MERATV Film Festival - 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to participate in the MERATV Film Festival - 2026?
- Films made after January 2024 are eligible.
- The film can be entered by any organization, agency, individual film producer/director or college student who holds the copyright.
- There is no restriction on the number of entries.
2. What are the award categories and prize distributions?
Feature Film Category:
- First Prize : Rs. 50,000
- Second Prize : Rs. 30,000
- Third Prize : Rs. 20,000
- Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Script : Trophy & Certificate.
Short Film Category:
- First Prize : Rs. 30,000
- Second Prize : Rs. 20,000
- Third Prize : Rs. 10,000
- Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Script : Trophy & Certificate.
Documentary Category:
- First Prize : Rs. 30,000
- Second Prize : Rs. 20,000
- Third Prize : Rs. 10,000
AI Short Film Category:
- First Prize : Rs. 10,000
- Second Prize : Rs. 5,000
- Third Prize : Rs. 3,000
Campus Film Category:
- First Prize : Rs. 7,000
- Second Prize : Rs. 5,000
- Third Prize : Rs. 3,000
Music Video Category:
- First Prize : Rs. 20,000
- Second Prize : Rs. 15,000
- Third Prize : Rs. 10,000
Jury Awards:
- Jury Award 1 : Rs. 5,000
- Jury Award 2 : Rs. 5,000
- Jury Award 3 : Rs. 5,000
3. How can I apply to the MERATV Film Festival - 2026?
- Applications can only be submitted online.
- The entry form is available on the MERATV website (https://meratvfilmfestival.com/form/film-submission.php) starting from 25th August 2026.
- Applicants must complete the "Film Submission" form to participate in the festival.
4. Who can submit a film under the Campus Film category?
- The Campus Film category is open to individual students as well as educational institutions. An individual student may submit a film in any eligible category, such as Short Film, Documentary or AI Film, under the Campus Film category. Students who provide a valid Student ID Card will be eligible for a special discount on the entry fee.
5. What are the submission requirements for films?
- Films must be submitted in HD quality (minimum 1080p) through a Google Drive screening link and vimeo link . The link must be accessible and set to “Anyone with the link – Viewer.” Applicants must provide the film synopsis, poster and required filmmaker details, along with any other information specified in the application form. All required documents and materials must be submitted as specified in the application form.
6. What is the deadline for submission?
- All selected films must be submitted in the prescribed format by 15th November, 2026.
7. How will I know if my film is selected?
- Successful submission of entry shall be acknowledged via E-mail/Phone.
- The list of films selected for the competition will be published on the MERATV social media page (meratv.in)/MERATV website.
- Only entrants of films selected in Competition shall be informed about the selection.
8. Does the festival provide hospitality for filmmakers?
- No, there is no provision for transportation or accommodation for directors, producers, or filmmakers.
9. How is the selection process conducted?
- Entries will be previewed by a Selection Committee, which will recommend the best films for the competition.
- The decision of the Selection Committees is final and binding.
- Once a film is selected and submitted for final screening, it cannot be withdrawn.
10. How will the winners be decided?
- A duly constituted Jury will determine the winning films in respective categories.
- The Jury's decision is final and binding on all.
- The Jury reserves the right to withhold an award if no entry meets the standards or to share an award among multiple entries.
11. What are the rights of the festival directorate?
- The Festival reserves the right to accept or reject any film without providing an explanation.
- The Festival has the right to screen award-winning films on MERATV OTT and promote them across MERATV’s official digital and social media platforms.
12. Who is responsible for copyright clearance?
- It is the entrant's responsibility to secure clearance from copyright holders for any material included in the film.
- MERATV will not be responsible for unauthorized inclusion of copyrighted material and reserves the right to disqualify any such film.
13. How will trophies and certificates be provided to winners?
- The entire film submission process is online; no physical submission of films or other media is required.
- Winners who are unable to attend the Award Ceremony or collect their trophy in person may have their trophy shipped to them. The applicable shipping/courier charges will be borne by the recipient.
- Certificates will be provided digitally to the winners.
- If a winner requires a hard copy of the certificate, it can be sent by courier at the winner’s expense.
14. Will MERATV provide feedback on the films?
- MERATV is under no obligation to provide comments or feedback regarding any film entered into the festival.
15. Where can I send my filmic materials and documents?
All materials should be sent freight prepaid to the following address:
MERATV Film Festival – 2026
NS-90, 1st Phase Adityapur Industrial Area, Near NIT Back Gate – 832019
Festival enquiries: meratvfilmfestival@gmail.com
Website: www.meratv.in
16. What if there are disputes?
- All disputes related to the MERATV Film Festival will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.