All India School Cinema Competition 2027
Make School Cinema

MAKE SCHOOL CINEMA is an initiative to encourage school students to explore filmmaking, creative storytelling, and social awareness through cinema.

As part of the 17th OTT Cinema Awards – Indie OTT Film Festival 2027, this initiative invites students of Classes 10, 11, and 12 from schools across India to create short films that inspire positive social change.

Students can express their ideas through fiction, documentaries, animation, or other cinematic formats. Films should promote awareness, creativity, education, responsibility, and positive values.

Every student has a story to tell. MAKE SCHOOL CINEMA provides a platform for young storytellers to share their voices with the world.

Eligible Participants

The competition is open to students studying in Classes 10, 11, and 12 at recognised schools in India.

Film Duration

Films must have a minimum duration of 2 minutes and a maximum duration of 5 minutes, including opening titles and end credits.

Theme: Social Awareness

Films must address a relevant social awareness subject. Suggested subjects include:

• Clean India and Public Hygiene
• Traffic Awareness and Road Safety
• Education as a Priority for Every Child
• Environmental Protection and Climate Awareness
• Save Water
• Say No to Drugs
• Cyber Safety and Responsible Social Media Use
• Gender Equality and Respect for Women
• Anti-Bullying, Kindness, and Empathy
• Child Rights and Social Responsibility
• Any other relevant social awareness topic

Film Production Date

Only films produced on or after 1 January 2027 will be eligible.

Production Format

Films may be shot using smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, or professional cameras. Recommended submission specifications:

• File format: MP4 (H.264)
• Resolution: Full HD 1920 × 1080 or higher
• Aspect ratio: 16:9 preferred
• Film poster: JPG or PNG

Language

Films may be made in any Indian or other language. English subtitles are compulsory.

Originality and Copyright

All submitted films must be original works created by the participating students. The use of copyrighted music, footage, photographs, or other material without proper authorisation is prohibited and may result in disqualification. Participants should use original material or appropriately licensed royalty-free material.

Student Identity Proof

Every participating student must possess a valid school identity card. A scanned copy or clear photograph of the identity card must be submitted as required by the organiser.

Multiple Entries

An individual, student group, or school may submit more than one film. A separate entry form and a non-refundable entry fee of ₹1,000 must be paid for each film submitted.

Submission Responsibility

If a principal, teacher, or school authority submits a film on behalf of students, they must ensure that all participant details, school details, identity proofs, film credits, and required documents are accurate and complete.

All entries must be submitted through the official submission process specified by the organiser. Participants must provide the following information:

• Student's full name
• Age and class
• School name
• Valid school identity card proof
• City and state
• Film title
• Film duration and language
• Cast and crew names
• Film submission link
• Film poster
• Completed entry form
• Entry fee payment confirmation

Google Drive Submission Instructions

Upload the final film to Google Drive and provide a shareable link with viewing access enabled for the organiser. Ensure that the link works correctly and that the submitted film is the final version.

The competition will recognise outstanding student filmmaking through the following cash prizes:

Outstanding students may also be recognised in the following categories:

• Best Director
• Best Cinematographer
• Best Actor
• Best Actress
• Best Screenplay Writer
• Best Art Director
• Best Background Music Score

The organiser will determine the award format and any additional prizes, if applicable.

Best Teacher Award – School Cinema 2027

To recognise a teacher who encourages students to explore filmmaking, creative storytelling, and social awareness.

Best School Award 2027

To recognise a school demonstrating outstanding participation and support for student filmmaking.

School Cinema Supporter Award 2027

To honour individuals and organisations that support and promote cinema education among school students.

• All eligible film entries will be evaluated by a jury appointed by the organiser.
• The jury will assess films according to their storytelling, originality, technical execution, relevance to the theme, creativity, and overall impact.
• The jury's decision regarding the selection of films and award winners will be final and binding, subject to applicable law.
• Participants, schools, teachers, parents, and other persons must respect the jury's independent evaluation process.
• Attempts to influence the jury, intimidate its members, or disrupt the evaluation process are prohibited.
• The organiser reserves the right to disqualify an entry or remove it from consideration in cases of misconduct, false information, copyright infringement, or violation of the competition rules. Any such decision will be handled fairly and in accordance with applicable law.

The selected and winning films will be announced through the official website: www.ottcinemaward.com

The organiser will also attempt to notify participants through their registered email address or WhatsApp number.

Participants are responsible for providing correct contact details and checking their messages regularly.

The organiser's publication of a film on the website does not, by itself, constitute an award unless the film is expressly announced as a winner.

• Winners and selected participants may be invited to attend the 17th OTT Cinema Awards – Indie OTT Film Festival 2027, subject to the organiser's invitation and event arrangements.
• Participants attending the festival must bear their own travel, accommodation, food, local transportation, and other personal expenses unless the organiser confirms specific assistance in writing.
• The organiser will not be responsible for making or paying for travel or accommodation arrangements unless expressly agreed in writing.
• Students attending the festival must have the permission of their parent or legal guardian and comply with the school’s applicable requirements.

The organiser reserves the right to reject or disqualify an entry for reasons including:

• False, incomplete, or misleading information.
• Failure to provide valid student identity proof.
• Non-payment of the entry fee.
• Film duration outside the permitted limits.
• Copyright infringement or unauthorised use of third-party material.
• Violation of the social awareness theme or other competition rules.
• Plagiarism, fraudulent submissions, or serious misconduct.
• Failure to provide the required film or submission documents.

The organiser may request clarification or supporting documents where necessary. Any rejection or disqualification will be handled in accordance with the published rules and applicable law.

The organiser reserves the right to make reasonable administrative changes to the competition schedule or submission process. Any material changes will be communicated through official channels.

• Participants retain ownership of their original films, subject to the rights of any other contributors.
• By submitting a film, participants grant the organiser permission to screen the film for competition judging and festival presentation. Any broader use for promotional purposes, including online publication, social media, trailers, or publicity, will require an appropriate licence or permission from the relevant rights holders.
• The submitting student, school, or authorised representative confirms that all necessary permissions have been obtained from student filmmakers, cast members, crew members, parents or legal guardians where required, and any other relevant rights holders.
• Participants must not submit personal information or images of other people without the necessary permissions.