World’s Largest Filmmaking Challenge

#ShortFilms

#ProfessionalFilmmaking

#VerticalFilms

Challenge begins in

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

2,65,542 Filmmakers from 44 Countries in the last 15 years ✦

Last date to register is Septemper 3, 2026, at 11:59PM ✦

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TIMELINE

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50 HOUR
CHALLENGE
BEGINS

September 4th,
2026 | 8 PM

50 HOUR
CHALLENGE
ENDS

September 6th,
2026 | 10 PM

TOP
NOMINEES
ANNOUNCEMENT

October 10th,
2026

AWARDS
CEREMONY
AT IFP FEST

October 24th-25th, 2026

CATEGORIES

How is your World Different?

Professional

For filmmakers with prior experience in professional or commissioned projects.

₹ 3500
~$40 / ~Є35

Amateur

For aspiring storytellers, open to experimenting with camera (DSLR, etc) as they hone their craft.

₹ 2500
~$30 / ~Є25

Mobile

For filmmakers, who believe even a mobile phone camera can create wonders.

₹ 1500
~$20 / ~Є15

VERTICAL

For filmmakers exploring vertical storytelling, using any device that suits their vision.

₹ 1500
~$20 / ~Є15

AI

For creators from across the world to conceive, produce, and deliver a short film using generative AI.(This is an invite only category, please refer to rules to know more)

Request Invite

Click here for rules & more

CATEGORIES

How is your world different?

Professional

For filmmakers with prior experience in professional or commissioned projects.

₹ 3500

~$40 / ~Є35

Amateur

For aspiring storytellers, open to experimenting with camera (DSLR, etc) as they hone their craft.

₹ 2500

~$30 / ~Є25

Mobile

For filmmakers, who believe even a mobile phone camera can create wonders.

₹ 1500

~$20 / ~Є15

VERTICAL

For exploring vertical storytelling, using any device that suits their vision.

₹ 1500

~$20 / ~Є15

AI

For creators from across the world to conceive, produce, and deliver a short film using generative AI. 

(This is an invite only category, please refer to rules to know more)

Request Invite

Click here for rules & more

JURY

COMING SOON...

Rana
Safvi

Biswapati
Sarkar
Anukrti
Upadhyay
Bilal
Siddiqi
Previous Jury Members

PRIZES

Making Reality Grander Than Fiction!

IFP Trophy

For Platinum, Gold, Silver & Bronze (Top 4) films across each of the 3 categories

Showcase

Winning films from each category get showcased at the IFP Festival Season 16

Lifetime Free Entry

Legacy lifetime free entry to IFP 50 Hour Filmmaking Challenge

Festival Pass

Nominees will receive a FREE buddy pass (3+1 people) to attend the IFP Festival

PRIZES

Making Reality Grander Than Fiction!

IFP Trophy

For Platinum, Gold, Silver & Bronze (Top 4) films across each of the 3 categories

Showcase

Winning films from each category get showcased at the IFP Festival Season 16

Lifetime Free Entry

Legacy lifetime free entry to IFP 50 Hour Filmmaking Challenge

Festival Pass

Nominees will receive a FREE buddy pass (3+1 people) to attend the IFP Festival

50 HOURS IS ALL IT TAKES ✦ DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? ✦

THOUSANDS HAVE DONE IT ✦ MILLIONS HAVEN'T ✦ WHICH ONE ARE YOU? ✦

PARTICIPATE AND GET

Making Your Participation Worth It!

Online Workshop

Exclusive online workshop for participants with an industry expert before the challenge

Subscription to Softwares

All participants receives subscriptions to our partner softwares post the festival

Discounted Pass to IFP Fest

Get discounted festival season pass for IFP Season 16 festival

PARTICIPATE AND GET

Making Your Participation Worth It!

Online Workshop

Exclusive online workshop for participants with an industry expert before the challenge

Subscription to Softwares

All participants receives subscriptions to our partner softwares post the festival

Discounted Pass to IFP Fest

Get discounted festival season pass for IFP Season 16 festival

Words From Participants

Garry Shaw

“There is a reason it’s called the World’s largest filmmaking challenge. You have to compete to know it”

Amey Karhade

Mumbai, India

“I found the most beautifully rewarding moments amidst the chaos. A thrill to be surrounded by like-minded, creative individuals indeed.”

Mann Gandhi

Surat, India

“This challenge reassured me that the best ideas come under pressure, and the results can be incredibly rewarding.”

Vatsala Chirimar

Kolkata, India

“Made me embrace and love the chaos! Rolling with the punches and staying adaptable turned our frantic scrambles into a surprisingly great film.”

