Entries for India’s Official Academy (Oscar) 2025 Contender-- opened by Film Federation of India (FFI) with ("Indian-ness") criteria, process briefing! by Chaitanya Padukone

Mr Firdausul Hasan, President of the Film Federation of India (FFI) and his office-bearers, Colleagues kicked off the process (last evening) to choose India’s official entry for the 98th (Oscar) Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. 

FFI, an officially recognized trade body, has been handling India's Oscar submissions since 1957, (Film Federation of India Oscars) with Mother India being the country's first official entry. Last year, the jury selected Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies for the honour. At a press conference led by FFI President Firdausul Hasan, the body announced that the applications are now open. Let's take a look at what the entire process looks like:

The Film Federation of India (FFI), the apex body representing leading film associations across the (Film Federation India promotes cinema) country, has officially announced the opening of applications to select India’s entry for the 98th Academy Awards – International Feature Film category. Entries will be accepted from August 15, 2025, to September 10, 2025 (6:00 PM IST). The FFI will appoint a Chairman of the Jury along with an esteemed panel of senior professionals from the creative field. The final selection will be made through a (FFI member producers exhibitors distributors) democratic voting process after all screenings, (FFI selects India official Oscar) with the chosen film to be announced on September 28, 2025.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Firdausul Hasan, President of the FFI, said, "India is marching towards another amazing year in the movies and entertainment space. We are proud that Indian films continue to make a mark at prestigious global platforms, (Film Federation India legal arbitration) including the Oscars. The FFI will ensure a smooth, transparent, and fair nomination process, and we encourage maximum participation from filmmakers across the country. It should be an Indian origin film and about 90 per cent film should be shot in India, and the film should've "Indian-ness"!  We've tried to (Film Federation India industry welfare) cover every field while appointing the (jury) person. The person should be well-known, should have good experience, and must ideally be a National Film Award-winner," Hasan said.

Also present ( besides FFI President Mr F. Hasan) at  the significant media-briefing (Film Federation India international outreach) were eminent industry personalities, film-maker, social activist, and dynamic cine-industry leader Ashoke Pandit (President of IFTDA), Abhay Kumar Sinha (of both FFI and IMPPA),  Sangram Shirke, (Treasurer-FFI),  Dharam Mehra, (FFI), Hirachand Dand (FFI), Sushama Shiromanee (ex-IMPPA)

To be eligible, films must have their first release in India between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, and should complete a minimum seven-day theatrical run in a commercial cinema. Each film must contain at least 60% content in an Indian language and be accompanied by English subtitles. The producer, artists, and technicians involved in the project must hold an Indian passport. For films unreleased as of September 10, 2025, applicants are required to submit a formal declaration confirming the release by September 30, 2025, along with proof of theatrical commitment. Every submission must be accompanied by the censor certificate, proof of release, a synopsis, the complete cast and crew list, details of any film festival participation or awards, and the film’s official website or online page. (FFI Indian Oscar entry process)

The FFI urges filmmakers to submit their Film Entries well before the deadline to (Film Federation India promotes film tourism) ensure smooth processing. This initiative continues India’s tradition of showcasing its finest cinema on the world’s most prestigious global stage – the Academy Awards. Last Date of Submission: by September 10, 2025 – 6:00 PM

FAQs

Who is leading the selection process for India’s Oscar entry in 2025?

The process is being led by Mr. Firdausul Hasan, President of the Film Federation of India (FFI), along with a jury of experienced film professionals.

What is the time frame for submitting films to the FFI?

Entries will be accepted from August 15, 2025, to September 10, 2025, until 6:00 PM IST.

When will India’s official Oscar entry be announced?

The selected film for the Best International Feature Film category will be announced on September 28, 2025.

What are the eligibility dates for a film’s release?

Films must have their first release in India between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.

How long must a film run in cinemas to qualify?

Each film must complete at least a seven-day theatrical run in a commercial cinema.

What language requirements must the film meet?

At least 60% of the film’s content must be in an Indian language, with English subtitles provided.

Who can participate in the submission?

Producers, artists, and technicians must hold Indian passports, and the film should have strong “Indian-ness” in its theme and content.

What documents are required for submission?

Required materials include a censor certificate, proof of release, synopsis, full cast and crew list, festival/award details, and an official website or page.

Can unreleased films be submitted?

Yes, but they must declare that the film will release by September 30, 2025, and provide proof of a theatrical commitment.

Which was India’s official Oscar entry last year?

For the previous year, the FFI selected Kiran Rao’s film Laapataa Ladies as India’s official entry.

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