1. FILM ELIGIBILITY

1.1 Language & Origin

Rajasthan Film Carnival welcomes cinematic works that represent the diversity of Indian storytelling, with a special focus on Rajasthani cinema and stories connected to Rajasthan.

Films may be submitted in:

• Rajasthani language
• Hindi
• Other Indian regional languages
• Other languages where the work has a meaningful connection to Indian culture, artists, stories or themes, subject to the applicable category requirements.

Films produced in Rajasthani language may be considered under the relevant Rajasthani Cinema categories.

Films produced in other Indian regional languages may be considered under the appropriate regional cinema categories.

1.2 Content & Cultural Relevance

Preference may be given to works that demonstrate meaningful connections with:

• Rajasthan’s culture and heritage
• Rajasthani people and communities
• Regional stories and experiences
• Indian culture and society
• Emerging cinematic voices
• Regional filmmaking and creative expression

The Carnival reserves the right to determine the appropriate category for each submission.

2. PRODUCTION & ELIGIBILITY PERIOD

Films must meet the official production/release eligibility period announced for Rajasthan Film Carnival 2026.

Participants may be required to provide supporting documentation confirming the film’s production completion or release date.

Important: The final eligibility dates should be inserted here once confirmed by the organisers.

3. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

To ensure smooth screening and evaluation, submitted films should meet professional technical standards.

Digital Submission

Preferred formats:

• MP4 or MOV
• Minimum resolution: 1920 × 1080
• Consistent frame rate
• Stereo or 5.1 audio
• Good-quality picture and sound

Subtitles

Films not presented in English should preferably include accurate English subtitles, properly synchronised with the dialogue.

Subtitles must be:

• Readable
• Correctly timed
• Free from major spelling or translation errors

Final Screening Copy

Selected films may be required to provide a high-quality screening master in the format specified by the Festival Directorate.

The festival team may conduct a technical quality check before screening.

4. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Each entry should include the required information and materials.

Basic Information

• Completed submission form
• Film title
• Director’s name
• Production company
• Producer details
• Contact information
• Film language
• Runtime
• Year of production
• Technical specifications

Film Information

• Short synopsis
• Detailed film description, if required
• Director’s profile
• Cast and crew details
• Trailer or preview link, where applicable

Visual Materials

Selected applicants may be requested to provide:

• High-resolution film poster
• Minimum 3 production stills
• Behind-the-scenes photographs, if available
• Director/producer photograph
• Promotional material

These materials may be used for festival publicity and communication.

5. HOW TO APPLY

Online Submission

Official Rajasthan Film Carnival Submission Form.

Offline Submission

Last Date – 13/09/2026

Download Offline Rajasthan Film Carnival Submission Form PDF.

Entry Fee – 

Submission Format

Participants may be required to submit their film through:

• Digital submission
• Official online submission link
• Pen Drive / physical media, where specifically requested

All physical submissions must be properly labelled and securely packaged.

6. NOMINATION & SELECTION

6.1 Selection Committee

Films and entries may be evaluated by a professional selection committee comprising individuals from relevant areas of the film and creative industries.

The committee may include:

• Filmmakers
• Film professionals
• Actors and creative artists
• Film critics
• Technical experts
• Cultural professionals
• Industry experts

6.2 Selection Criteria

Entries may be assessed on factors including:

• Storytelling
• Direction
• Acting
• Cinematography
• Editing
• Sound and music
• Technical quality
• Originality
• Cultural relevance
• Overall creative excellence

The final selection will remain at the discretion of the Festival Directorate / Selection Committee.

6.3 Final Selection

Selected participants will be notified through the official communication channels.

The decision of the authorised selection committee regarding selection and nomination shall be considered final, subject to the festival’s published terms.

7. WITHDRAWAL

Once a film has been officially selected for the Carnival, the participant should not withdraw the film without prior written approval from the Festival Directorate.

Submission of an entry constitutes acceptance of the applicable festival rules.

8. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & RIGHTS

The participant is solely responsible for ensuring that they have all necessary rights and permissions relating to the submitted work.

This includes, where applicable:

• Script and story rights
• Adaptation rights
• Music and sound recording rights
• Performance rights
• Image and likeness permissions
• Location permissions
• Archival footage rights
• Trademark and brand permissions
• Copyright permissions

The participant must ensure that the submitted work does not knowingly infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any third party.

The Rajasthan Film Carnival shall not be responsible for disputes arising from unauthorised use of copyrighted or third-party material.

9. FESTIVAL PROMOTIONAL RIGHTS

By submitting a film, participants grant Rajasthan Film Carnival a non-exclusive right to use approved promotional materials related to the film for festival promotion and communication.

