INDIA’S BIGGEST PLATFORM FOR CREATORS

National Reels & Short Film
Competition 2026

Tell the story only you can tell.

A national stage for bold ideas, fresh perspectives and original voices. Reels. Short Films. Real Impact.

Open to All Creators
Expert Jury Panel
National Recognition
Opportunities Beyond Awards
Sign Up →
Reels & Short Film
MULTIPLE CATEGORIES
Open to All India
STUDENTS, CREATORS, FILMMAKERS
₹2.5 Lakh
TOTAL PRIZE POOL
Bigger Opportunities
SCREENINGS | MENTORSHIP | INDUSTRY EXPOSURE
🏢
Organised by
Humanity First Software Tech Pvt Ltd
Mumbai, India (Startup)
🌱
Co-Organised by
Bharat Family Legacy
Preservation Foundation (NGO)
🎬
Competition Year
National Reels & Short Film
Competition 2026
22
Languages Welcomed (11 Native)
30+
Story Sub-Themes
20+
Creator Categories
10+
Expert Jury Members
A Humanity-First Initiative Through Digital Creativity

Create for Humanity.
Preserve Our Legacy.

The National Reels & Short Film Competition 2026 is co-organised by Humanity First Software Technology Pvt. Ltd. and Bharat Family Legacy Preservation Foundation (NGO) to create a nation where digital creativity becomes a powerful instrument for humanity, social harmony, and cultural preservation.

“Create for the World. Connect with Humanity. Preserve What Matters.” Every elder has a story no one recorded. Every kitchen has a recipe passed through generations. Every family has a tradition that will be forgotten unless someone picks up a camera. That someone is you.

Creator filming mother laughing in kitchen with smartphone
Close-up of traditional cooking and rolling dough
Smartphone on tripod recording kitchen story
Preserve living heritage Document oral histories and untold sacrifices.
11 Native + 22 Scheduled Languages 11 core languages evaluated natively; all 22 scheduled languages welcomed with subtitles.
Mobile-first cinema Any smartphone camera is enough to win national recognition.
Retro Cinema Camera 3D Prop 3D Cinema Film Reel Prop
NATIONAL REELS & SHORT FILM COMPETITION 2026

What Story Will You Tell?

Five powerful theme groups. Thirty story possibilities. One camera.
Your family's story.

The Kitchen Symphony 3D Icon

The Kitchen Symphony

Stories told around the hearth — ancestral recipes, morning chai rituals, festive sweets prepared by elders, and the silent love passed through food across generations.

Register The Story →
Roots & Transitions 3D Icon

Roots & Transitions

The journey between ancestral villages and urban life. Returning home for Diwali or Eid, packing trunks, nostalgia, and discovering what home really means.

Register The Story →
The Family Heirloom 3D Icon

The Family Heirloom

A vintage watch, an ancestral trunk, a rusted brass vessel, a faded hand-written letter, or an old black-and-white photograph that unlocks memories.

Register The Story →
Generational Bridges 3D Icon

Generational Bridges

Grandparents navigating smartphone cameras, grandchildren learning folklore, playful banter, modern vs traditional dilemmas, and discovering common ground.

Register The Story →
Our Family's Greatest Tradition 3D Icon

Our Family's Greatest Tradition

The ritual passed down through generations. The celebration that defines who you are. Film it before it is forgotten.

Register The Story →
THE CREATOR JOURNEY

How It Works

Your creator journey, from idea to recognition.

Step 01 - Discover the Competition
DISCOVER

Discover the Competition

Learn about the National Reels & Short Film Competition 2026 — India's premier family storytelling movement. Understand the vision, the themes, and the impact.

Step 02 - Watch the Introduction
INSPIRATION

Watch the Introduction

Watch our cinematic introduction video that captures the spirit of the competition and shows you what exceptional family storytelling looks like.

Step 03 - Explore Story Themes
EXPLORATION

Explore Story Themes

Browse 25+ story sub-themes across 5 major categories. Choose the story that resonates most deeply with your family's unique history.

Step 04 - Register
REGISTRATION

Register

Complete the multi-step registration form with your creator profile, preferred theme, language, and format preference.

Step 05 - Pay ₹500
PAYMENT

Pay ₹500

Complete your registration with a secure payment via Cashfree Payment Gateway. Receive instant confirmation by email and WhatsApp.

