Awards

We are presenting 32 awards forour upcoming edition​

About Us

watch, experience, and connect

Dekho Film Festival (formerly known as AAB Film Festival) celebrates the art of storytelling through films. "Dekho" means "watch" in Hindi, symbolizing our core mission – to bring audiences together to watch and appreciate remarkable films from around the world. Previously hosted in cities like Kolkata, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Moga (Punjab), the festival evolved in 2024 with a brand-new identity as the Dekho Film Festival, marking its grand debut in the city of Bollywood dreams – Mumbai. Held on 18th–19th May 2024, the festival featured an eclectic lineup of 39 films, including selections from the AAB Film Festival and fresh entries for Dekho's inaugural edition. The event was not just about films; it was a celebration of art, culture, and community. Attendees engaged in interactive sessions with notable talents like actor and director Kashyap Harsha Shangari, who shared insights and experiences with the audience. Adding cultural flair to the festival, we hosted mesmerizing Kathak dance performances, captivating semi-classical dance shows, and soulful performances by a live music band during the awards ceremony. We are thrilled to announce that Dekho Film Festival is now open for submissions for its 2025 Edition, which will take place in May 2025. At Dekho Film Festival, we aim to create a space where stories come alive, cultures blend, and audiences connect with filmmakers and artists who inspire and entertain. Join us in celebrating cinema – watch, experience, and connect with stories that matter.
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Awards

We are presenting 32 awards forour upcoming edition

🔹 Category Awards

These awards recognize films based on their format, region, genre, language, or theme. They celebrate the artistic and technical excellence of the film as a whole.

Best One Minute Short Film

Awarded to the most impactful and creatively executed short film with a runtime of 60 seconds or less.

Best International Short Film

Recognizing the finest short film from outside India that showcases global storytelling with artistic excellence.

Best Indian Short Film

Celebrating the best short film produced in India, reflecting strong narratives and cinematic craft.

Best Indian Regional Short Film

Honoring outstanding short films in regional Indian languages that preserve cultural depth and diversity.

Best Foreign Language Short Film

Presented to a non-English language short film demonstrating powerful storytelling and exceptional filmmaking.

Best South Asian Short Film

Awarded to a short film from the South Asian region, showcasing unique voices and stories from the subcontinent.

Best Documentary Short Film

Recognizing excellence in documentary filmmaking that reveals truth, engages deeply, and inspires thought.

Best Animation Film

Celebrating the best animated short film, highlighting visual innovation and compelling storytelling through animation.

Best Experimental Film

Awarded to a film that boldly explores form, technique, or narrative structure, challenging cinematic conventions.

Best LGBTQ Film

Recognizing powerful LGBTQ-themed storytelling that fosters inclusion, visibility, and empathy.

Best Student Short Film

Honoring exceptional work by student filmmakers, reflecting emerging talent and fresh perspectives.

Best International Feature Film

Awarded to the most outstanding feature-length film produced outside India, reflecting global excellence in cinema.

Best Indian Feature Film

Celebrating the best feature film from India that showcases creativity, cultural resonance, and cinematic brilliance.

Best South Asian Feature Film

Honoring a feature film from the South Asian region that exemplifies strong storytelling and regional representation.

Best Social Issue Film

Recognizing films that bring light to pressing social issues, encouraging awareness and advocacy through cinema.

Best Human Rights Film

Presented to a film that promotes human rights, justice, and dignity through powerful cinematic expression.

Best Music Video

Awarded to the most visually and emotionally captivating music video with artistic storytelling and sound.

Best Web Series

Celebrating excellence in web series storytelling, production value, and audience engagement.

Best Women Films

Honoring films made by women or focusing on women-centric themes, voices, and stories.

🔹 Individual Awards

These awards recognize films based on their format, region, genre, language, or theme. They celebrate the artistic and technical excellence of the film as a whole.

Best Director

Awarded to the filmmaker who demonstrates exceptional vision, creativity, and command over the cinematic medium.

Best Debut Director

Recognizing a first-time director who showcases remarkable potential and storytelling flair.

Best Women Director

Celebrating a female director whose work exemplifies strength, innovation, and powerful storytelling.

Best Cinematographer

Awarded for outstanding visual composition and camera work that elevates the film’s narrative and mood.

Best Screenwriter

Celebrating a writer whose script stands out for originality, depth, and narrative impact.

Best Producer

Awarded to the producer who demonstrates commitment to cinematic vision and excellence in production.

Best Editor

Recognizing excellence in film editing that enhances pace, structure, and emotional resonance.

Best Performances (Male)

Honoring an actor for a compelling and nuanced performance in a leading role.

Best Performances (Female)

Celebrating a female actor whose performance demonstrates range, depth, and emotional power.

Best Performances (Supporting Role)

Awarded to an actor (male or female) who delivers a memorable and effective supporting performance.

🔹 Special Festival Awards

Special honors given at the discretion of the jury, festival team, or audience to films that stand out for their impact, uniqueness, or popularity beyond the regular categories.

Jury Choice Award

Selected by the festival jury, this award goes to a film that stands out for its artistic achievement and storytelling impact.

Festival Choice Award

Presented by the festival team to a film that best represents the spirit and mission of the festival.

Audience Choice Award

Chosen by viewers, this award honors the film that resonates most with the audience for its storytelling and engagement.

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Our Partner and Sposnsors
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Our Jury

Our esteemed jury panel brings a wealth of experience in independent cinema, ensuring that every story receives the recognition it deserves. Meet the visionaries shaping this festival's awards and honors.
SEO Specialist

Mark Roberts

There is no substitute for hard work.
Administrator

Jennifer Ollie

Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.
Marketing

Marry Pops

Work gives satisfaction.

Submission Open

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