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SAIFA - South Asian Indie Film Awards 0.0

Festival overview

About SAIFA - South Asian Indie Film Awards 0.0

Physical film festival with submission categories including Entry Fees.

SAIFA was born out of a passion for authentic storytelling, cinematic experimentation, and the raw, unfiltered energy of independent cinema. Whether you are shooting on a DSLR with a student crew or capturing powerful narratives on a smartphone in your hometown, SAIFA is here to amplify your voice, celebrate your craft, and connect you with a vibrant community of creative peers.

A Stage for the Unsung: We specifically spotlight first-time directors, student filmmakers, and self-taught amateur creators who are breaking the mold and redefining storytelling in the region. Zero Budget Barriers: We judge films on passion, narrative originality, and creative execution—not on expensive studio gear or million-dollar production values.

Regional & Global Exposure: Showcase your work alongside emerging contemporaries from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives, and the global South Asian diaspora. Community & Growth: Gain access to an encouraging network of indie creators, peer reviews, and recognition designed to help you take your next step as a professional filmmaker.

Who We Are Looking For If you are an emerging filmmaker with a bold vision, this is your home. We welcome short films, micro-shorts, student projects, documentaries, and fearless genre cinema—from suspense, thriller, and horror to slice-of-life drama and experimental art.

General Eligibility Target Creator: Young, amateur, student, and debut independent filmmakers.

Best Short Film: For overall excellence in narrative, direction, and execution. Best Debut / Student Director: Recognizing standout vision from a first-time filmmaker.

Best Genre Film: Celebrating bold experimentation in horror, thriller, sci-fi, or fantasy.

Schedule

Important Dates

Call for Entries Opens
Aug 1, 2026
Final Submission Deadline
Nov 10, 2026
Notification Date
Nov 15, 2026
Festival Starts
Nov 20, 2026
Eligibility

Rules & Eligibility

General Rules+

  1. Official Rules & Terms of Entry To protect the authentic spirit of independent cinema and ensure a level playing field for newcomers, the South Asian Indie Film Awards (SAIFA) enforces strict eligibility guidelines. By submitting your film, you agree to the following rules and conditions.

  2. Filmmaker Eligibility & The Newcomer Guarantee SAIFA is dedicated exclusively to discovering and elevating undiscovered talent.

  3. No Mainstream Credits: Key creative personnel—specifically the Director(s), Writer(s), Producer(s), and Lead Actors—must have no prior lead credits in mainstream commercial, studio-backed, or theatrical feature films.

  4. Target Creators: Submissions are restricted to young, amateur, student, and first-time filmmakers.

  5. If you have previously directed or starred in a high-budget commercial film or television series, your project is ineligible.

  6. Age & Experience: While there is no strict upper age limit, the festival prioritizes emerging creators and first/second-time directors who are actively trying to break into the industry without traditional industry connections.

  7. Production & Budget Constraints To ensure films are judged on raw talent and creativity rather than finan

Current Categories, Deadlines & Fees

Category

Entry Fees

Current Fee—