What Is This?
If you're dreaming of making your first short film — but money, team, and reach are holding you back — this is for you.
Short Film Universe is giving ONE filmmaker a chance to turn their idea into reality. We're picking the most promising pitch and funding it with:
- 🏱₹10,000 (5K upfront + 5K after delivery)
- 📺Visibility on our platform + YouTube premiere
- 🎬Possible collaboration on real brand films if your pitch fits a live brief
All you need is a solid plan and the drive to create.
🗓 Key Dates
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Contest Opens | June 15, 2025 |
| Pitch Deck Submission Ends | September 15, 2025 |
| Shortlist Announcement | September 25, 2025 |
| Live Pitch (Zoom) | September 28, 2025 |
| Winner Announced | October 1, 2025 |
| Final Film Submission | October 30, 2025 |
How to Apply
- Create an account at www.shortfilmuniverse.com
- Go to dashboard → Click "Create Project"
- Post a mandatory Casting Call
- Build your idea, finalize your cast & crew (min 4 people) — all must be SFU-registered
- Prepare your Pitch Deck (English only) using our template
- Upload your final pitch deck to your project between Sept 1–15
- If shortlisted, you'll be invited to a Live Pitch on Zoom with 4 industry judges & brands
Who Can Apply?
- • First-time or Aspiring filmmakers
- • Teams of at least 4 members (all SFU users, declared in pitch deck)
- • Open to all Indian languages
- • No prior screening of the film
- • Passion, clarity, and originality = gold
Rules
- • Open to Indian Nationals above 18 years of age only
- • Film should be max 10 minutes (including credits)
- • No previously released projects allowed
- • Casting Call creation is mandatory
- • Team of minimum 4 SFU members must be finalized by pitch deck stage
- • No changes to cast/crew after deck submission
- • Pitch Deck must be in English only
- • Live Pitch can be in English, Hindi, Kannada, or Tamil
- • No-show in live pitch = disqualified
- • No deadline extensions
- • Film must carry SFU logo + HomeGrown at SFU tag
- • Final decisions rest with SFU. Contest may be withdrawn if entries are low or lack quality
- • You retain rights to the film
- • SFU reserves the right to disqualify any entry at any stage
- • Filmmakers will be required to attend one mandatory group call with SFU team before submission of pitch deck to qualify for the contest
Community & Help
Need clarification?
Ask your questions openly on the SFU Huzzle Forum. You'll get responses from the SFU team and fellow creators.
Note: Huzzle is not for crew discovery.
🏱 Bonus Opportunities
Even if you're not the winner, if your pitch matches a brand film brief, you could be selected for a paid project with a real business.
We're watching for talent throughout.
Plus, mini-challenges and contests during the season = more chances to win.
🎬 Ready to Begin?
Sign Up
Create your account
Create Project
Set up your film project
Post Casting Call
Find your cast
Build Your Team
Assemble your crew
Submit Deck
Upload your pitch deck
Prepare for Pitch
Get ready for 10-min presentation
One pitch. One chance.
Your story deserves a stage.
Let this be your first frame.