This would be the first time that such a step has been taken in allowing video formats for national awards. The Directorate of Film Festivals, which is the nodal body organizing the National Film Awards and Indian Panorama, is therefore inviting entries for the non-feature film sections for films produced on digital/video formats.

The films should be censored by the Central Board of Film Certification between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2003 to be eligible for entry for the National Film Awards. The films should be submitted on BETACAM SP (broadcast quality) tapes.

The last date for receiving entries along with tapes for the National Film Awards is 6 August, 2004. The last date for the Indian Panorama would be announced shortly.

This decision has been taken in view of the latest trends of filmmaking in India where a significant number of documentaries and non-feature films are being produced on video/digital format. This would provide a forum for independent and low budget filmmakers to enter their films for the most prestigious cinema awards in the country. The inclusion of these films in the Indian Panorama will give independent film producers an opportunity to present their films in the International Film Festival of India as well as to participate in international film Festivals abroad through the Directorate of Film Festivals.

In this regard, a delegation of short film-makers also met information and broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy today to reiterate that such films should not be subject to censorship as done during the international
festival of short films earlier in Mumbai.

The National Film Awards, which are now over 50 years old, were instituted by the government to encourage the production of films of aesthetic and technical excellence as well as social relevance and to contribute to the understanding and appreciation of cultures of different regions.

The Indian Panorama, which has been part of the International Film Festival of India since 1978, is selected by a special Jury to showcase the best of Indian cinema every year and is presented for the first time in the Festival.