VTIFF is officially scheduled from the 1st May to the 20th of September 2026, The official call for entries opens on May 1, 2026. Notification date: 25 July 2026. Final Screening Event: 26 September 2026
Get ready for the biggest celebration of independent cinema!
We are incredibly thrilled to announce that the Village Talkies International Film Festival (VTIFF) is back for its highly anticipated second edition! This season promises to be an even bigger global celebration of visionary independent filmmaking.
At Village Talkies Entertainment, our mission has always been to champion unique visual storytelling. This upcoming edition of VTIFF will continue that legacy, providing a dynamic platform for filmmakers from around the world to showcase their brilliance to industry experts and cinema lovers.
Submissions Are Now Open!
Filmmakers, the wait is over! The official call for entries is now open. Please note that for this edition, submissions are accepted exclusively in the Feature Film category.
International filmmakers can submit their feature films directly through our official FilmFreeway, Festhome and WFCN platforms.
Exclusive for Indian Filmmakers: You can now easily submit your films and pay the entry fee via UPI through our dedicated Google Form linked below.
Click here to submit
Submit your masterpieces today and stay tuned to this space for more updates regarding jury announcements and festival schedules. Let’s bring your cinematic visions to life!
Calling All Filmmakers: Village Talkies International Film Festival (VTIFF) – 2nd Edition
Following the grand success of our inaugural edition last year, we are thrilled to announce that submissions for the 2nd Edition of the Village Talkies International Film Festival (VTIFF) are now officially open!
Our first edition was a vibrant celebration of independent cinema. We were honored to host a fantastic lineup of filmmakers, presenting striking trophies to the winners and distributing participation certificates to everyone who showcased their work.
What’s New This Year
While we previously accepted submissions offline and through online channels, we are upgrading our submission process. Starting this year, entries will be accepted exclusively through online film festival platforms (such as FilmFreeway, Festhome & WFCN). This transition ensures a smoother, more professional submission process and helps connect your films with a broader global audience.
Awards & Prizes
The Village Talkies International Film Festival is dedicated to recognizing outstanding cinematic achievements. All selected films will receive an official festival laurel. Winners will be honoured with an official certificate, a custom trophy, and an award laurel.
Main Category Awards
Best International Feature Film
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Cinematographer
Best Editor
Best Music Director
Best Sound Design
Best Action Choreographer
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Child Actor
Best Child Actress
Best Comedian
Best Anti Hero
VTIFF Signature Package
First Time Film Maker
First Time Film Maker Under 18 Years
Best Women Director
Best AI Feature Film
Best Animation Film
Best Experimental Film
Best Horror Film
Best Environment Feature Film
Best Children’s Feature Film
Best Family Feature Film
Best Thriller Feature Film
Best Science Friction Feature Film
Best Sports Feature Film
Best Action Feature Film
Best Folklore Feature Film
Best Social Awareness Feature Film
Best Indian Regional Films
Best Hindi Feature Film
Best Biopic Film
Best Poster Design
Best Trailer
Participation Perks: Every participant submitting their work to the Village Talkies International Film Festival (VTIFF) will receive an official Digital Participation Certificate and the VTIFF Official Laurel.
VTIFF Signature Package (All in One)
Eligibility & Categories: This signature package is open to International, Indian National, and Indian Regional feature films (running time of 45 minutes or longer). Please note that films submitted under the International, Indian National, and Indian Regional sections will be judged independently and will compete separately in their respective categories.
Special Awards & Cash Prizes: Cash prizes, custom trophies, and official certificates will be awarded to the First, Second, and Third place winners of this VTIFF Signature Package.
Live Screening: Out of all the submissions, only the officially selected films that advance to the final round will be screened during our Mega Event Show.
Special Jury Mention – Best International Film
This special award is handpicked by our jury to honor an outstanding international film that brings a unique global perspective and exceptional storytelling to the Village Talkies International Film Festival.
Special Jury Mention – Best Indian Film
Celebrating the magic and soul of Indian cinema! This Special Jury Mention highlights an Indian film that captivated our panel with its authentic voice, cultural depth, and powerful execution. A true tribute to the vibrant and diverse landscape of filmmaking in India.
Special Jury Mention – Best Indian Regional Film
India’s true cinematic beauty lies in its diverse regions! This Special Jury Mention highlights an exceptional Indian regional film that deeply moved our panel with its rooted narrative, linguistic richness, and powerful execution. A beautiful tribute to the localized heartland stories of India.
Rules & Terms
Rules & Terms for Village Talkies International Film Festival
(General Eligibility)
All International submissions must be completed and submitted exclusively through FilmFreeway and Festhome.
Indian Filmmakers can now easily submit your films and pay the entry fee via UPI through our dedicated Google Form
Films must be submitted to the correct category. The festival team reserves the right to reassign a film to a more appropriate category if necessary.
All non-English language films must include clear and legible English subtitles.
The festival accepts films from filmmakers of all backgrounds and experience levels from anywhere in the world.
(Submission Guidelines)
Submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
Filmmakers may submit multiple projects, but each entry must be submitted separately with its own applicable entry fee.
Please ensure that your online screener link (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.) and password remain active and accessible until the final notification date.
We do not accept physical media (DVDs, Blu-rays, or USB drives) for the initial submission process.
Trailers must not exceed 3 minutes in length. Please ensure your submission is in a high-quality video format (MP4 or MOV) with clear audio.
Please submit your poster in high-resolution JPEG or PNG format (minimum 300 DPI).
(Rights and Clearances)
By submitting to the Village Talkies International Film Festival, the submitter guarantees that they hold all necessary rights, licenses, and clearances (including music, archival footage, and talent releases) for the film.
Village Talkies Entertainments and the festival organizers are not responsible or liable for any copyright infringement, legal disputes, or claims arising from the submitted work.
The filmmaker grants the festival the right to use short excerpts, trailers, posters, and still images from the submitted film for promotional and marketing purposes across our website and social media platforms.
(Selection and Notification)
All submissions are reviewed by our official programming committee. The decisions of the committee are final.
Selected filmmakers will be notified via FilmFreeway or email on or before the official notification date.
Due to the high volume of entries, we are unable to provide individual feedback or critiques for films that are not selected.
Upon submission, films must have a World, International, or Indian Premiere status. Films must be completed on or after January 1, 2025.
(Annual Mega Event & Screening Requirements)
The officially selected films from all categories will be screened at a two-day mega event scheduled for September 26-27, 2026, at cultural event centre, Kottayam. For the final theatrical screening, filmmakers of the selected movies must submit their DCP (Digital Cinema Package) / High Quality (MOV/MP4) via digital transfer (download link/email) or physical courier once the official announcement is made.
(Legal Jurisdiction)
Any legal disputes or claims arising in connection with the festival submission will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Kerala, India.