Lake View International Film Festival (LVIFF) is open to organisations, agencies, filmmakers, producers, directors and authorised representatives.

Submissions must be made online through the Festival’s official submission partners. DVDs, hard copies and other physical submissions are not accepted.

Entrants must review the Categories and Awards sections for detailed information about submission categories, eligibility requirements and available awards before submitting their films.

Depending on the number of entries in each category and the quality of the films submitted, the festival may also present Special Mention and Jury’s Choice awards. The festival reserves the right to cancel any award without prior notice.

Films of all genres are accepted, subject to the selected category’s requirements. Short films must run under 60 minutes, and feature films must run under 120 minutes. Music videos must not exceed 10 minutes, and the submitted web series episode must not exceed 40 minutes. Films lasting one minute or less are eligible for the 1-Minute Short Film category. All runtimes include opening and closing credits.

Selected filmmakers must provide an HD screening copy when requested by the Festival. Files must be delivered through Dropbox, WeTransfer, Google Drive or another approved method within the stated deadline. Links must be accessible and allow downloading.

Failure to provide the required screening files within the deadline will result in disqualification, even if the film has already received selection, finalist or nomination status. The film will be removed from the competition and cannot re-enter the same edition.

Films made with AI (artificial intelligence) are accepted only in the “AI Stories – Films Made with AI” category. AI-made films submitted to any other category will be disqualified.

Selection, semi-finalist, finalist and nomination notifications will be sent by email, and the results will be published on the Festival’s website. Announcement dates may be delayed depending on the number of submissions and the time required for evaluation.

Decisions of the selection committee, jury and Festival management regarding selection, nominations and awards are final within the Festival’s evaluation process. Requests to reconsider non-selected films or change judging results will not be entertained. This does not prevent entrants from reporting administrative errors or raising legitimate legal concerns.

All films containing non-English dialogue, including Indian regional-language films, must include clear and accurate English subtitles.

Filmmakers are responsible for ensuring that their screening files meet the Festival’s technical requirements. The organisers will not be responsible for a film being unable to screen because of incorrect formats, damaged files, missing subtitles or other problems with the materials supplied by the filmmaker, subject to applicable law.

The Festival Director may disqualify or decline to screen a film for valid reasons, including failure to meet eligibility requirements, false information, missing permissions, technical problems or a breach of these rules.

By submitting, the entrant permits the Festival to retain copies of the film and submitted materials in its archive and use them for educational, promotional, awareness-related and non-commercial screenings, subject to the permissions granted by the rights holder. Ownership of the film remains with its rights holders.

The Festival may use authorised excerpts, trailers, posters, stills and other submitted promotional materials on television, local networks, websites, social media and other Indian or international media channels to promote the film and the Festival.

Submitted films must be the entrant’s original work or be submitted with the necessary permission from the rights holder. Entrants must obtain all required permissions for music, sound recordings, images, footage, performances and other protected material used in their films.

Entrants are responsible for copyright violations or other rights infringements arising from their films or supplied materials. The Festival does not assume responsibility for these violations merely by accepting or screening a film. This does not exclude responsibility for the Festival’s own unauthorised use.

All official submission-related communication will take place by email. Entrants must provide a valid, regularly monitored email address, check their spam folder and respond within the stated deadlines. Telephone enquiries are not accepted. 

The organisers may change, cancel or reschedule Festival dates, venues, screenings, awards or categories when reasonably necessary. They may also make necessary changes to the rules or schedule. Updates will be communicated by email or through the Festival’s website as soon as reasonably practicable. Urgent changes may occur without prior notice, subject to applicable law.

The organisers reserve the right not to present an award where there are insufficient eligible entries or where the submitted films do not meet the required standard. Submission, selection or nomination does not guarantee an award.

The decision of the management, Selection team and jury is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The Festival and its organisers reserve the right to make any necessary changes to the rules and regulations, programming or schedule.

Entrants and their representatives must follow the Festival’s code of conduct and treat organisers, jury members, staff, filmmakers and audiences respectfully. Harassment, threats, abusive behaviour or disruption may lead to disqualification or removal from the event. Unlawful conduct may result in legal action.

Once submitted, a film may not be withdrawn without the Festival’s written approval. An unauthorised withdrawal may result in disqualification and exclusion of the same film from future editions. Withdrawal does not automatically entitle the entrant to a refund.

Films must not be publicly released before their official Festival screening. This includes general theatrical release, OTT release and public availability on YouTube, Vimeo or other streaming platforms. Private screenings, screenings at other film festivals and limited, access-controlled virtual screenings organised by festivals are excluded from this restriction. Trailers and authorised promotional excerpts are also excluded. Filmmakers must inform the Festival of any previous or planned public release. Failure to disclose such a release may result in rejection or removal from the programme, including without prior notice where necessary.

Filmmakers are responsible for promoting their film’s screening to their own audiences and networks. The Festival does not guarantee audience attendance and is not responsible for low turnout or empty screenings.

The applicant must have permission from the producer or rights holder to submit the film, accept these rules and provide the required screening copy. The Festival will normally communicate only with the applicant or their authorised representative. 

By submitting a film, the applicant confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these rules and the requirements of their chosen category. The applicant agrees to provide accurate information, comply with the Festival’s requirements and promptly report any change affecting the film’s eligibility or availability. Nothing in these rules removes rights or responsibilities that cannot be excluded under applicable law.