Anne Maria Vaher

Tartu, Estonia

“What a rewarding experience! It was nerve-wrecking but fun first-timer at making a movie from start to finish in 2 days.”

MJ George

Cambridge, United Kingdom

“The last 50 hours throbbed with excitement and challenge. Brought out so much understanding of ourselves, filmmaking in general and what it means for us.”

Günther Erik Nisu

Tartu, Estonia

“The hours ran by but left such a vibrant, memorable impact.”

Anandhu Jayan

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

“Exhilarating, exhausting and epic!”

Ahsan Zaidi

Leipzig, Germany

“This challenge reiterated that we have a lot of creativity within us, if we just plunge in and explore!”

GET MORE DETAILS


PARTICIPATION

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PREVIOUS WINNERS

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Waiting For?

Find your Challenge

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RULES

IFP 50 Hour Filmmaking Challenge – Rules

General

  1. The 50 Hour Filmmaking Challenge is open to participants from across the globe.
  2. Filmmaking hours are scheduled to begin from Friday, 4th September, 2026, | 8:00 PM IST (GMT+5:30) to Sunday, 6th September, 2026 | 10:00 PM IST (GMT+5:30).
  3. Team members will receive the theme online on IFP’s Instagram, as well as on the registered Team Leader’s Email ID and WhatsApp.
  4. Along with the theme, 5 to 7 different genres will be provided. Teams are allowed to choose any one genre.
  5. A compulsory element shall be given to the team at the beginning of the challenge i.e on 4th September, 2026, | 8:00 PM IST (India Standard Time). It should be subtly included in the film.
  6. All team members must be volunteers, meaning they are participating without receiving payment for their services. This ensures the spirit of the challenge remains focused on creativity and collaboration.
  7. The team can have a minimum of 1 person and a maximum of 20 people, excluding actors. E-certificates will be awarded only to registered team members during the submission form.
  8. Once participation is confirmed, refunds will not be issued.

Tech

  1. Duration of the final film (excluding end credits): Professional, Amateur, 4-6 minutes; Vertical: 1-2 minutes.
  2. For the Amateur and Professional categories, teams must use a DSLR or professional film camera with at least 1080p video capture. For the Mobile Filmmaking category, a mobile camera with a minimum capture of 1080p should be used.
  3. Aspect Ratio: 16:9 for Amateur, Professional; 9:16 for Vertical.
  4. The film for any category must be edited on a laptop or desktop computer. Films containing watermarks from editing software will not be considered.
  5. All films, regardless of language, must have English subtitles. The subtitles must be provided separately in a properly formatted SRT file. A sample SRT file and a tutorial on how to create and submit SRT files are available [link to tutorial/resources].
    You can use tools like aegisub.org, Dubverse.ai, veed.io, maestra.ai, descript.com or any other suitable software to create your subtitles.
  6. Teams are encouraged to collaborate with local composers and musicians to create original music for their films. Teams may use pre-recorded music if they have the necessary rights. Royalty-free music is also permitted. If using copyrighted music, usage is limited to a maximum of 15 seconds, and the composer and music link must be credited in the end credits.
  7. Sound must be stereo ONLY.
  8. Teams cannot use stock footage or footage created earlier. Photographs can be used in a film only if the team has the rights to use them.
  9. End credits are limited to a maximum of 60 seconds. These 60 seconds are in addition to the maximum film length for your category.
  10. The teams should use the ‘Opening Slide’ (i.e., IFP Title Slate) provided to the team leaders along with the theme. Opening titles are considered part of the film and count towards the total duration. The Opening Slide will be shared as a part of the theme announcement email.
  11. Order: IFP Title Slate (provided at the beginning of the challenge) – 1 second of blank – 3 seconds of black slate with Film Name – Your movie.
  12. The final video must be uploaded in MP4/MOV/MPEG-4 format. The uploaded video should be in 1080p and strictly below 2 GB. All file names should be your Creator ID. For instance, if your Creator ID is TA2140, your files should be TA2140.mp4 (Film), TA2140.srt (Subtitle).

Submission

  1. Participants must submit their film via the upload link provided to the Team Leader. The upload link will be sent as soon as the challenge begins.
  2. Along with uploading the film, teams must sign and submit the Creator’s Agreement online, which will be sent with the theme email.
    Visit the sample agreement here – Link to Sample Agreement
  3. Teams are ideally expected to keep 48 hours for filmmaking and 2 hours for upload. For teams genuinely unable to upload their films within the 50-hour period due to technical reasons, a 4-hour extension will be provided.
    However, to maintain fairness, films uploaded past the 50-hour deadline will face score deductions: 0 to 1 hour late: 5%; 1 to 2 hours late: 7.5%; 2 to 4 hours late: 10%.