Step 06 - Receive Your Creator Kit
RESOURCES

Receive Your Creator Kit

Instantly access your Family Story Creator Kit — 50 story ideas, 25 emotional hooks, interview questions, shooting tips, and much more.

Step 07 - Film Your Story
CREATION

Film Your Story

Using your Creator Kit as a guide, film, edit, and craft your story. Use any device — professional camera or smartphone.

Step 08 - Submit Your Entry
SUBMISSION

Submit Your Entry

Submit your reel or short film through your secure creator dashboard. Provide title, description, theme, language, video link, and consent declarations.

Step 09 - Jury Review
EVALUATION

Jury Review

Our national jury — comprising film directors, authors, journalists, and storytelling experts — reviews each eligible submission with care and expertise.

Step 10 - Shortlisting
SELECTION

Shortlisting

Entries progress through evaluation stages: Top 100, Top 25, and Finalists. Shortlisted creators are notified by email and WhatsApp.

Step 11 - Grand Finale
FINALE

Grand Finale

The Grand Finale brings together India's finest family storytellers. A prestigious celebration of the art of storytelling and the power of family memory.

Step 12 - National Creator Recognition
RECOGNITION

National Creator Recognition

Selected creators receive national recognition, certificates, digital badges, and the profound honour of having their family story preserved and celebrated across India.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Every Storyteller Has a Place Here

Every Storyteller Has a Place Here — Students & Youth, Reel & Video Creators, Filmmakers & Artists, Families & Communities
Students & Youth

Students & Youth

Film, media, journalism, animation & college creators.

Reel & Video Creators

Reel & Video Creators

Instagram influencers, YouTubers, Vloggers & mobile-first short form storytellers (30–90s).

Filmmakers & Artists

Filmmakers & Artists

Short film makers, documentary directors, cinematographers, writers, editors & theatre artists.

Families & Communities

Families & Communities

Senior citizens, family chroniclers, NGOs, cultural societies, Marathi groups & NRI families.

PICK YOUR CANVAS

Three Formats.
One Family Story.

Every format is judged on story first. Choose the length that fits the story you want to tell — you'll confirm it during registration.

Reel tip: Hold your phone upright, open on a face or a hand-held object, and land the emotional line before the 60-second mark.

9:16 VERTICAL REEL • MOBILE SMARTPHONE
Short Reel Format — Mother and daughter laughing while recording family story on smartphone in 9:16 vertical orientation
📱 9:16 Mobile Sensor 🎯 Vertical Center Lock
16:9 CINEMA WIDESCREEN • DIRECTOR'S CAMERA RIG
Short Film Format — Cinematic digital cinema camera with matte box and 16:9 widescreen director monitor filming grandfather and grandchildren
🎬 16:9 Anamorphic Frame 🎥 24fps Cinema Rig
16:9 ORAL HISTORY • FIELD MONITOR & MIC
Documentary Segment Format — Professional field monitor and shotgun mic on tripod filming intimate grandmother oral history interview with live timecode
🎙️ Archival Audio Sync ⏱️ Rolling Timecode 00:14:32
FOR INDIA’S STORYTELLERS • 20 DISTINCT BENEFITS

20 Distinct Benefits for
Every Registered Creator

Move from making reels as a hobby to building a sustainable career in digital content creation — spanning financial earnings, professional skills, verified identity, corporate networks, and family legacy.

Young Indian creator recording an elder's storytelling session on smartphone with microphone and gimbal

Creator Certificate

Guaranteed official digital certificate dual-sealed by Humanity First & Bharat Family Foundation for your portfolio.

Creator Toolkit

Turnkey kit with 50+ story prompts, LUTs, sound effects, interview guides, and legal release templates.

₹2.5L Prize Pool & Finale

Eligibility for cash prizes, national laurels, and big-screen screening at the Mumbai Grand Finale.

Creator Community Access

Connect with filmmakers nationwide, join workshops, and access collaborative masterclasses.

Broadcast & Media Features

Select winning creators will be spotlighted across Zee News, B News, Sahyadri Media, and social channels.

Smartphone-First Friendly

Dedicated mobile tracks for 30–90s vertical reels and short films without expensive equipment.

