TRILOCHANA NATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL is a national platform dedicated to recognising vision-driven short films that explore truth, perception and impactful storytelling.
Inspired by the philosophy of Trilochana—the three-eyed perspective that transcends the ordinary—the festival invites filmmakers to present narratives that reflect past, present and future dimensions through creative and thematic excellence.
We invite short film submissions from across India in all languages and genres, including narrative, documentary, experimental, animation and student productions. The TRILOCHANA National Short Film Festival upholds excellence in original storytelling, cinematic precision and creative integrity, irrespective of budget or scale.
Our objective is to deliver a transparent, respectful and professionally curated festival experience, ensuring that each selected film receives careful consideration and is evaluated solely on the basis of its artistic merit.
TRILOCHANA remains dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers and independent voices by providing recognition, enhanced visibility and a distinguished screening platform.
If your film is guided by vision rather than trends, TRILOCHANA offers the right platform to present your work.
Awards & Prizes:
1. 1st Prize: 1,00,000 along with Medal and Memento
2. 2nd Prize: 50,000 along with Medal and Memento
3. 3rd Prize: 25,000 along with Medal and Memento
Best Short Film
This award is presented to the most outstanding film across all categories, recognising exceptional achievement in storytelling, direction and overall cinematic excellence..
AWARD CATEGORIES
Best Director
This award recognises exceptional directorial vision, narrative command and excellence in cinematic execution.
Best Screenplay
This award recognises excellence in originality, narrative structure, dialogue and depth of storytelling..
Best Actor (Male)
This award recognises a powerful and compelling performance demonstrating exceptional character portrayal and emotional depth
Best Actor (Female)
This award recognises a powerful and compelling performance demonstrating exceptional character portrayal and emotional depth.
Best Cinematography
This award recognises excellence in visual storytelling, composition and camera work.
Best Sound Design
For effective and creative use of sound, music and audio design.
Best Editing
This award recognises excellence in editing, honouring outstanding rhythm, pacing and narrative flow.
Best Art Direction / Production Design
This award recognises excellence in visual aesthetics and creative set design.
Special Jury Awards
Jury Special Mention
This recognition is conferred upon films or individuals that exhibit a distinctive vision or exceptional creative merit.
Best student Film
This award recognises the most outstanding short film created by a student filmmaker.
Best Debut Filmmaker
This award recognises a first-time director who demonstrates exceptional promise and originality in filmmaking.
Categories & Fees
Narrative Short Film
Earlybird Deadline
Standard: ₹800
Student: ₹300
Standard: ₹1,000
Student: ₹500
Standard: ₹1,200
Student: ₹800
Regular Deadline
Extended Deadline
Documentary Short Film
Earlybird Deadline
Regular Deadline
Extended Deadline
Standard: ₹800
Student: ₹300
Standard: ₹1,000
Student: ₹500
Standard: ₹1,200
Student: ₹800
Fictional short films that tell a structured story using characters, plot and cinematic storytelling. All narrative genres are accepted.
Non-fiction films that explore real people, events, cultures, or social realities with factual integrity and creative presentation.
Experimental Film
Films that break conventional storytelling norms and explore innovative cinematic forms, visuals, structure, or concepts.
Earlybird Deadline
Regular Deadline
Extended Deadline
Standard: ₹1000
Student: ₹300
Standard: ₹1,500
Student: ₹500
Standard: ₹1,800
Student: ₹800
Student Short Film
Short films created by students currently enrolled in a recognised educational institution or made as part of an academic project.
Earlybird Deadline
Regular Deadline
Extended Deadline
Standard: ₹800
Student: ₹300
Standard: ₹1,000
Student: ₹500
Standard: ₹1,200
Student: ₹800
Debut Filmmaker Short Film
Short films directed by first-time filmmakers making their debut as a director.
Earlybird Deadline
Regular Deadline
Extended Deadline
Standard: ₹800
Student: ₹300
Standard: ₹1,000
Student: ₹500
Standard: ₹1,200
Student: ₹800
IMPORTANT DATES
Opening Date
Febrary 15, 2026
Earlybird Deadline
March 10, 2026
Regular Deadline
March 30, 2026
Notification Date
May 2, 2026
Event Date
May 16 & 17, 2026
Extended Deadline
April 21, 2026