Evaluation

Evaluation criteria for all the submitted films will include Story/Narrative flow, Performances, Visual Composition/Cinematography, Editing and Adherence to category and inclusion of compulsory elements.

Disclaimer

  1. The film must not contain any material that violates personal rights, religious beliefs, incites violence, makes derogatory remarks about someone’s sexuality or belief, invades privacy, or infringes on the rights of any person, firm, or entity.
  2. Teams are requested to keep the original footage and project files for three years after submission. IFP may choose to broadcast these films on television and in theaters, requiring the highest quality.
  3. IFP may add to or amend these rules at any time before the filmmaking period begins without prior notice.
  4. IFP and project partners, at their sole discretion, can disqualify any film deemed inappropriate or non-compliant.

 

IFP 50 Hour Filmmaking Challenge – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General

  • Q: I am not from India. Can I participate?
    • A: Absolutely! IFP welcomes entries from filmmakers around the globe.
  • Q: Is there a registration fee?
    • A: Yes, there is a registration fee for each team: Rs. 3500 (USD 42) for the Professional Category, Rs. 2500 (USD 30) for the Amateur Category, and Rs. 1500 (USD 18) for the Vertical Category. Fees are paid online to confirm participation. You will receive your Creator ID via email upon confirmation.
  • Q: What is the Creator’s Agreement?
    • A: The Creator’s Agreement is a legally binding document that each Team Leader must sign. It protects both your rights as a creator and IFP’s rights as a platform. The agreement will be provided to the Team Leader via email at the beginning of the challenge, along with the theme. Teams that do not submit the agreement will be disqualified.
      Visit the sample agreement here – Link to Sample Agreement
  • Q: Can my film have no dialogues?
    • A: Yes, your film can be entirely without dialogue, relying on music and visuals. Be sure to convey the mood and narrative through your English subtitles.
  • Q: Can I participate in multiple IFP challenges?
    • A: Yes, you can participate in other IFP challenges using the same email ID. However, each challenge requires a separate registration fee and will have a separate Creator ID.
  • Q: What happens to my film after the challenge?
    • A: You retain the rights to your film and can use it in various ways. However, you must include the credit “This film was made for IFP Season 16” in both the title and end credits. Further details are provided in the Team Leader’s agreement.
  • Q: Can I sponsor this challenge?
    • A: Yes! Please contact us at ritam@ifp.world for sponsorship opportunities.
  • Q: Is this an online challenge, or do I need to be in Mumbai?
    • A: This is a completely online challenge. You can participate and submit your film from anywhere, using the link shared with the team leader.
  • Q: What happens after I submit my work?
    • A: If your film is nominated, you will receive an email notification along with the further steps that you would need to follow.





