CCSSA – Critics' Choice Shorts And Series Awards

A show on a mafia family who begin plotting against each other or another that investigates the lives and trials of honest police officers. A series that delves deep into the pre-IIT prep sweat shops or one where a young man learns the quirks of living in a small town. The thriving digital space in India has something for everyone. Comedians, directors, writers, and box office ruling actors have all joined this territory for its promise. Currently, series and short films aren’t considered stepping stones anymore, they are a strong foundation to a space that is the new rage.

This year, India’s most credible film critics, in partnership with Motion Content Group, laud the inventiveness of this growing medium through the Critics’ Choice Awards. In our first edition, the awards recognized short films, in the second we enhanced the awards to include the exciting and burgeoning space of web series and episodic content. This year we aim to continue unearthing and honoring talent from this flourishing space. With a transparent process to identify worthy winners, these awards aim to reward the immense creativity of this industry.

I am thrilled that this year we can extend the awards to series - some of the most exciting storytelling is happening in this space! And shorts are a personal favourite! I look forward to discovering and celebrating many exciting stories and voices.

- Anupama Chopra

Barbra Streisand had once said, "Most awards, you know, they don't give you unless you go and get them - did you know that? Terribly discouraging." Well, I can proudly say, we are different. We give away awards to those deserving.

- Troy Riberio

Cut to the chase, get to the point & keep it short. The FCG tribute to short films & OTT series -- the Critics' Choice Shorts & Series Awards #CCSSA. Awesomely Contemporary.

- Bharathi Pradhan

I've been reviewing Indian short films and web series regularly for three years now, and I'm glad we finally have a solid, unbiased awards setup that highlights these growing ecosystems. For me, more than feature-length cinema, this is where it all begins.

- Rahul Desai

CCSSA is the first and the only award to combine, salute and celebrate entertainment across all platforms under one banner. That it is curated and endorsed by critics makes it all the more special.

- Bhawana Somaya

ELIGIBILITY

The Critics’ Choice Short Film Awards is open ONLY to citizens of India. and eligible participants. In cases where multiple parties (residing within and outside of India) are stakeholders in the Short Films film, either the director or the partner or producer must be a citizen and a current resident of India.

A Short Film is defined as an original motion picture that has a running time of minimum 3 minutes and maximum 30 minutes, including all credits.

The age of the Participant(s) must be 18 years.

Short Films that have been uploaded to public digital platforms/ OTT and Television platforms or screened/premiered at a film festival during the twelve months preceding the ‘call for entries’ shall alone be considered for the Awards (i.e. Calendar year of September 1st 2017 – September 1st 2018). *This date could change depending on when we call for entries

All Short Films that are submitted must be shared in their original language with English subtitles. The cost of inclusion of subtitles is the sole responsibility of the Participant(s).

Decide the nominations per category – minimum of three, maximum of five nominations per category

In case of a tie between two or three picks, there will be another round of tie-breaker voting. The aim here is to declare one winner. However, in case of a three-way tie, the aim is to bring it down to atleast two-way tie.

A Short Film excludes from consideration such works as: