Organised by
Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, India
An Autonomous Organisation under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India
Last Date for Submission
31st December 2025
Festival Dates
26th – 28th February 2026
A Call for Scientist-Filmmakers, Science Filmmakers and College Students & Research Scholar-Filmmakers
The Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) proudly announces PRITHVI – The Palaeoscience Film Festival of India, an annual national initiative aimed at promoting and inculcating science communicators and science filmmakers in the domains of Palaeosciences, Geology, Botany, Climate & Earth Sciences, Geo Heritage, and Geo Tourism.
As an integral component of BSIP’s broader vision under the Science Communication for Public Engagement & Partnership (SCoPE) initiative, PRITHVI is designed to foster the integration of science communication and filmmaking in these critical scientific areas. This platform aims to bridge the existing communication gap between scientific researchers and the general public by showcasing compelling, visually engaging narratives on Earth’s ancient past, present environmental challenges, and future sustainability.
BSIP invite scientist-filmmakers, science filmmakers, and research scholar-filmmakers to participate in PRITHVI – The Palaeoscience Film Festival of India.
The Festival Vision
PRITHVI is envisioned as a dynamic platform that brings together scientists, science communicators, and filmmakers from India and around the globe to foster compelling storytelling on Earth science themes. By integrating visual media with science communication, the festival aims to foster a deeper public understanding of Earth’s ancient history, current environmental challenges, and future sustainability. Through this initiative, BSIP aims to:
- Bridge the gap between scientists and the public
- Make palaeosciences and Earth sciences more relatable and engaging
- Empower citizens with scientific knowledge to inspire action
- Contribute to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047
Why PRITHVI Matters: Bridging the Science–Society Divide
Article 51A(h) of the Indian Constitution enshrines the duty of every citizen to develop a scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform. Despite their relevance, fields like palaeontology, sedimentology, geophysics, volcanology, oceanography, climatology, archaeology, and astrobiology often remain inaccessible to the general public.
The complex language of research and the lack of visual interpretation have created a communication gap that limits public engagement with critical scientific issues such as climate change, geo heritage preservation, and environmental sustainability.
PRITHVI addresses this gap by transforming specialised scientific knowledge into accessible visual narratives that resonate with diverse audiences—students, educators, policymakers, and the general public.
Objectives of PRITHVI
- To Promote the Integration of Science and Filmmaking
Encouraging the creation of high-quality documentary, short, animated, and science fiction films that highlight palaeoscientific themes and geo heritage. The festival will facilitate dialogue among filmmakers, scientists, and the public. - To Raise Environmental Awareness and Inspire Change
Through films that focus on issues such as climate change, geotourism, and biodiversity conservation, the festival will motivate audiences to adopt sustainable practices and promote environmental stewardship. - To Create a Public Resource for Science Communication
Films selected through PRITHVI will become educational tools accessible to schools, colleges, and institutions, enriching Earth science curricula and promoting scientific awareness.
Festival Methodology
- Film Submission and Invitation
Documentary, short films, animation, and science fiction films are invited from around the world. Submissions are open via www.bsip.res.in with a wide outreach through academic, media, and cultural platforms. - Nomination and Screening Process
A Nomination Jury will conduct an initial evaluation, grouping films thematically for the final screening.. - Jury Evaluation
A distinguished Jury comprising scientists and filmmakers will assess submissions based on storytelling, scientific accuracy, visual impact, and overall message and will select the Best Documentary, Best Short Film, Best Scientific Content, and Best Film on Climate Change/Geo Tourism—recognised with citations and Jury appreciation certificates, not awards / monetary awards. - Public Engagement Activities
Screenings will be complemented by panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and workshops, further deepening the link between science and society.
Themes and Focus Areas
Films must explore themes and subthemes within the following areas: Palaeosciences, Geology, Botany, Climate and Earth Sciences, Geoheritage, and Geo Tourism.