Comprehensive Creator Ecosystem

Explore All 20 Benefits Across 5 Strategic Pillars:

📖 View Full Benefits Handbook →
1. Opportunity to Win Attractive Cash Prizes

Registered participants can compete for the announced prize pool, including cash awards and category-specific recognitions.

2. Access to Corporate Advertising Assignments

Selected and eligible creators may get opportunities to work on promotional campaigns, branded reels and short-form video assignments for corporate clients.

3. Business Opportunities Through the Creator Aggregator

An aggregator platform can connect participating creators with companies seeking content creation services, helping them discover potential projects and clients.

4. Potential to Earn From Digital Content

Creators can explore paid assignments, brand collaborations, sponsored content and other monetisation opportunities. Earnings will depend on client requirements, platform policies and individual agreements.

Competition Entry Pass — ₹500 →
National Recognition

Prizes & Awards

Total Prize Pool: ₹2.5 Lakh across all categories. Plus trophies, certificates, and festival screening opportunities.

Best Short Film
₹75,000
+ National Trophy & Festival Screening
• Runner-up: ₹25,000
  • Golden Reel Trophy
  • Official Festival Screening
  • Distribution Mentorship
  • Jury Citation Certificate
Best Reel / Vertical Film
₹50,000
+ National Trophy & Creator Spotlight
• Runner-up: ₹15,000
  • Creator Spotlight Feature
  • Social Amplification
  • Equipment Sponsorship
  • Jury Citation Certificate
Student / Youth Creator
₹35,000
+ Campus Challenge Trophy
• Runner-up: ₹10,000
  • Campus Challenge Trophy
  • Film School Internship Opps
  • Filmmaking Workshop Pass
  • Certificate of Excellence
Special Jury Awards
₹40,000
4 Categories × ₹10,000 Each
• Category Laurels Included
  • Best Emotional Story
  • Best Cultural Heritage
  • Best Editing & Sound
  • Audience Choice Award

Every Registered Creator Receives

Official Certificate of Participation
Free Entry Pass to Grand Finale
Access to Creator Mentorship Sessions
Listed in National Creator Directory
INSTANT UNLOCK

Family Story
Creator Kit

Everything you need to discover, script, and film a moving family story — delivered instantly to your WhatsApp and email upon registration.

Creator Kit physical box, booklets, guides, and storyboards
⚡ Instant Access
🛡️ Secure Payment
👥 For All Age Groups
🏆 National Competition 2026
JURY EVALUATION • 100-POINT FRAMEWORK

Selection Criteria and Scoring Matrix for Content

Every eligible reel, short film, and documentary is assessed against a structured 10-pillar evaluation framework designed to recognise creativity, originality, emotional depth, family values, and cultural heritage.

2 Pts Strongly Demonstrated • 1 Pt Partially Demonstrated • 0 Pts Not Demonstrated • MAX SCORE: 100 PTS (50 × 2)
01
💡

Story idea and originality

Pillar A • 10 Pts

Distinctive central idea, fresh perspective on family, relationships or legacy, avoiding familiar clichés with the creator's authentic thinking.

02
❤️

Emotional connection and authenticity

Pillar B • 10 Pts

Evoking genuine emotion, meaningful bond with subjects, treating people with dignity and sensitivity, and conveying natural sincerity.

03
📖

Storytelling and narrative

Pillar C • 10 Pts

Clear and understandable storyline, effective opening hook, logical narrative progression, purposeful scene choices, and a memorable resolution.

04
🤝

Family and human relationships

Pillar D • 10 Pts

Meaningful portrayal of sacrifices, parental contributions, unspoken bonds, care, gratitude, and deeply relatable family memories.

05
🏺

Culture, traditions and heritage

Pillar E • 10 Pts

Respectful representation of Indian cultural identity, customs, rituals, native dialects, culinary roots, and preserving living traditions for future generations.

06
🎨

Creative and audiovisual execution

Pillar F • 10 Pts

Thoughtfully composed visual framing, appropriate smartphone lighting, rhythmic editing pace, clear dialogue, and supportive music and sound design.

07
🎭

Presentation and engagement

Pillar G • 10 Pts

Capturing attention early, sustaining viewer interest throughout, convincing narration or interviews, and legible on-screen subtitles.