Tech

  • Q: What is the evaluation criteria?
    • A:Films are evaluated on the basis of Story/Narrative flow, Performances, Visual Composition/Cinematography, Editing and Adherence to category and inclusion of compulsory elements.
  • Q: Should my story revolve around the compulsory element?
    • A: No, the compulsory element should be incorporated into your film but does not need to be the central focus. It can be subtly integrated, like a prop or background detail.
  • Q: Can I edit my film on mobile?
    • A: No, your film must be edited on a laptop or desktop computer.
  • Q: Are special effects allowed?
    • A: Yes, special effects are permitted, but you cannot use stock footage. You can use built-in plugins and effects from your editing software.
  • Q: What is the required film duration?
    • A: Professional, Amateur:: 4-6 minutes; Vertical: 1-2 minutes.
  • Q: Do end credits count towards the film’s maximum length?
    • A: No, end credits are not included in the film’s duration. They can be a maximum of 60 seconds.
  • Q: Can I modify my film after the challenge?
    • A: Yes, you can modify your film after the award ceremony, but you must retain the credit: “This film was made for IFP Season 16” in the end credits.
  • Q: How can I upload my film faster?
    • A: Rendering your film at 1080p and keeping the file size below 2 GB will help with faster uploads.
  • Q: What can be the team size?
    • A: Teams can have a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 20 members, excluding the actors. Each registered team member will receive an e-certificate.
  • Q: Is any footage allowed in the end credits?
    • A: Yes, you can include footage in the end credits, but the main narrative of your film must conclude before the credits begin.
  • Q: Can I use stock photos?
    • A: You can use stock photos only if you own the rights to them.
  • Q: Is animation allowed?
    • A: No, animation of any kind is not allowed in the films.
  • Q: Can we include title animation or our company logo?
    • A: Yes, you can include title animations or your company logo, but they must be on screen for less than 10 seconds.
  • Q: What are the technical specifications for the film (shooting quality, aspect ratio, sound)?
    • A: The final video should be in MOV or MPEG4 format with 1080p resolution. The aspect ratio should be 16:9 for Amateur, Professional categories, and 9:16 for Vertical. Sound must be stereo ONLY.
  • Q: What language can my film be in? Are subtitles required?
    • A: Your film can be in any language. English subtitles are mandatory for all films. Refer to the rules for detailed subtitle guidelines.
  • Q: I’m participating from outside India. What time zone should I follow?
    • A: The official time for the challenge is Indian Standard Time (IST) / GMT +5:30.
  • Q: I’m having trouble finding team members. Can IFP help?
    • A: IFP will be creating various opportunities in the form of networking events, Instagram Campaigns and more, keep an eye out at our Instagram page to know more.
  • Q: Do I need a location release to shoot on public property?
    • A: A location release is only required for privately owned property. However, we strongly recommend obtaining necessary permits for shooting on public property. IFP team will not be liable for any such permissions or claims in this case.
  • Q: Where do I upload my film?
    • A: The upload link will be sent to the Team Leader at the beginning of the challenge, along with the theme.
  • Q: Can I use my mobile phone to upload my film?
    • A: While technically possible, we highly recommend using a laptop or desktop computer with a stable, high-speed internet connection for uploading. Mobile connections can be unreliable and cause delays.

Evaluation

  • Q: How are so many films judged?
    • A: Each film will be judged by an eminent jury with extensive industry experience who gives their scores to all the art works sent as per the evaluation criteria.
  • Q: Is the judging process transparent?
    • A: IFP is committed to a fair and transparent judging process. The IFP team also reviews the films to ensure no biases or errors occur. We do not accept paid awards to maintain the integrity of the competition.

GET DETAILS QUICKLY ON YOUR EMAIL


What is the festival all about?
IFP is a multi-staged creativity & culture festival that happens across two days with more than 180+ prominent creators from Films & OTT, Digital, Literature & Writing, Music, Design & Art, Storytelling, Audio & Podcasting, Photography, Tech & Gaming, Comedy, Culture, Advertising and Performing arts who will participate in various Conversations, Panels, Workshops, Masterclasses, Live Performances, and AMAs.

 

Are there any hidden charges?
No, only GST will be levied on the tickets as per the government’s rules and regulations.

 

When and where is the festival happening?
The festival is scheduled to take place on-ground in  Mumbai on December 6th & 7th, 2025.

 

Is the festival accessible for People of Determination?
Yes, IFP is an all-inclusive and accessible festival. We will be tying up with an accessibility management agency to ensure the same.

 

Can I attend all the sessions?
Yes, you will have access to all the sessions taking place across all 2 days. However Stage entry and seating will be on a first come first serve basis.

 

Where can I buy tickets?
The tickets are available on all the major Ticketing Platforms and on IFP’s Website. Click here to buy the tickets.

 

Will there be an award ceremony for the challenges?
Yes, the winners of all the challenges of IFP will be awarded during the festival. Kindly check the schedule regarding the same.

 

What will be the timings of the festival?
The first session on October 12 & 13, 2024 (i.e. Saturday and Sunday) will start at 10am and the last session will end at 9pm.

 

I’m a member of the media? How do I make arrangements for a media pass?
You can  fill-up the form with relevant details and request for media invite.

 

Wow, there are lots of artists taking sessions! Will I get to personally interact with them?
There is no guarantee, however, you could plan for the questions you would want to ask in the event and if you are lucky, you will get an opportunity to ask them.

 

Will there be food at the venue?
Yes, there will be a food zone at the festival. 

 

Will there be parking at the venue?
No, there will be no parking available at the venue.

 

Is there any age limit/rule?
No. The festival is open to all ages.

 

How do I become a Sponsor?
Please mail us at ritam@ifp.world

 

What is your ticket policy?
Tickets are purchased online through our (platform) and on-ground on festival days. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

 

What are some of the general measures that ensure safety in all forms at the festival?
Harassment, abuse , stalking, threatening or defaming/ violating any rights (right to privacy and publicity) is not allowed and will be taken seriously. Attendees are not allowed to carry any harmful substances, weapons or arms of any kind.