Sanjeevani Film Making Challenge

Sanjeevani isn't just a movement; it's a beacon of hope. Network18 is passionately committed to cancer awareness, early detection, and advocacy. Our mission is to reduce the burden of cancer through education, accessible resources, and community engagement. We believe that informed communities are empowered communities, capable of fighting this disease effectively. By connecting with the film community, we aim to reach a wider audience and spark meaningful conversations that save lives.

About the Contest: Cinematic Voices for Cancer Awareness

In partnership with Unstop, Sanjeevani is launching a one-of-a-kind short film contest designed to tap into the brilliance and empathy of budding filmmakers. This is not just a competition; it’s an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the fight against cancer.

You'll be challenged to conceptualize, produce, and present original short films that resonate with the audience.

Eligibility:

• Participants must be 18 years or older.
• Teams can be formed across different years and specializations. Students from all courses and academic years are eligible to participate.
• Participants must be enrolled in one of the eligible institutes listed below:
  • AJK Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
  • Annapurna College of Film and Media, Hyderabad, Telangana
  • Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT), Noida, Uttar Pradesh
  • Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, Maharashtra
  • Film Institute of eMITS (FIeMITS), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
  • Gulshan Kumar Film and Television Institute of India, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
  • Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi 
  • Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi, New Delhi
  • L. V. Prasad Film and Television Academy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
  • Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata, West Bengal
  • Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC), Pune, Maharashtra
  • Whistling Woods International, Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Open to Indian citizens currently residing in India.
• A team can have a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 4 members.

Submission Guidelines:

• Teams can download the themes by clicking the 'Download Brief' button in the submission round.
• Teams can submit their films by uploading the video either to Google Drive (with access set to 'Anyone with the link') or to YouTube as an unlisted video.
• Teams must ensure that only copyright-free or royalty-free music is used, and the film must conclude with the official Sanjeevani logo.
• Films must be original works of fiction.
• Any genre is permitted.
• All films must clearly include the message: “Cancer screening saves lives / Time Nikaalein, Screen Karein”—this may be conveyed via text (supers), voiceover, or dialogue.
• Films can be in any Indian language but must include English subtitles or be dialogue-free.
• Films must not contain:
  • Expletives, obscene language, or offensive gestures.
  • Graphic violence, gore, or disturbing imagery.
  • Sexual content or imagery.
  • Content that is offensive to any individual (living or deceased), religion, political group, business entity, or community.
  • Participants are responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions and clearances for locations, talent, and other production elements.

Film Format Specifications:

• Short Format Category:
  • Duration: 60–90 seconds
  • Resolution: 720p or 1080p and above
  • Aspect Ratio: 1080 x 1920 px (vertical/horizontal)
• Long Format Category:
  • Duration: 10–15 minutes
  • Resolution: 720p, 1080p, or 4K
  • Aspect Ratio: 1920 x 1080 px or 3840 x 2160 px (horizontal)

Usage Rights & Promotion: By participating, entrants grant the organizers (Network18 and its partners, including Unstop) the perpetual right to use their name, photograph, and/or submitted film for promotional purposes across any media (online, offline, or otherwise). No compensation or royalties will be provided for the use of such materials in promotional content.

 Rewards & Prizes:

• Cash Prizes:
  • Winner: ₹1,00,000
  • 1st Runner-up: ₹50,000
  • 2nd & 3rd Runners-up: ₹25,000 each
• Nationwide Exposure: The top 4 winning films will be screened on Network18’s big screen and promoted across Network18’s official social media channels, giving your work visibility on a national stage.
• Certification & Accolades:
  • Top 10 entries will receive a Certificate of Excellence with official ranking.
  • All valid submissions will receive a Certificate of Participation.
• Collaborate for a Cause: Be part of a meaningful initiative that fuses artistic expression with public health advocacy.
• Industry Exposure: Engage with like-minded creators, mentors, and professionals working in public health, film, and awareness campaigns.

Whether you're a director, screenwriter, cinematographer, editor, or just someone passionate about making a difference through film, this contest is for you!