Cinimontaz International Film Festival - 2025

Cinimontaz International Film Festival (CFF) 2025 is a Short Film Festival dedicated to experimental films/short films/web/new media with a maximum duration of 120 seconds. Embracing the theme "Celebration of Life in 120 Secs," the festival challenges filmmakers/content creators to capture the essence of joy, resilience, and the human experience within a brief yet impactful cinematic journey. Open to visionary storytellers from around the world, Cinimontaz pushes the boundaries of short-format filmmaking, encouraging innovation in visual storytelling, editing, and artistic expression. Through its dynamic selection of films, the online film festival serves as a global platform for creatives to showcase their unique perspectives on life’s fleeting yet profound moments.

Submission Link - https://forms.gle/GHtJrRhdTxRjq1ZM6

1. Eligibility

• Open to filmmakers of all nationalities and backgrounds.
• Films must align with the festival’s theme: “Celebration of Life in 120 Secs.”

2. Film Specifications

• Maximum duration: 120 seconds (including titles & credits).
• Must be an experimental film—open to unique storytelling, abstract visuals, and creative editing.
• All genres and formats (live-action, animation, stop-motion, etc.) are accepted.
• Films must be in HD (1920x1080) or higher resolution for better perception
• Films/ Work to be submitted as open screen online link (preferably youtube link)
• Non-English films must include English subtitles - if required

3. Originality & Rights

• Submissions must be original work by the entrant (Only Human Input)
• The filmmaker must own all rights to the content, including music, images, and third-party materials.
• No AI-generated films
• Films that have been publicly released or screened at other festivals are also eligible

4. Submission Guidelines

• Submissions must be made via the official festival platform 
• Submissions are open
• Submission deadline: 30 May 2025
• No Entry fees for submission
• Submission Link - https://forms.gle/GHtJrRhdTxRjq1ZM6

5. Selection & Judging

• Films will be evaluated based on creativity, storytelling, originality, and adherence to the theme.
• The selection committee’s decision is final.
• Selected films will be notified via email and showcased on the festival page - on or before 10th June 2025

6. Jury Recognitions

1. Best Experimental Short Film – Grand prize for the most outstanding experimental film.
2. Best Director – Recognizing innovative and visionary direction.
3. Best Cinematic Impact – Awarded to the film with the strongest visual and emotional impact.
4. Best Editing – For creative and masterful editing techniques.
5. Best Sound Design – Celebrating exceptional use of sound and audio experimentation.
6. Best Cinematography – Honoring outstanding visual composition and camera work.
7. Best Use of Concept – Awarded to the film that best embodies the festival’s theme.
8. Jury Prize for Innovation – Given to the most groundbreaking or unconventional film.
9. Best Mixed-Media Film – Recognizing excellence in blending different visual styles.
10. Most Thought-Provoking Film – Awarded for films that challenge perspectives.
11. Best Abstract Narrative – For a film that tells a compelling story in a non-traditional way.
12. Best Experimental Animation – Honoring artistic and technical innovation in animation.
13. Best Minimalist Film – Celebrating creativity within extreme simplicity.
14. Best Social Commentary Film – For films addressing social, political, or cultural theme
15. Special Mention - Jury's perogative to recognize a special body of work

Winning and selected films will be featured on the festival’s website, social media, and relevant partner platforms. Jury recognitions will be provided with an e-certificate.

7. General Conditions

• By submitting, filmmakers grant Cinimontaz Film Festival Organizers the right to screen their films during the festival and for promotional purposes.
• The festival holds the right to disqualify entries that contain hate speech, Inappropriate content/explicit violence, or any content deemed inappropriate by the Festival Organizers.
• The festival is not responsible for technical issues, submission errors, or lost files.
• The films will be reviewed and only those that meet the quality criteria will be judged and only those films will be considered for awards/recognitions. 

8. Prize details:

Best Short Film

• First Prize - Rs. 15,000/-
• Second Prize - Rs. 10,000/-
• Third Prize - Rs. 5,000/- 

Date of Festival: 20th June 2025

For updates and further details, visit www.cinimontaz.in

For any clarification please email us at - cinimontaz@gmail.com