Chennai, Feb 23: Strengthening its commitment to building a future-forward content ecosystem rooted in culture, creativity, and scale, Zee Entertainment Enterprises (“Z”) has announced the launch of the Zee Short Film Contest — a first-of-its-kind, industry-defining, pan-India omnichannel initiative designed to identify, nurture, and celebrate emerging filmmaking talent across the country.

Bringing together some of the most distinctive cinematic voices across regions onto a single national platform, the contest marks one of the most ambitious multilingual talent discovery movements in Indian entertainment. Designed as an inclusive gateway, the initiative spans seven key languages — Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada — enabling storytellers from diverse cultural contexts and cinematic traditions to access a marquee national stage backed by industry stalwarts.

A Powerhouse Jury Across Seven Industries

At the heart of the Zee Short Film Contest is a formidable jury panel comprising filmmakers who have redefined storytelling within their respective industries:

  • Anurag Kashyap (Hindi) – Known for pathbreaking, genre-defining cinema such as Gangs of Wasseypur

  • Ravi Jadhav (Marathi) – Celebrated for culturally resonant films like Natarang

  • Srijit Mukherji (Bengali) – Acclaimed for layered narratives including Autograph and Jaatishwar

  • Nag Ashwin (Telugu) – Visionary behind globally scaled spectacles like Kalki 2898 AD

  • Samuthirakani (Tamil) – Known for socially rooted, impactful dramas

  • Lijo Jose Pellissery (Malayalam) – Internationally acclaimed for visually audacious films such as Jallikattu

  • Hemanth Rao (Kannada) – Recognised for nuanced storytelling in Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu

For the first time, industry-defining filmmakers — each a torchbearer of their regional cinematic movement — are united under one platform to mentor and discover emerging talent. Their participation not only lends formidable credibility but also signals Z’s strategic intent to build a culturally rooted, future-ready talent incubator that reflects the linguistic and creative diversity of Bharat.

Institutionalizing Opportunity at National Scale

Through this nationwide talent hunt, Z aims to create an inclusive gateway for young, aspiring filmmakers to showcase their craft before the very storytellers who have shaped contemporary Indian cinema.

Participants stand to:

  • Gain national recognition within the professional film community

  • Win cash prizes to support their creative journeys

  • Unlock collaborative opportunities within Z’s expansive content ecosystem

  • Develop stories designed to travel seamlessly across digital, television, and theatrical platforms

Commenting on the vision behind the initiative, Kartik Mahadev, Chief Marketing Officer, ZEE & ZEE5, said:

“India is home to one of the most diverse storytelling cultures in the world, yet access and visibility for emerging filmmakers has often remained fragmented. With the Zee Short Film Contest, we are institutionalizing opportunity at a national scale. By bringing together pathbreaking filmmakers across seven languages on a single platform, we are creating an ecosystem where regional excellence meets national visibility. This is not just a contest — it is a strategic step towards strengthening India’s creative pipeline and building the next generation of storytellers who will define the future of Indian cinema.”

Jury Encourages Aspiring Filmmakers

Sharing their words of encouragement:

  • Anurag Kashyap said, “A short film got me my first feature. This is your chance to fulfil your dream of being a filmmaker.”

  • Srijit Mukherji added, “Filmmaking is always a matter of the heart. Follow your heart and your mind will show you the way through the obstacles.”

  • Lijo Jose Pellissery shared, “If you believe you are a filmmaker, the door is open. Come, make a short to make it big.”

  • Nag Ashwin noted, “The film industry is more than a world of dreams — it’s a world of stories. Showcase your talent to the world.”

  • Hemanth Rao said, “Love for cinema is a disease that never gets cured. If there’s a story haunting you, share it. Register and submit your short film.”

  • Ravi Jadhav remarked, “Talent, passion and vision are what matter most in filmmaking. If you have them, this contest is for you.”

  • Samuthirakani added, “Send your short film and seize a golden chance to showcase your talent before the country’s renowned directors. We’re ready. Are you?”

A Landmark Initiative for India’s Creative Future

As Z continues to champion culturally resonant storytelling powered by scale, credibility, and innovation, the Zee Short Film Contest stands as a landmark initiative — one that not only discovers fresh voices but builds a structured pathway for them to evolve into the next generation of filmmakers shaping the future of Indian entertainment.