CineSparks Ultrashort Film Contest 2025

About CineSparks
CineSparks is a joint initiative by Center for Indic Films (CIF) and @6elementsproductions, a Dallas-based non-profit producing world-class theater and media content.

CineSparks invites filmmakers to create 3–7 minute live-action ultrashort films in one of seven genres: thriller, rom-com, spiritual, mystery, musical, comedy or social message. Of course, genre-overlapping is fine! Stories must be about Indians or contain Indian themes set in North America and should end on a positive, uplifting note.

All eligible submissions will receive a response. Ineligible ones will not.

Ready-to-use scripts are available to help you get started. You’re welcome to adapt them or use your own, of course!

Eligibility

Open to independent filmmakers, students, and professionals in the US and Canada.
No prior experience required.
While films created specifically for CineSparks are preferred, we welcome older films made after January 1st 2025.
Languages allowed: English or any Indian language(English subtitles are a MUST).

Key Dates

Registration Opens: June 16, 2025
Registration Closes: August 15, 2025
Film Submission Deadline: August 31, 2025
Finalists Announced: October 10, 2025
Grand Finale & Awards (LIVE): November 2025 (date TBD)

Submission Guidelines

Film duration: 3–7 minutes, including credits
Must be horizontal format 16:9 ratio
Choose one of the seven genres (thriller, rom-com, spiritual, mystery, musical, comedy or social message)
Story must be about Indians or contain Indian themes set in North America
Must have a positive ending
Any device may be used, but final quality must be 1080p HD
Only one submission per contestant

Judging Criteria

Films will be evaluated on:

Storytelling
Screenplay
Direction
Cinematography
Editing
Audience engagement
Originality
Effort

Awards & Benefits

Finalists: Live screening + certificate + trophy + cash prizes
Exposure to an Eminent Jury Board: Your films will be reviewed by a Jury Board consisting of eminent filmmakers and film industry personalities.
Winners: Mentorship, incubation funding, and pitch opportunities with top producers
Honorable Mentions: Recognition, interviews, and networking

Terms & Conditions

You retain rights to your film, but grant screening/promotional rights to organizers
Ensure proper clearance for any copyrighted material
No hate speech, excessive violence, or inappropriate content
Films must be live action; max 20% animation allowed

Questions? Email: namaste@indicapictures.com

Click HERE to register for the CineSparks Ultrashort Film Contest. Once you register, you’ll receive a separate email with detailed instructions.