Short Film Making

CONNECT 2.0 – SHORT FILM COMPETITION

Theme: Environmental Communication

Objective:

The competition encourages students to use filmmaking and storytelling to communicate environmental concerns, promote sustainability, and present innovative solutions.

Eligibility:

• Open to college/university students across India.
• Participants may compete individually or in teams.
• Each team can have a maximum of 5 members.
• All team members must be enrolled students.
• Each participant can be part of only one film submission.

Theme:

Films must be based on Environment and Environmental Communication.

Suggested topics include:

• Climate Change and Climate Action
• Water Conservation
• Waste Management and Recycling
• Plastic Pollution
• Biodiversity and Wildlife
• Forest Conservation
• Sustainable Living
• Environmental Justice
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Responsible Tourism
• Environmental Awareness
• Local Environmental Issues

Films highlighting innovative solutions and positive environmental change are equally encouraged.

Language:

• Films can be made in Gujarati, Hindi or English.
• Subtitles are permitted and must be clearly visible.

Duration:

• Minimum: 3 minutes.
• Maximum: 10 minutes, including credits.
• Films exceeding the time limit may be disqualified.

Film Format:

Participants may submit fiction, documentaries, animation, short narratives, experimental films, mockumentaries or video essays.

Originality and Copyright

• Films must be original creations of the participants.
• Plagiarism and unauthorised use of copyrighted material are strictly prohibited.
• Previously publicly released films are not permitted.
• Music, images and footage must be original, licensed or royalty-free.

Use of AI

• AI tools may be used for supporting tasks such as editing, subtitles and sound enhancement.
• The core concept, storytelling and direction must be the participants' original work.
• Substantial AI-generated content must be disclosed during submission.

Production Guidelines:

• Films may be shot using mobile phones, cameras or other recording equipment.
• No restriction on production budget.
• Participants must follow ethical filming practices and obtain necessary permissions.

Technical Specifications:

• Preferred format: MP4.
• Recommended resolution: 1080p or higher.
• Clear audio and video quality are required.
• Opening and closing credits must mention the film title and team members.

Submission Requirements:

Participants must provide:

• Film Title
• Participant/Team Name
• College/University Name
• Team Leader's Contact Details
• Names of Team Members
• Film Synopsis
• Film Link/File
• Film Language
• AI-use declaration, if applicable

Submission Deadline

• Films must be submitted through the official submission link.
• Late submissions may not be accepted.
• Submission dates will be announced soon.

Screening and Rights:

• Selected films may be screened during CONNECT 2.0.
• Organisers may use film excerpts or stills for non-commercial event promotion, with appropriate credit.
• Original ownership remains with the creators.

Disqualification:

A film may be disqualified for:

• Violation of eligibility or duration criteria.
• Plagiarism or copyright infringement.
• False information or incomplete submissions.
• Violation of content guidelines.
• Substantial creation by someone other than the registered participants.

General Guidelines:

• Participants are responsible for copyright permissions and the legality of their submissions.
• The organisers reserve the right to modify the schedule or competition arrangements.
• Any matter not covered under these rules will be decided by the organising committee.
• The decision of the judges and organising committee shall be final and binding.

CONNECT 2.0 – Think Green. Tell Stories. Inspire Change.