Rules & Regulations

• The cash prize is only for short films.
• Films must be original work of applicants in Telugu Language. Some use of English is permissible and English subtitles are also accepted. There should be no “copied or borrowed” content in the short film.
• All genres allowed. Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime/Gangster, Drama, Epics/Historical, Horror, Musicals/Dance, Thriller, etc.
• Actors in the film must be local US residents only. Senior actors could be the parent of US resident
• DURATION: The short films shall not be more than 10 minutes (600 seconds), including the beginning and end credits. Films exceeding this time limit are liable to be rejected. The minimum length should be 5 minutes.
• Films submitted previously to any other festivals can also be submitted, but has to be mentioned clearly where it was submitted.
• COPYRIGHT: The Short Film must not contain any copyrighted work(s) belonging to third parties unless (1) Participants have a license to use such works in the Film; or (2) the use participant’s film makes of such works is a fair one under the copyright laws(such as background music or sound effects). Participants will retain any licenses and provide them to organizers upon request.
• Participants can leverage professional technicians based in the USA for making short films as per their convenience and costs incurred are paid by the participants.
• There are no restrictions on the number of people in the film and no restriction on the age limit.
• Films MUST not contain – Political Bias, Demeaning (religious, caste, country, vulgar, and/or adult content (applies to the content overall or the dialogues used). Any such case will disqualify the entry.
• Applicants are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary rights and permissions for third-party materials included in their films, including but not limited to music, trademarks, logos, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights. ATA expressly disclaims all liability or responsibility for any violations of the foregoing.
• ATA is not responsible for copyright infringement.
• Deadline for submission: July 20, 2026.
• Participants under the age of 18 need to specify parent/guardian names.
• The decision of the jury shall be final, unquestionable, and binding on all participants.
• All Reels submissions should be within 1 min 30 sec.
• There are two topics for the reels, you might chose one.
  • 1) ATA lo atla-itla (reel showcasing modern look and traditional look).
  • 2) America lo Telugu pandagalu (it can be thoughtful or comical)
• Photography submissions must be original work. Not copyrighted to anyone.
• Finalized top 3 Short Film, Photography, Reels contestants will receive email communication.
• They will be recognized on the final stage and be awarded by Famous Film Personalities.