Calling All Filmmakers: Submit Your Entries for the 19th MIFF by April 12
Mumbai, April 10, 2026 — The prestigious Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) is gearing up for its 19th edition. Dedicated to Documentary, Short Fiction, and Animation Films, the highly anticipated cinematic event is scheduled to take place from June 15 to June 21, 2026, at the NFDC Complex in Mumbai.
Organized biennially by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, MIFF stands as South Asia’s oldest and largest non-feature film festival. Established in 1990, the festival has consistently provided a vibrant platform for filmmakers, critics, academics, and cineastes from across the globe.
Call for Entries and Deadlines
Online film submissions for the coveted Competition Section are currently active. Filmmakers looking to showcase their work must submit their entries by the final deadline of April 12, 2026.
The organizers have strictly noted that no offline entries will be accepted. Producers, distributors, right holders, or authorized representatives must process their submissions exclusively through the Film Freeway platform after reviewing the official regulations.
Massive Cash Awards
MIFF continues to boast one of the most lucrative award packages in the global non-feature film circuit. This year, the total cash awards pool amounts to an impressive ₹55 lakhs.
The festival’s top honor, the Golden Conch Award for Best Documentary, carries a substantial cash prize of ₹10 lakhs, making it a highly competitive and sought-after accolade for documentary filmmakers.
Return of the WAVES Doc Bazaar
A major highlight of the upcoming 19th edition will be the return of the WAVES Doc Bazaar. Following a successful debut, the second edition of the Doc Bazaar is scheduled to run alongside the festival from June 16 to June 18, 2026.
Designed to foster innovation, networking, and co-production opportunities, the Doc Bazaar will feature several specialized verticals, including:
A Co-production Market
A Viewing Room
A Work in Progress (WIP) Lab
The initiative aims to seamlessly connect global buyers and sellers of non-feature films, actively boosting production and distribution networks worldwide.
Following the massive success of the 18th edition—which showcased over 350 films from more than 30 countries—the 19th MIFF is expected to once again host an incredible lineup of international competitions, restored classics, and curated thematic segments.