The 14th CMS VATAVARAN International Environment and Wildlife Film Festival and Forum

📌 Submit Your Film to the 14th CMS VATAVARAN Film Festival

📅 Dates & Deadlines

• January 31, 2026: Early Bird Deadline
• March 30, 2026: International Day of Zero Waste – Final Deadline
• July 2026: Nomination Jury
• July/August 2026: Award Jury
• September 7, 2026: International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies – Notification Date
• November 4–7, 2026: Festival & Forum

📋 Submission Criteria

To ensure fairness, relevance, and thematic alignment, all entries must meet the following criteria:

• Best Long Film:
  • Format: Documentary or Fiction
  • Duration: More than 30 minutes
  • Production Date: After January 1, 2023
• Best Short Film:
  • Format: Documentary or Fiction
  • Duration: Up to 30 minutes
  • Production Date: After January 1, 2023
• Best Youth Film:
  • Format: Documentary or Fiction
  • Duration: Up to 30 minutes
  • Production Date: After January 1, 2023

💰 Submission Fee

To encourage early participation, no entry fee will be charged for submissions received on or before October 23, 2025, the International Day of Climate Action.

From February 01, 2025 onwards, the following fees apply:

• National Filmmakers: INR 2,500
• International Filmmakers: USD 100
• Youth Participants:
  • National Entries: INR 1,500
  • International Entries: USD 50

Award Categories & Format

There are 20 awards in five Indian and International categories. Indian awards carry a citation trophy and money ranging from INR 25,000 to 50,000. International awards carry a citation and a trophy.

All films must be submitted under one of the following categories. Each category accepts both long and short formats and awards will be presented in National and International divisions:

1. Climate Change: Adaptation & Mitigation (Long & Short – National & International)
   This category invites compelling films that explore the causes, consequences, and solutions to the climate crisis. From extreme weather events and rising sea levels to community-led resilience, renewable energy innovations, and climate justice movements, the films should highlight both adaptation strategies and mitigation efforts across diverse geographies.
   SDGs Covered: 13 (Climate Action), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 2 (Zero Hunger)


2. Biodiversity: Conservation & Coexistence (Long & Short – National & International)
   This category invites films that celebrate and safeguard Earth’s biological and ecological richness across forests, wetlands, grasslands, and urban spaces. Entries may explore themes such as biodiversity-friendly development, forest and ecosystem restoration, pollution impacts, indigenous conservation knowledge, sustainable technologies, and the complex interconnections between nature, communities, and development. The focus is on promoting harmony between human activity and natural systems, while inspiring awareness, empathy, and collective action for biodiversity and environmental resilience.
   SDGs Covered: 15 (Life on Land), 14 (Life Below Water), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 2 (Zero Hunger), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)


3. Wildlife: Marine & Terrestrial Narratives (Long & Short – National & International)
   Films in this category should delve into the world of wild species across land and sea—exploring animal behavior, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, trafficking, conservation efforts, and the people working on the frontlines. Stories may range from community guardians of wildlife to global conservation movements.
   SDGs Covered: 15 (Life on Land), 14 (Life Below Water), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)


4. Water: Access, Equity & Sustainability (Long & Short – National & International)
   This category focuses on water as a fundamental yet increasingly threatened resource. Films may address water scarcity, pollution, climate impacts, traditional knowledge systems, sustainable innovations, and water justice. Emphasis is on community stories, governance, and equitable access to clean and safe water.
   SDGs Covered: 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 13 (Climate Action), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)


5. Youth (National & International – Two Sub-Categories: Under 16 years and Under 25 years)
   This category is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of environmental storytellers. Open to young filmmakers under the age of 25, it is divided into two sub-categories: Under 16 years and Under 25 years. Films must not exceed 30 minutes in duration and can focus on any environmental or conservation issue; from local school projects and community actions to global climate activism. The category aims to celebrate youthful creativity, critical thinking, and passion for the planet.
   SDGs Covered: 4 (Quality Education), 13 (Climate Action), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 15 (Life on Land)

Eligibility Guidelines for Entrants

(Applicable for All Categories – Long & Short Formats, National & International)

Indian Entrants

1. Only bonafide Indian citizens are eligible to submit entries under the National Categories.
2. Films submitted under National Categories must focus on local, regional, or national environmental, wildlife, water, climate, or biodiversity concerns within India.
3. For Indian productions involving foreign collaborators, the following conditions must be met:
   • At least one of the co-producers must be an Indian citizen.
   • The director of the film must be an Indian national.

International Entrants

1. Only non-Indian citizens are eligible to submit entries under the International Categories.
2. Films submitted may address global environmental challenges, country-specific issues, or even focus on India’s environmental and wildlife concerns, provided the entrant is a foreign national.

Youth / Student Filmmakers (Indian & International)

1. Entries under the Youth Category (Under 16 / Under 25) are open to filmmakers currently enrolled in recognized schools, colleges, or universities.
2. The following special considerations apply:
   • Foreign students studying in Indian institutions may submit films under the National Category, only if the film focuses on Indian environmental or wildlife themes.
   • Indian-origin students studying in foreign institutions may also submit under National Category, subject to thematic relevance.
3. All student/youth entries must be supported by:
   • A valid institutional endorsement letter from the student’s school/college/university.
   • Parental authorization for participants under 18 years of age.