In a groundbreaking initiative to honor and rejuvenate India’s rich cinematic legacy, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation – National Film Archive of India (NFDC-NFAI) and Image Nation Street Art, has unveiled the International Film Poster Making Challenge. This competition, a highlight of the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), invites artists and filmmakers worldwide to reimagine posters of iconic Indian films, blending tradition with contemporary artistry.
A Global Call to Artists
The challenge is open to individuals aged 18 and above, regardless of nationality. Participants are encouraged to select one film from a curated list of ten seminal Indian movies, spanning various eras and genres:
- Neecha Nagar (1946): A pioneering film that delves into social disparities.
- Pather Panchali (1955): Satyajit Ray’s masterpiece portraying rural Bengali life.
- Mother India (1957): A tale of resilience and maternal strength.
- Chemmeen (1965): A Malayalam classic exploring love and societal norms.
- Pakeezah (1972): A visually stunning narrative of love and sacrifice.
- Disco Dancer (1982): A musical journey that defined a generation.
- Salaam Bombay! (1988): A gritty portrayal of Mumbai’s street life.
- Lagaan (2001): A historic epic blending sports and colonial resistance.
- Devdas (2002): A tragic love story reimagined with grandeur.
- The Lunchbox (2013): A nuanced tale of unexpected connections in Mumbai.
Submission Guidelines and Timeline
Artists are invited to submit their reimagined posters by March 5, 2025. The competition encompasses two main categories:
- Digital Posters: Utilizing modern design tools to create compelling visuals.
- Hand-Painted Posters: Embracing traditional techniques to capture the essence of the films.
For digital submissions, participants should ensure their artwork is in a vertical orientation with a standard size of 24 x 36 inches (aspect ratio 2:3) or an alternate size of 18 x 24 inches (aspect ratio 3:4). The artwork must be uploaded at 300 DPI in CMYK as a JPEG/PNG file, with a maximum file size of 10 MB. Detailed submission guidelines and registration are available on the official NFDC website.
Celebrating Artistic Excellence
The top 20 selected artworks will be showcased at the WAVES Summit in April 2025. Among these, the top three will receive awards, with details to be announced soon. This exhibition aims to bridge cultures through visual storytelling, offering artists a platform to gain international recognition.
Fostering Creativity and Cultural Exchange
This initiative seeks to foster creativity and pay homage to India’s rich film poster tradition. By inviting global artists to reinterpret classic Indian films, the challenge promotes cross-cultural dialogue and artistic innovation. It serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Indian cinema and its ability to inspire diverse artistic expressions.
Join the Movement
Artists worldwide are encouraged to participate in this unique celebration of cinema and art. To register and submit your artwork, visit the official NFDC website. Embrace the opportunity to contribute to a global homage to India’s cinematic heritage and showcase your creative prowess on an international stage.