Govt tightens film festival rules, stricter norms for screening without certification

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a order on 30 March 2026, tightening and clarifying rules regarding the screening of films at festivals without a censor certificate. The move aims to ensure that films shown at non-commercial film festivals can only be screened without certification under specific conditions.

The ministry stated that a policy allowing exemptions for both Indian and foreign films at festivals already exists, but it applies exclusively to fully non-commercial events where films are shown only to registered delegates.

The government observed that applications for such exemptions are often submitted with incomplete information, leading to delays in review and approval. To address this, a standardised application format and checklist have now been introduced to ensure that all information is provided accurately and consistently.

Under the new rules, organisers must submit applications in the prescribed format along with all required documents. Applications that are incomplete, submitted late, or do not comply with the rules will not be accepted.

Additionally, the preview committee for film selection must now include at least three members, including one woman, all of whom must be independent of the organising body. The committee must also certify that the films to be screened are not involved in any pending or disputed matters with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The ministry has also released a detailed form that organisers must complete, which includes the list of films, information about the organising institution, details of the festival director, and a full checklist of requirements.

Overall, the government’s new measures are seen as a major step towards enhancing transparency, speeding up processes, and ensuring strict compliance with rules in the conduct of film festivals.