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

General Guidelines

• One film may be submitted under one category only. However, filmmakers are welcome to submit multiple films in different categories, each with a separate Entry Form and Entry Fee.
• Film entries must be submitted in one of the two duration formats:
  1. Short Film: Up to 30 minutes
  2. Long Film: More than 30 minutes
• All genres are accepted—documentary, fiction, non-fiction, animation, experimental, etc.—as long as the film relates to environmental, wildlife, climate, water, or conservation issues.
• Each film submitted requires its own Entry Form and Entry Fee.
• Previously submitted films to CMS VATAVARAN or revised/modified versions of past entries will not be considered.
• CMS will not be held liable for any loss or damage to the films during transit or while in possession. Filmmakers are advised to insure their entries, if required.
• CMS reserves the right to reassign a film to a more appropriate category. Filmmakers will be notified of any such change.
• CMS retains the right to exclude entries that are inconsistent with the ethos of the festival or produced in a way that disrespects nature, wildlife, or communities.
• The Festival Screening Committee will determine the final screening schedule, protocol, and composition of events.
• Exhibition copies submitted will not be returned and will remain part of the CMS VATAVARAN archive for educational and non-commercial use. Please do not send original masters or irreplaceable materials.
• Trophies and citations for international winners will only be handed over in person at the festival. Requests for shipping awards to other countries will not be entertained.
• All entries must be previewed before submission. Films with technical errors, unresolved time codes, or incomplete formats may be disqualified.
• The decisions of both the Nomination Jury and the Award Jury will be final and binding. No correspondence regarding jury decisions will be entertained.
• The Jury holds the right to withhold an award if a category lacks sufficient qualifying submissions or to create special recognition awards where applicable.
• CMS reserves the right to modify any aspect of the festival—including dates, venues, categories, or eligibility criteria—without prior notice.
• Entrants must thoroughly review the CMS VATAVARAN Rules & Regulations, Category Descriptions, and Entry Form before submission.
• Submission of a film implies full acceptance of all CMS VATAVARAN terms, rules, and guidelines.
• The Festival Directorate will have the final say in all matters related to the festival.
• Any matter not explicitly covered in these regulations will be resolved at the sole discretion of the Festival Directorate.
• All legal disputes will fall under the jurisdiction of the courts of Delhi, India.
• All CMS VATAVARAN materials, including this document, are copyright protected. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.