1. Entries are open for participants from across the globe.

2. This is a competitive category and the registrations will close on Aug 08, 2024, 11:59 pm IST.

3. You can choose any one category during the time of registration and change it anytime before the registrations end. You cannot change your category once the registrations are closed.

4. Participants will get the theme online on IFP’s Instagram as well as on the registered email ID and Whatsapp.

5. Your performance can be in Hindi or English only.

6. Your performance has to adhere to the theme.

7. The compulsory element will be given at the beginning of the challenge. The performance has to adhere to the theme, chosen category, and the compulsory elements.

8. Your submitted piece should be original and unpublished.

9. Your submission will have to include the following:

Spoken Word:
- 1. Story must have a title and must not exceed the narration limit of minimum 3 minutes and maximum 5 minutes.
- 2. A video of you narrating your story. The video should be shot in landscape mode in 1080p, MP4 format with a maximum file size of 500MB.
- 3. A written transcript of your story, typed in 'Courier font' and in the font size 12. The transcript should be converted to PDF before submission. The file size limit is 20MB. If your story is in Hindi, the transcript can be in Devanagari script or Roman English. (Download sample transcript for Spoken Word category for reference)
- 4. The file name of both your files should be your Creator ID (e.g. - ST836.mp4, ST836.pdf)

Poetry:
 - 1. Poem must have a title and must fit in the text limit of minimum 12 lines and maximum 40 lines and narration limit of maximum 4 minutes.
 - 2. A video of you reciting your poem. The video should be shot in landscape mode in 1080p, MP4 format with a maximum file size of 500MB.
 - 3. A written transcript of your poem, typed in 'Courier font' and in the font size 12. The transcript should be converted to PDF before submission. The file size limit is 20MB. If your poem is in Hindi, the transcript can be in Devanagari script or Roman English. (Download sample transcript for Poetry category for reference)
 - 4. The file name of both your files should be your Creator ID (e.g. - ST836.mp4, ST836.pdf)

Mono Act:
- 1. The piece must have a title and must not exceed the narration limit of minimum 3 minutes and maximum 5 minutes.
-2. The Performance has to be solo. One additional director or writer is permitted.
-3. A video of you performing your piece. The video should be shot in landscape mode in 1080p, MP4 format with a maximum file size of 500MB.
-4. A written transcript of your piece, typed in 'Courier font' and in the font size 12. The transcript should be converted to PDF before submission. The file size limit is 20MB. If your piece is in Hindi, the transcript can be in Roman English. (Download sample transcript for Mono Act category for reference)
-5. The file name of both your files should be your Creator ID (e.g. - ST836.mp4, ST836.pdf)

11. Any piece that contains disrespect for a particular person, community or religion or contains violence, hatred, obscenity or nudity will not be qualified in the challenge.

12. All registered participants will receive a Creator’s Agreement along with the theme and upload link in registered email at the time of theme announcement. Check out the agreement here.

13. Your submitted piece will be strictly restricted to the jury of the challenge.

14. The piece (written and video) cannot be released until the results are announced at the festival.

15. IFP and Project parties, in their sole discretion, disqualify the piece deemed to be inappropriate or otherwise non-compliant.

16. Check out the sample framing- wide and mid shots here.

17.  In this challenge, Spoken word & Poetry categories are strictly for individual participants; no team entries are allowed. Each participant will receive an e-certificate from IFP.
However, for Mono Act, there can be (only) one writer/director who will have to be credited.

18. once participation is confirmed, refunds will not be issued. 

Q. How much time do I have to write and narrate my piece?
A. You will receive the theme on Friday, 09 August 2024, 8pm IST and you will have to upload the piece in video format by Sunday, 11 August, 2024, 10 PM IST. You will have 50 Hours in all to write and record your story.

Q. I am not from India. Can I participate?
A. Ofcourse. Yes! IFP welcomes entries from around the globe.

Q. Is there a registration fee?
A. Yes, there is a registration fee of INR 500 (USD 6). The payment is to be made online to confirm your registration. You will receive a unique Creator ID once the registration is confirmed.

Q. What is the evaluation criteria?
A. Your submissions will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria. Make sure that you pay attention to these.
- Poetry and Spoken Word - Creativity and Originality, Structure, Language, Adherence to the Theme and your Performance in the videos
- Mono Act - Creativity and Originality, Performance in the video, Sensory Details, and Adherence to the Theme

Q. What is a mono act?
A. Monoact is a unique form of dramatic event that involves a solo performer who presents a short skit or play. The performer acts out a single or multiple characters and tells a story or rants, through dialogue, gestures and movements.

Q. Can a solo dance performance be submitted under the Mono Act?
A. No. This challenge is restricted to voice and verse performances at the moment. 

Q. Is it compulsory to have a team in the Mono Act?
A. No, you can participate solely if you can write and act in an original piece. 

Q. Should my submission be completely based on the compulsory element?
A. No. Compulsory element should be a part of your piece, but it should not necessarily be the central part of it.

Q. In what languages can I submit my poem/story?
A. Your piece should be in Hindi or English.

Q. Will the production quality of my performance video matter?
A. Don’t worry, the video production quality doesn’t matter. Make sure that you are in a noiseless environment, keep the phone or camera at eye level, look into the camera directly,  and out-perform your best self.

Q. I am a participant from out of India. What standard time should I follow for the challenge?
A. The standard time for the challenge will be Indian Standard Time.

Q. How do I submit my piece?
A. At the beginning of the challenge, you will receive an email with the theme as well as a link to upload your video on your registered email ID.

Q. Is slam poetry allowed?
A. Yes, slam poetry is also accepted in the poetry category.

Q. Can you give examples of categories that we can include in the Poetry Category?
A. Your poetry can be lyric, dramatic or narrative. In Hindi, It could be Ghazal (narration), Doha, Chopayee, Muktbaddh. 

Q. Can I add background music to my Performance?
A. Yes, though it is not mandatory. However, ensure that your vocals remain clearly audible.

Q. Can I send an audio file instead of video?
A. No. We will only accept video files for this challenge.

Q. Who will judge my piece?
A. An eminent pre-jury and jury with tremendous industry experience will judge your performance.

Q. Do I need to sign a Creator's Agreement?
A. Yes. Everyone who participates in the Challenge needs to sign a creator’s agreement. The agreement will help protect your rights as a creator and our rights as a platform.

Q. Is it an online challenge or do I need to come anywhere/Mumbai?
A. The challenge is completely online. You can participate from the comfort of your home and submit through the submission form.

Q. What happens after I’ve submitted my work?
A. If you are nominated, you’ll receive an email for the same and will have to be present at the award ceremony for the final results at the IFP Festival which happens in Mumbai. If you’re not nominated, you can still attend the award ceremony and cheer for the winners.