Critics for her remarkable work, Two Worlds.
• Lingges Kumar – Honored with 3rd Best Film Critics for the short film, CD4 Kadhal.
• Mani Sekar – Awarded 4th Best Film Critics for his engaging film, Ezhutha Kadhaiyo.
• Nilesh S. Desai – Received 5th Best Film Critics for the short film, Baandh.
• Ganesh Kumar – His film Vaal Natchathiram earned him the Top Performing Film in the App award.
• Pugazharasan – Recognized for the Most Liked Film in the App for his film, Sulurai.