Chicago Indian Arts  ·  Short Video Contest
Short Video Contest

India Through
Your Lens

20–30 seconds. Your story. Your way.

A short video contest inviting young voices to capture what India means to them — through words, visuals, culture, and creativity. No fancy production needed.

Enter the Contest →
#IndiaThroughYourLens#ChicagoIndianArts

Deadline

April 15, 2026

Choose Your Theme

Five ways in.
One story out.

01

India, In Your Own Words

Your personal definition of India.

02

What You Love About India & Why

Culture, food, people, values, memories.

03

An Indian Art Form You Admire

Dance, music, cinema, visual arts, literature.

04

Why You Are Proud of India

History, resilience, heritage, global impact.

05

Bridge Between India & USA

The hyphen. The inheritance. Two worlds.

What You Win

Prizes worth
showing up for.

Winner

Merch + VIP Tickets ×2

Two VIP tickets to Lit Fest & Fashion Week + branded T-shirt and merch pack.

First Runner Up

Branded T-Shirt

Wear your story.

Second Runner Up

Branded T-Shirt

Wear your story.

Special Mentions

Digital certificates awarded for standout creativity or storytelling.

How to Participate

Make it. Post it. Win.

1

Make Your Video

20–30 sec. Vertical or horizontal. Any style.

2

Pick a Theme

One of five — or blend them creatively.

3

Submit

YouTube link, Google Drive, or Instagram tag.

4

Deadline: April 15

One entry per participant. No late entries.

Submission Options

YouTube

Upload as Public or Unlisted and share the link.

Instagram

Post on your IG page, tag us and add the hashtags.

Direct File

Share via Google Drive or Dropbox with access enabled.

Guidelines & Rules

Everything you need to know.

Video Guidelines

Length

20–30 seconds only

Format

Vertical or horizontal

Language

English or any Indian language

Style

Spoken word, visuals, montage, music, or mix

Content

Original content only. No fancy production needed.

Judging Criteria

  • Creativity and originality
  • Clear storytelling
  • Emotional impact and authenticity
  • Relevance to theme
  • Smart use of the 20–30 second format

Judges' decisions are final.

Rules & Regulations

  • Content must be respectful and non-offensive
  • No political, hateful, or discriminatory material
  • Avoid copyrighted music or visuals unless royalty-free
  • Videos must be original and unpublished
  • Plagiarism leads to disqualification
  • Late entries will not be accepted
  • By submitting, participants allow Chicago Indian Arts to share videos for non-commercial promotional use

Tell your story.
Celebrate India.

Submissions close April 15, 2026  ·  One entry per participant

Enter the Contest →
Chicago Indian Arts#IndiaThroughYourLens