This may include:

• Film title
• Poster
• Stills
• Trailer excerpts
• Short film excerpts
• Director/actor photographs
• Press materials
• Behind-the-scenes content
• Interviews related to the Carnival

Such material may be used across:

• Official website
• Social media
• Digital campaigns
• Print materials
• Press releases
• Media coverage
• Festival publications
• YouTube and other digital platforms

Any specific footage-duration limit or additional media/OTT rights should be confirmed by the organisers before publishing this clause.

10. GENERAL RULES

1. Incomplete or incorrect submission forms may be rejected.
2. Participants are responsible for the accuracy of the information provided.
3. Participants must ensure that submitted media is playable and technically suitable.
4. The Carnival is not obligated to provide individual feedback or evaluation to every participant.
5. The Festival Directorate may reject an entry that does not comply with the eligibility or technical requirements.
6. Participants must possess all necessary legal permissions and clearances.
7. Films or content that may reasonably be considered discriminatory, defamatory, hateful, or likely to incite social conflict may be rejected.
8. The Festival Directorate reserves the right to determine the appropriate category for an entry.
9. Multiple submissions may be permitted subject to the applicable submission guidelines.
10. Submission does not guarantee selection, nomination, screening or award.

11. LOGISTICS & MATERIAL HANDLING

Physical Submissions

Participants sending physical material are responsible for:

• Secure packaging
• Correct labelling
• Courier/shipping arrangements
• Tracking and delivery confirmation
• Insurance during transit, where required

The Carnival should be notified of the dispatch of physical materials when applicable.

Storage

Submitted materials may be retained by the Festival Directorate for:

• Selection and evaluation
• Screening
• Festival documentation
• Archival purposes
• Promotional activities, subject to applicable rights

12. PARTICIPANT EXPENSES

Unless specifically communicated otherwise, participants are responsible for expenses associated with preparing and submitting their entries, including:

• Production of submission copies
• Courier/shipping
• Insurance
• Subtitling
• Translation
• Technical conversion
• Promotional material preparation
• Required documentation
• Other submission-related expenses

Any travel, accommodation or hospitality support provided by the Carnival will be subject to the official arrangements communicated by the organisers.

13. AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Rajasthan Film Carnival 2026 may recognise outstanding contributions across eligible categories.

Awards and recognitions may include categories related to:

• Film
• Direction
• Acting
• Writing
• Cinematography
• Editing
• Music
• Technical excellence
• Emerging talent
• Lifetime achievement
• Outstanding contribution to cinema

The final award categories will be announced by the Festival Directorate.

14. LEGAL & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Participants are responsible for ensuring that their submitted films comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Where applicable, participants may be required to provide:

• Certification documentation
• Copyright clearances
• Music permissions
• Adaptation rights
• Location permissions
• Third-party content permissions
• Other relevant legal documents

The Festival Directorate may request supporting documentation at any stage of the selection or screening process.

15. CONTENT & PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

All participants are expected to maintain professional and respectful conduct throughout their association with Rajasthan Film Carnival.

Participants must not engage in:

• Harassment
• Discrimination
• Threatening behaviour
• Abusive conduct
• Deliberate misinformation
• Unauthorised use of another participant’s intellectual property

The organisers reserve the right to take appropriate action where participant conduct is inconsistent with the values or smooth functioning of the Carnival.

16. FORCE MAJEURE

Rajasthan Film Carnival shall not be held responsible for delays, postponements, changes or cancellation caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters
• Public health emergencies
• Government restrictions
• Political unrest
• Strikes
• Technical failures
• Power or internet disruptions
• Venue-related issues
• Regulatory changes
• Other unforeseen circumstances

The Festival Directorate reserves the right to modify the schedule, venue, programme or format when necessary.

17. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Any dispute relating to participation in Rajasthan Film Carnival shall initially be addressed through communication between the participant and Festival Directorate.

If the matter cannot be resolved amicably, it shall be dealt with in accordance with the applicable laws of India.

Jurisdiction: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Note: The final arbitration wording and jurisdiction clause should be reviewed and approved by the Carnival’s legal advisor before publication.

18. ACCEPTANCE OF RULES

By submitting an entry to Rajasthan Film Carnival 2026, the participant confirms that:

• The information provided is accurate.
• They have read and understood the applicable rules.
• They possess the necessary rights and permissions.
• They agree to comply with the Carnival’s procedures.
• They accept the decisions of the authorised Festival Directorate / Selection Committee, subject to the published rules.

19. AMENDMENTS & UPDATES

Rajasthan Film Carnival reserves the right to modify or update its Rules & Regulations when required for operational, legal, technical or organisational reasons.

Changes may relate to:

• Eligibility criteria
• Submission requirements
• Technical specifications
• Deadlines
• Programme schedules
• Selection procedures
• Award categories
• Participation requirements

Participants are advised to check the official website regularly for the latest version of the Rules & Regulations.