IFP 50 Hour Writing Challenge - Rules

IFP 50 Hour Writing Challenge – Rules

General

  1. Entries are open for participants from across the globe.
  2. This challenge is strictly for individual participants; no team entries are allowed. Each participant will receive an e-certificate from IFP at the registered email address.
  3. Once participation is confirmed, refunds will not be issued.

Tech

  1. Registrations close on 20th August, 2026 | 11:59 PM IST (GMT+5:30).
  2. Participants will receive the theme and compulsory element online on IFP’s Instagram, as well as on the registered email ID and WhatsApp.
  3. All registered participants will receive a Creator’s Agreement along with the theme and uploading link in their registered email at the time of the theme announcement.
  4. You can choose only one category (Short Script, Mini-Series, Short Story, or Think Piece) during registration and change it anytime before the registration period ends. You cannot change your category once registrations are closed.
  5. The writing piece must adhere to the theme, chosen category, and compulsory element.
  6. Submission Format:
    • Short Script:
    • Mini-Series:
      • Page 1: Title, writer’s name, city, and Creator ID
      • Page 2: Synopsis of the mini-series (up to 100 words)
      • Pages 3-9: Pilot Episode Script (maximum 7 pages)
      • Following Pages: Synopsis of four further episodes (up to 100 words per episode) + Description of lead and supporting characters (up to 100 words each)
      • Click here to download the sample file
    • Short Story:
    • Think Piece:
  7. All submissions must be typed in Courier font, size 12, and converted to PDF (maximum file size: 5MB). 
  8. Language:
    • Short Script/Mini-Series: Scripts must be written in English. Dialogue can be in any language but must include English translations in brackets below the dialogue. In these cases, the script can be up to two pages longer.
    • Short Story: Stories must be written in English. Non-English text must include English translations in brackets. The story can be up to one page longer in these cases.
    • Think Piece: Think pieces must be written in English. Non-English text must include English translations in brackets. Citations should be in brackets. The piece can be up to 500 words longer in these cases.

Submission

  1. All registered participants will receive a Creator’s Agreement along with the theme and upload link in their registered email at the time of the theme announcement.
    Sample Creator Agreement can be viewed here, please note that we will be sending a link to sign the agreement at the registered email address.
  2. Participants must submit their writing piece via the provided upload link, that will be sent during the 50 hours of the challenge

Evaluation

  1. Evaluation Criteria:
    • Short Script/Mini-Series/Short Story: Plot/storyline, structure, character development, and adherence to the theme.
    • Think Piece: Research & analysis, structure & flow, grammar, and personal statement.

Disclaimer

  1. For Think Pieces, up to 13% plagiarism is allowed. Submissions exceeding this limit will be disqualified. Plagiarism can be checked using tools like QuillBot, Plagiarism Checker, EasyBib, Scribbr, etc. Participants would be required to submit a verified plagiarism report along with the submission piece.
  2. Submitted writing pieces are strictly confidential and will only be viewed by the challenge jury.
  3. Scripts cannot be shared or uploaded publicly until the results are announced at the festival.
  4. IFP and IFP Parties may, in their sole discretion, disqualify any writing piece deemed inappropriate or non-compliant.
  5. Writing pieces containing prohibited or inappropriate content, as determined by IFP, will be disqualified.




IFP 50 Hour Writing Challenge – Rules

General

  1. Entries are open for participants from across the globe.
  2. This challenge is strictly for individual participants; no team entries are allowed. Each participant will receive an e-certificate from IFP at the registered email address.
  3. Once participation is confirmed, refunds will not be issued.

Tech

  1. Registrations close on 20th August, 2026 | 11:59 PM IST (GMT+5:30).
  2. Participants will receive the theme and compulsory element online on IFP’s Instagram, as well as on the registered email ID and WhatsApp.
  3. All registered participants will receive a Creator’s Agreement along with the theme and uploading link in their registered email at the time of the theme announcement.
  4. You can choose only one category (Short Script, Mini-Series, Short Story, or Think Piece) during registration and change it anytime before the registration period ends. You cannot change your category once registrations are closed.
  5. The writing piece must adhere to the theme, chosen category, and compulsory element.
  6. Submission Format:
    • Short Script:
    • Mini-Series:
      • Page 1: Title, writer’s name, city, and Creator ID
      • Page 2: Synopsis of the mini-series (up to 100 words)
      • Pages 3-9: Pilot Episode Script (maximum 7 pages)
      • Following Pages: Synopsis of four further episodes (up to 100 words per episode) + Description of lead and supporting characters (up to 100 words each)
      • Click here to download the sample file
    • Short Story:
    • Think Piece:
  7. All submissions must be typed in Courier font, size 12, and converted to PDF (maximum file size: 5MB). 
  8. Language:
    • Short Script/Mini-Series: Scripts must be written in English. Dialogue can be in any language but must include English translations in brackets below the dialogue. In these cases, the script can be up to two pages longer.
    • Short Story: Stories must be written in English. Non-English text must include English translations in brackets. The story can be up to one page longer in these cases.
    • Think Piece: Think pieces must be written in English. Non-English text must include English translations in brackets. Citations should be in brackets. The piece can be up to 500 words longer in these cases.

Submission

  1. All registered participants will receive a Creator’s Agreement along with the theme and upload link in their registered email at the time of the theme announcement.
    Sample Creator Agreement can be viewed here, please note that we will be sending a link to sign the agreement at the registered email address.
  2. Participants must submit their writing piece via the provided upload link, that will be sent during the 50 hours of the challenge

Evaluation

  1. Evaluation Criteria:
    • Short Script/Mini-Series/Short Story: Plot/storyline, structure, character development, and adherence to the theme.
    • Think Piece: Research & analysis, structure & flow, grammar, and personal statement.

Disclaimer

  1. For Think Pieces, up to 13% plagiarism is allowed. Submissions exceeding this limit will be disqualified. Plagiarism can be checked using tools like QuillBot, Plagiarism Checker, EasyBib, Scribbr, etc. Participants would be required to submit a verified plagiarism report along with the submission piece.
  2. Submitted writing pieces are strictly confidential and will only be viewed by the challenge jury.
  3. Scripts cannot be shared or uploaded publicly until the results are announced at the festival.
  4. IFP and IFP Parties may, in their sole discretion, disqualify any writing piece deemed inappropriate or non-compliant.
  5. Writing pieces containing prohibited or inappropriate content, as determined by IFP, will be disqualified.




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.