The Stage Is Set. Your Story Belongs Here.
TSFA 2026 nominations are open. Nine years of championing independent filmmakers and digital creators across India — and this is the biggest edition yet. Submit your work now.
Nine Years. One Standard.
Since 2018, TSFA has been the platform where independent storytellers in India come to be seen. Not the biggest budget. Not the most famous name. The best work — across short film, documentary, web series, digital content, animation, audio, and every format that independent creativity has claimed as its own.
The 9th edition is the most ambitious TSFA has ever been. More categories. A larger jury. A wider reach across India's states and languages. And the same commitment that has defined every edition since the first: if you made something worth watching, TSFA is where it belongs.
Award Categories
19 categories spanning every format independent storytelling in India takes — from short film and documentary to web series, digital content, animation, and audio.
The standout short film of the year — complete storytelling in any genre, any language.
The director whose vision and command of their story set the standard for the year.
The most original and resonant story brought to screen in 2026.
The visual storyteller whose mastery of light and frame elevated their film.
A performance of exceptional range and authenticity.
A performance of rare emotional depth that moved both jury and audience.
The editor whose invisible craft gave their film its rhythm, pace, and emotional truth.
The score and sound design that gave a story its emotional heartbeat.
The documentary that captured truth with the greatest clarity, courage, and compassion.
The best independently produced feature-length film of the year.
The best film made in a regional Indian language — celebrating India's storytelling depth.
The film or digital work that used storytelling to drive the most meaningful social change.
The most exciting new voice to emerge in Indian independent storytelling in 2026.
The best serialised storytelling in the digital space — a category that keeps growing in ambition.
The digital creator whose online work demonstrated the highest standard of craft in 2026.
Honouring the surge of independent animation talent emerging from India's design schools and studios.
Complete storytelling in under five minutes — the format that defined a generation of digital creators.
The best original podcast or audio story — honouring India's most loyal independent creative community.
A special recognition from the jury for outstanding creative achievement that defied easy categorisation.
Key Dates
Mark your calendar — every deadline matters.
Submit your work via the nominations portal. All formats and languages welcome.
Last date to submit nominations across all 19 award categories, including the Film Track and Digital Track.
Our distinguished jury panel will evaluate eligible nominations based on creativity, originality, innovation, impact, and excellence.
The official shortlist of nominees will be announced across all award categories.
Celebrate the 8th Edition at Bharat Future City, Hyderabad, Telangana, during the Invest Telangana Global Summit / IndiaJoy 2026 event period. Exact date TBA.
Jury — Coming Soon
The 2026 jury will be announced ahead of the evaluation period. TSFA juries are drawn from India's most respected independent filmmakers, critics, and digital creators.
The Event
TSFA 2026 will be held in Hyderabad, Telangana — the city that has hosted every edition since 2018.
Exact venue to be announced
Exact date to be announced
With live streaming for remote attendees
Entries accepted from all states and languages
Partners & Sponsors
TSFA 2026 is made possible by the organisations that believe in independent storytelling.
Interested in partnering with TSFA 2026? Reach out to us.
Get in TouchFrequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before submitting your work.
Your Story Belongs Here.
Nine years of independent storytelling. 19 categories. One platform that has championed independent voices across India since 2018. Nominations for TSFA 2026 are open now.
Nominate Now