Sci560 Film Festival | Call for Entries
Science Gallery Bengaluru in collaboration with Bangalore International Centre is thrilled to announce the Sci560 Film Festival, which will take place early next year. We invite filmmakers to submit completed works in various languages, formats, and genres, centred around the theme of our ongoing exhibition season, Sci560.
As a city with many faces—garden city, military city, industrial hub, IT capital, and more—Bengaluru has evolved into a dynamic microcosm of India. Known today for its cutting-edge industries and start-up culture, the city’s journey spans decades of scientific discovery, technological innovation, and cultural transformation. The Sci560 Film Festival seeks to explore not only Bengaluru's scientific heritage but also its urban narratives: stories of the people, places, and experiences that have contributed to the city’s unique identity.
We are looking for films that capture the essence of Bengaluru’s past and present. From its research-driven institutions and revolutionary developments in science and technology to its everyday urban life—be it neighbourhood stories, personal narratives, or explorations of the city’s evolving culture—this festival celebrates Bengaluru in all its complexity.
The festival welcomes submissions from independent filmmakers, amateurs, and professionals alike. Whether through documentary, fiction, experimental film, or animation, we encourage filmmakers to push the boundaries of storytelling, offering fresh perspectives on how Bengaluru has become a symbol of creativity, innovation, and change.
In addition to film screenings, the Sci560 Film Festival will feature panel discussions, workshops, and public engagement programmes that invite audiences to reflect on the intersection of science, culture, and everyday life in Bengaluru. Sci560 is supported by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.
The last date to apply is 20 November 2024. The final schedule of films will be released in January 2025.
Key dates
Call goes live: 24 Oct 2024
Call closes: 27 November 2024
Notification to selected filmmakers: 4 December 2024
Schedule goes live: 11 January 2025
Sci560 Film Festival: 01-02 February 2025
Submission Guidelines
Eligibility: We are looking for completed films that explore our relationship with Sci560. We are open to worldwide submissions from broadcasters, producers, filmmakers, film students, researchers, scientific organisations, NGOs, public organisations, and online channels. To submit an entry, please follow the submission guidelines and use the online application form during the period when the festival is open to submissions.
Formats: We accept submissions across formats: Shorts, Documentaries, Features, Animations or Experimental films.
Submission formats and preview copies: Please upload a copy of your film in the online application form. If you are facing any issues with the form, you can also submit previews of full films online either via Vimeo or any other file transfer service such as Dropbox or WeTransfer to programmes@bengaluru.sciencegallery.com. You can also mail us physical copies of your film to our address. Copies of your submission will be stored in the SGB archives. Mailing costs for the submissions have to be borne by the submitter.
Language: We accept films across all languages, but would prefer films with subtitles.
Screening costs: The festival is a free event and there are no costs levied on submissions. Selected filmmakers will be offered a nominal fee and you are free to apply for additional funding for travel, and SGB is happy to support the application for additional funding.
Selection and notification: Shortlisted filmmakers will hear from us in December 2024. We are not able to provide feedback on specific submissions at any stage of the selection process.
Directors/producers/distributors will be contacted immediately on selection of their films and any additional requests for material or publicity may be made at the time. The schedule for the films will be made available in January 2025. Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the published schedule, SGB reserves the right to make changes at any time for any reason.
Permissions: The submitter is responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions for the film and its content, including music, images, and trademarks.
Checklist for submissions:
Copy of completed film with English subtitles
Completed application form
Synopsis of film
CV of Director
Biographical note of cast and/or crew where appropriate
4-5 high quality still images
Contact information: Please get in touch with programmes@bengaluru.sciencegallery.com in case of any queries.
Venue: Bangalore International Centre