Padma’s Mini-Film Challenge

Padma’s Book Club and Kerala Literature Festival invite budding student filmmakers to submit on Instagram mini-films within 6 minutes based on the short story “Asexual”. There is no entry fee for this competition and it is open for all students 18 years and above.  

Films will be reviewed for:

  1. Originality – Unique approach in filming the story Asexual.
  2. Treatment – Overall aesthetic used.
  3. Pacing & Structure – Is it engaging enough to keep the viewer’s attention?
  4. Cinematography – The quality of visuals demonstrated.
  5. Dialogue – Unique voices that effectively reveal the characters, as well as effective use of silence and lack of dialogue. 

Winning films will be screened online and offline at the festival, with the filmmakers receiving exciting prizes and a chance to be featured on a KLF panel. What are you waiting for? Make that film!

Download the story “ASEXUAL” in English
Download the story “ASEXUAL” in Malayalam
Apply Now

FAQ's

How long can my film be?

The total runtime of the film has to be under 6 minutes including credits. We will disqualify anything that exceeds this time limit. 

Can the film be based on any story?

No, it must be based on the story ‘Asexual’ by Abbas Rahman. Any other entry would be disqualified.

I am not a student. Can I still submit my film?

No. Only students above 18 years of age are eligible for this contest. You must be currently affiliated with an educational institution. 

How do I submit my film?

This is an Instagram contest so your film must be posted on Instagram in the Reels format. You have to tag our handles @padmasbookclub and @keralalitfest and add the hashtag #pbcatklf to your post to qualify so it can reach us. 

What ratio should my film be in?

The aspect ratio for Instagram reels is 9:16. Keep this ratio in mind so that it is easier for you to upload the film on Reels. 

I am not on Instagram. How do I participate?

Since this is an Instagram contest, you will have to create an Instagram account to participate. 

I don’t know how to make a reel. What to do?

Don’t worry, we have you covered. Follow these simple steps to make a reel.

  1. Tap create new  at the top or swipe right anywhere in Feed.
  2. Scroll to Reels at the bottom.
  3. Tap and hold record reel  to record a clip or tap it to start recording and tap it again to end the clip. You can also tap your camera roll in the bottom left to add a video from your camera roll.
  4. Tap Preview.
  5. Tap Edit clips to watch, trim or delete the previous clip that you recorded, then tap Done.
  6. At the top, tap to add stickers  stickers,draw drawings and text to your reel or download it to your device. Use the slider at the bottom to edit when you want text to appear, then tap Next.
  7. Tap Edit cover to change your cover photo and write a caption.
  8. Tap Share or Share to Reels.