08
🌳

Legacy value and lasting impact

Pillar H • 10 Pts

Preserving memories and life wisdom that might otherwise be lost, honoring elders, and inspiring viewers to record their own family roots.

09
⚙️

Technical and submission quality

Pillar I • 10 Pts

Stable playback quality, picture clarity, intelligible audio balance, aspect ratio compliance (9:16 or 16:9), and verified submission metadata.

10
🏆

Overall excellence and competition purpose

Pillar J • 10 Pts

Harmonious synthesis of storytelling, emotion, and technical execution, making an enduring contribution to the Humanity First mission.

⚖️
Official Jury Announcement in Progress
Our distinguished national jury evaluates all entries strictly against these 10 pillars (50 parameters, 100 points maximum).
Read Complete 50-Parameter Rubric →
NATIONAL REELS & SHORT FILM COMPETITION 2026

Distinguished Patrons &
Broadcast Partners

Guided by respected public figures and supported by leading media and broadcast networks, the National Reels & Short Film Competition 2026 aims to celebrate creativity and share India's stories with audiences nationwide.

✓
EMINENT PATRON

Patron profile —
pending confirmation

Name, designation and profile will be updated upon confirmation.

✓
EMINENT PATRON

Patron profile —
pending confirmation

Name, designation and profile will be updated upon confirmation.

FOR COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Campus Creator Challenge

Empower student filmmakers across India with an institution-wide storytelling challenge.

1

Unique Campus Code

Get an exclusive referral code for your institution to automatically attribute student entries and group submissions.

2

Coordinator Dashboard

Faculty coordinators monitor live student registrations, submission completions, and shortlist milestones in real time.

3

National Trophies & Grants

Top-performing institutions may receive institutional trophies, grants and recognition at the national level.

Tell Your Story in Your Mother Tongue

The National Reels & Short Film Competition 2026 welcomes authentic storytelling in all scheduled Indian languages. Subtitles in English or Hindi are recommended; our jury evaluates each film in its authentic cultural context.

EnglishEnglish
हिन्दीHindi
मराठीMarathi
தமிழ்Tamil
తెలుగుTelugu
ಕನ್ನಡKannada
മലയാളംMalayalam
বাংলাBengali
ગુજરાતીGujarati
ਪੰਜਾਬੀPunjabi
ଓଡ଼ିଆOdia
✨ 11 Core Indian languages reviewed natively. Entries in all 22 scheduled Indian languages & regional dialects are warmly welcomed with English or Hindi subtitles.
Select Language & Enter →
ALL-INDIA OFFICIAL ENTRY

Competition Entry Pass — ₹500

One pass. Five themes. Your story starts here.

COMPETITION ENTRY PASS

Competition Entry Pass — ₹500

Unlocks all 5 competition themes and immediate Creator Kit downloads.

₹500 / creator
All 5 Themes Included • No Hidden Fees

12-Part Creator Kit

Instant download to help you get started.

All 5 Themes

Reels & short films across all themes.

Jury Review & Scorecard

Get expert feedback on your submission.

Digital Participation Certificate

Receive your certificate after successful submission.

Grand Finale Eligibility

Top entries will be considered for the Mumbai Grand Finale.

WhatsApp Support

Get dedicated support and mentorship throughout your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

No matching questions. Try another word, or ask our support team.

