Rough Cuts

Mentorship for Films in the Making…

The Rough Cut is a curated initiative supporting feature film projects at early to intermediate stages of the edit.The programme offers structured feedback sessions with accomplished mentors, creating a focused environment for filmmakers to reflect on their material, assess creative choices, and explore possible directions for their films.

The programme creates a focused space for in-depth feedback sessions with accomplished mentors, offering creative, editorial, and strategic guidance tailored to each selected project. All feedback sessions will take place during the IFFD CineXchange market dates, offering a more intimate space for focused discussion and meaningful engagement. 

All Rough Cuts submissions will be featured at the Viewing Room, encouraging discovery and connections with industry professionals.

Applications will close once 50 entries are received. Applicants are encouraged to submit at the earliest.

Please read the Rules and Regulations, and FAQs before submitting your application.

 

Rules & Regulations

  • Feature films over 60 minutes in any stage of post-production are acceptable.
  • Shorts, animated features and documentaries are not eligible for this edition.
  • Submissions are welcome from all over the world.
  • All languages are accepted; please ensure English subtitles are embedded in the film file.
  • Only 1 submission per director will be accepted to ensure that all applicants have a fair chance to participate.

  • Creating an account – a ‘MyCineX’ account has to be created to submit your film.
  • Edit Stage - Please do not submit a rough assembly of the film. Only projects in the early or mid-edit stage that are seeking feedback should apply. Projects that have reached a finer state (or close to completion) of edit are not encouraged to apply.
  • The link in the application is the official submission. No updated cuts can be accepted after this.
  • Downloadable Film Link - A downloadable film link is required for the submission to be considered complete. Please provide a password-protected downloadable link to the film in the application form.
  • Applications with non-downloadable links will be considered incomplete.
  • Stills of the film – Three stills from the film are required.
  • Undertaking Form - Submissions without the signed Undertaking Form will be considered incomplete.

  • A total of 4 projects will be selected for the programme.
  • Selection is based on the quality of the cut, the story, originality, and development potential.
  • Submitting to The Rough Cuts does not guarantee selection.
  • Selected films will present their film at the Pitch Forum on March 26, 2026
  • All decisions by IFFD CineXchange are final. IFFD CineXchange/DTTDC/its agencies will not provide reasons or feedback for why a project was selected or rejected.
  • Upon selection, both the director and editor should be present during the market days to receive mentorship. 
  • The representatives are expected to organise their B2B meetings at the market.
  • IFFD CineXchange / DTTDC / its agencies has the right to reject/remove any application for non-compliance with any rule and regulation of the Rough Cuts section.

  • Upon selection, DTTDC/IFFD CineXchange will provide accommodation to one representative per project. The representative will present their film at the Pitch Forum. Accommodation will be provided from March 25 to March 31, 2026.
  • DTTDC/IFFD CineXchange will not be able to provide travel support.
  • Please note that to attend the market, one has to register separately. Please visit the registration page for more details.
  • Please ensure the email addresses provided are active and regularly monitored, especially for the primary contact, as all official communication regarding the Rough Cuts and the market will be sent to the primary contact.

  • The application to Rough Cuts is free of charge.
  • Submitting to Rough Cuts does not ensure selection. Please do not use the IFFD CineXchange logo in any promotional materials.
  • Selected projects will be required to include the below line:
    This Film was presented under 'Rough Cuts' at the IFFD CineXchange 2026.
  • Logos will be provided upon request.
  • Selected projects are requested to notify IFFD CineXchange if any agreements or collaborations arise from the market at any given time in the future, for our records and documentation purposes only.
  • Please ensure the email addresses provided are active and regularly monitored, especially for the primary contact, as all official communication regarding Rough Cuts and the market will be sent to the primary contact.

For any clarification, we encourage you to write to roughcuts@iffdelhi.com