The competition is open to organizations, agencies, independent filmmakers, producers, directors, and production companies from around the world.
Films, OTT films, web series, documentaries, and short films of all genres are eligible for submission.
All submitted works must have been completed before the official submission deadline.
The festival accepts OTT feature films, web series, short films, documentary films, and other eligible audio-visual content released on any OTT platform or submitted independently.

Entries must be submitted through the festival's official submission partners.
Hard-copy submissions will be accepted only on Pen Drive or Hard Drive. DVD submissions will not be accepted.
Each submission is valid for one category only. Separate entry forms and fees are required for additional categories.
All submissions are final and cannot be withdrawn after submission.
Entry fees are non-refundable under any circumstances, including non-selection, disqualification, or withdrawal.

Short Films and Documentary Short Films must not exceed 30 minutes in duration.
One-Minute Films must be exactly one minute or less.
Music Videos must not exceed 10 minutes.
OTT Feature Films must not exceed 120 minutes in duration.
Web Series episodes submitted for consideration must not exceed 60 minutes per episode.

All non-English films and Indian regional-language films must include English subtitles.

Selected entries may be required to provide an HD screening copy via Pen Drive, Hard Drive, WeTransfer, or other approved digital transfer methods.
Official selections and nominations will be announced via email and published on the festival website.
The festival is not responsible for entries that cannot be screened due to technical, formatting, or file-related issues.
No correspondence or appeals regarding non-selected entries will be entertained.
The decisions of the Selection Committee, Jury, and Festival Director shall be final and binding.

Entrants must own or have secured all necessary rights, permissions, licenses, and clearances for the submitted work, including music, images, footage, trademarks, and other copyrighted materials.
Entrants shall be solely responsible for any copyright infringement or legal claims arising from their submissions.
The festival organizers shall not be liable for any copyright disputes or legal issues related to submitted works.

The festival reserves the right to use excerpts, trailers, stills, posters, and promotional materials from submitted entries for publicity, marketing, and promotional purposes across television, print, digital media, websites, and social media platforms.
The festival may retain copies of submitted materials in its archive or library for educational, cultural, research, awareness, and non-commercial purposes.

The Festival Director reserves the right to disqualify any entry for valid reasons.
The festival reserves the right not to screen any selected entry if deemed necessary.
The organizers reserve the right to amend, modify, postpone, reschedule, or cancel festival dates, venues, categories, awards, events, or regulations without prior notice.
The organizers reserve the right not to present any award in any category if deemed appropriate.

All official communication will be conducted via email only.
Entrants must provide a valid email address and respond promptly to festival correspondence.
Telephone inquiries regarding selection results, nominations, or jury decisions will not be entertained.

All participants are expected to maintain professional conduct throughout the festival process.
Any misconduct, misrepresentation, abusive behavior, or violation of festival rules may result in disqualification and possible legal action.

Participation in the 16th OTT Cinema Awards & Indie OTT Film Festival 2026 constitutes full acceptance of these Rules and Regulations.
The applicant confirms that they have read, understood, and accepted all festival rules and have obtained authorization from the producer, copyright owner, or rights holder to submit the work.
Under no circumstances shall the festival authorities be responsible or answerable to any person other than the official applicant named on the entry form.
The decisions of the Festival Management shall be final and binding in all matters.