The competition is open to all Indian citizens and NRIs aged 18 and above. School, college, and university students or youth under 18 years of age are warmly welcomed to participate with parent/guardian consent or through verified faculty/campus coordinator sponsorship. This includes short-film makers, reel creators, YouTubers, Instagram creators, film students, mass communication students, journalism students, video editors, photographers, theatre artists, digital storytellers, wedding filmmakers, documentary makers, college students, senior citizens' organisations, NGOs, family communities, and cultural groups. If you have a story to tell, you belong here.
We accept three formats: Short Reels (under 90 seconds), Short Films (90 seconds to 10 minutes), and Documentary Segments (10 to 20 minutes). All formats must be submitted as video files or video platform links (YouTube, Vimeo, or similar). High definition is recommended but not mandatory — we care more about your story than your technical specs.
Entries are evaluated natively in 11 core Indian languages: English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Odia. In addition, entries in any of the 22 Eighth Schedule Indian languages or regional dialects are fully supported and welcomed when submitted with English or Hindi subtitles for national jury screening. Tell your family story in your authentic mother tongue.
Click any "Register" button to open the multi-step registration form. You will need to provide your basic details, creator profile, competition preferences, legal declarations, and complete a secure payment. The entire process takes approximately 5 minutes. After payment is confirmed, you will immediately receive your Creator Kit, a unique Registration ID, and a confirmation email and WhatsApp message.
Payment is made securely through the Cashfree Payment Gateway. We accept UPI, all major credit and debit cards, net banking, mobile wallets, and EMI options. Your registration is only confirmed after payment is successfully verified by our server — not just by a browser redirect. You will receive a digital payment receipt by email.
Submissions are made through your secure Creator Dashboard, which is accessible after registration. You will need to provide your film's title, a short description, your chosen theme and sub-theme, language, video type, video URL or upload, a thumbnail, credits, a list of people appearing in your video, consent declarations, and a music rights declaration. You can save your submission as a draft before making your final submission.
You can save and edit your submission as a draft at any time before making your final submission. Once you click "Final Submit", your entry details are locked and cannot be edited unless the Admin reopens your submission. This protects the integrity of the competition. Please review everything carefully before submitting.
The competition registration fee is a single flat fee of ₹500 (all taxes included, zero hidden charges). Your 12-part Filmmaker Creator Kit is included completely free of charge with your entry pass and delivered digitally immediately after your payment is confirmed. You will receive an instant access link in your confirmation email, WhatsApp, and Creator Dashboard. The kit includes 50 family story prompts, 20 interview questionnaires, cinematic LUTs, royalty-free audio SFX pack, and smartphone filming & lighting guides.
You retain full ownership of your film. By submitting your entry, you grant the organisers a non-exclusive licence to use your submission for competition-related purposes — such as screening at the Grand Finale event and featuring in competition promotional materials — while you retain all copyright and intellectual property rights. This is clearly explained in our Content Rights Policy.
Select entries may be featured on the official NRSFC 2026 social media channels. This will only be done with your knowledge and in line with the non-exclusive licence you grant at submission. If you wish to opt out of social media featuring, you may indicate this in your submission form. Featuring is always credited to you as the creator.
Each eligible submission is reviewed by our panel of national jury members — comprising film directors, authors, journalists, psychologists, digital creators, senior citizens' representatives, and technology experts. Each jury member scores and comments on their allocated entries. Submissions progress through stages: Received → Eligible → Under Review → Top 100 → Top 25 → Finalist → Winner / Recognition. Private jury scoring is never made public.
All important competition updates are sent via email to your registered address. If you have opted in to WhatsApp communications, you will also receive updates, reminders, and notifications on WhatsApp. You can manage your communication preferences in your Creator Dashboard. Shortlisting notifications, deadline reminders, and finale invitations are all sent through these channels.
All people who appear in your film or reel must give their informed consent. This means they should understand that their likeness is being filmed for a competition entry, and that the film may be screened or featured online. You will be asked to declare this during your submission. For elderly or vulnerable people, additional care should be taken to ensure genuine, freely given consent. Our Creator Kit includes guidance on how to obtain and document consent appropriately.
Registrations and video submissions are open now. Key milestone dates are:
  • Final Video Submission Deadline: November 30, 2026 (23:59 IST)
  • Jury Review & Top 100 Shortlist Announcement: December 15, 2026
  • Grand Finale Gala & Awards Ceremony (Mumbai): January 2027
All deadline reminders and status notifications are communicated via email and WhatsApp.
📖 Explore All 100 Official FAQs by Category (Sections A–J) →

Have a specific question? Click ✨ Ask Vijay at bottom-right for instant voice & text answers in 7 Indian languages.

Oral Histories - Preserving family memories
NATIONAL REELS & SHORT FILM COMPETITION 2026

Your Family Story
Is Waiting to Be Told

Before oral histories are forgotten. Before childhood memories fade.
Before the photographs turn brittle. Pick up your smartphone or camera
and film the stories that matter — now is the time.

🎬 Competition Entry Pass — ₹500 → Explore 5 Story Themes
Childhood photographs and modern mobile filmmaking