SHORT FILM MAKING GUIDELINES

• Theme Focus: Films must creatively explore crime, criminal justice, or social problems, with participants required to base their logical and realistic perspectives.

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• Exclusivity: The submitted short films should be exclusively shot for this event. Films should not have been previously uploaded to any platforms.

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• Duration: Films must not exceed 12 minutes in total running time.

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• Judging Criteria: Top films for screening will be selected by a jury based on:

  • Plot (Story structure and events)

  • Visuals (Aesthetics and enhancing elements)

  • Sound (Music, effects, and overall audio experience)

  • How well the film integrates the theme of crime

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• Theatre Screening: The selected short films will be screened at CEC 2026 to a global audience on the day of the event. The teams submitting the films will be invited to attend the screening.

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• Selection Process: From the short films screened on the day of the event, the top three will be selected based on a combination of Jury scores and an Audience Poll.

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• Prize Money: Top teams will receive cash prizes worth Rs. 1,00,000 on stage, along with trophies and certificates.

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The detailed guidelines will be communicated once after registration.