IFFI 2023: Anurag Thakur introduces 'Best Web Series' award category

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur has announced a new category, the "Best Web Series" award, at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Taking to Twitter, Thakur wrote, "Beginning this year at the 54th International Film Festival of India, the award will be presented annually."

The Award will be given to an original web series on an OTT platform, originally shot and available in an Indian language. The Award aims to incentivise and create investment opportunities in India’s OTT sector, encourage content in Indian languages, recognise exceptional talent and foster growth and innovation of the OTT industry, he added.

"India is filled with exceptional talent. I encourage you to tell the story of a rising and aspirational New India - ready to lead the world, with a billion dreams and a billion untold stories," Thakur wrote.

The main objectives of announcing this award category are to incentivise and create investment opportunities in India's OTT sector, to encourage OTT content in Indian languages, to recognise and reward exceptional talent and to foster the growth and innovation in the OTT industry.

The directors, creators and producers/production houses will receive a trophy, cash prize of Rs 10 lakh and a certificate, with special recognition given to the OTT platform.

The eligibility criteria includes that it should be an original web series on an OTT platform. It should be originally shot and available in any of the Indian languages. The web series should be released between January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022.

Moreover, the series should have three or more episodes. The total run time should be over 180 minutes and for each episode it should be over 25 minutes. It should be in compliance with the Code of Ethics under IT Rules, 2021.

The web series producer/production house can directly apply for the application process. OTT platforms can apply for originals/co-productions. Each applicant is limited to one entry. The application fee is Rs 10,000 + GST.

The selection process will have two rounds namely Round A and Round B. During Round A, the Preview Committee will shortlist web series from the list of eligible entries. The Committee will include media and entertainment professionals.

During Round B, there will be a Central Jury consisting of renowned OTT/entertainment industry professionals.

The Central Jury will announce 3-5 nominations from the shortlisted entries. Final winner will be announced among nominations and awarded at IFFI, Goa.

IFFI 2023 will take place from November 20 to November 28 in Goa.

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