Vishnu Manchu's AVAA Entertainments has announced the AVAA International Short Film Contest - Season One, timed with the festive celebrations of Sankranti and Pongal, aiming to discover and nurture new filmmaking talent across India. This director centric initiative invites aspiring filmmakers to submit short films up to 10 minutes in length, with entries judged purely on storytelling and directorial vision, free from star power or budget considerations.
The most exciting feature of the contest is its grand prize, the winning director will receive the opportunity to direct a feature film with a budget of ₹10 crore, produced by actor and producer Vishnu Manchu. Known for his consistent support of new talent, Vishnu Manchu's vision is to provide a genuine gateway into mainstream cinema for deserving filmmakers, especially those who lack access to traditional industry channels.
AVAA Entertainments emphasizes that this contest is more than just a competition. It is a structured opportunity designed to ensure transparency and credibility, reflecting Vishnu Manchu's hands on approach. The focus on short films of up to 10 minutes allows for a wide range of creative entries, and the judging process prioritizes originality, narrative strength, and execution.
The announcement has generated significant buzz in the Indian film community, with many seeing it as a bold step toward democratizing access to the film industry. By offering a ₹10 crore feature film project to the winner, AVAA is setting a new benchmark for short film contests in India, and the initiative is expected to attract a large number of entries from across the country.