Categories of Entry
- Documentary Films on Paleosciences / Geology / Botany / Earth
Sciences
A non-fiction film that compellingly presents scientific content through real-life stories, interviews, research, and visuals.
Duration: 20 minutes to 60 minutes - Short Film on Palaeosciences / Geology / Botany / Earth
Sciences
A fictional or creative short-format film that powerfully conveys scientific ideas, themes, or messages through engaging storytelling.
Duration: 5 minutes to 15 minutes - Animation Film on Palaeosciences / Geology / Botany / Earth
Sciences
A film that uses animation to creatively simplify and communicate complex scientific concepts in palaeoscience, Earth science, or environmental topics, appealing to audiences of all ages.
Duration: 2 minutes to 15 minutes - Science Fiction Film on Palaeosciences / Geology / Botany / Earth
Sciences
A film that explores palaeoscience, Earth science, or environmental themes through imaginative, speculative storytelling, envisioning bold and futuristic scenarios.
Duration: 10 minutes to 30 minutes - Film on Climate Change
A film that effectively portrays the causes, impacts, and potential solutions related to climate change, raising awareness and inspiring action.
Duration: 10 minutes to 40 minutes - Film on Geo-heritage and Geo-tourism
A film that highlights the significance of conserving geoheritage and promoting geotourism as tools for education, sustainability, and cultural appreciation.
Duration: 10 minutes to 40 minutes - Film created by college/university students or research scholars on
Palaeosciences, Geology, Botany, or Earth Sciences
Outstanding films that explore scientific ideas with originality, creativity, and insight.
Duration: 5 minutes to 30 minutes
General Conditions
- Films should have been produced between 1st January 2024 and 31st December 2025
- No entry/registration fee
- Max two entries per applicant; separate forms for each film
- Non-English films must have English subtitles
- Clear captions and credits required
- BSIP holds non-exclusive screening rights for public education and festival outreach
- Up to 45 seconds of footage may be used for promotion
- Organisers may reassign categories and reject ineligible entries
How to Participate
- Read full guidelines on www.bsip.res.in
- Upload the film on YouTube or Vimeo (password protected)
- Fill out the online entry form (separate for each film)
- Keep ready:
- Director’s photograph (300 dpi)
- Five stills from the film (300 dpi)
- Film synopsis (within 300 words)
- A confirmation email will follow successful submission
- For queries, contact: prithvifilmfestival@bsip.res.in
Selection Process and Support
- A Nomination Jury will shortlist films; a National Jury will make the final selection.
- A three-day screening and workshop event will be held during the festival.
- For each selected Indian film, one representative will be provided:
- Economy class airfare reimbursement (only if booked through Central Government-authorised
travel agencies: Balmer Lawrie, IRCTC, or Ashoka Travels).
(Last-minute bookings may lead to significant cost—participants are advised to plan travel in advance.) - Accommodation during the event
- Economy class airfare reimbursement (only if booked through Central Government-authorised
travel agencies: Balmer Lawrie, IRCTC, or Ashoka Travels).
- Foreign participants (one per selected film) will be invited with accommodation support (travel not covered).
- No cash or monetary awards will be given. However, selected films will receive:
- Best Film Citations
- Jury Appreciation Certificates
- The decision of the jury will be final and unchallengeable.
- Organisers reserve the right to modify rules and conditions as necessary.
Highlights of the PRITHVI Film Festival
- Films showcased will be made available for public screenings, academic use, and online platforms.
- Strong focus on community outreach, encouraging citizen science and environmental literacy.
- Promoting collaboration between scientific institutions and filmmakers.
- Contributing visual tools for teaching Earth sciences and environmental studies across education levels.
Key Dates for PRITHVI – The Palaeoscience Film Festival of India
- Last Date for Submission of Entries: 31st December 2025
- Festival Dates: 26th – 28th February 2026
Join the PRITHVI Celebrations
PRITHVI is a pioneering national initiative that merges creativity with science to deepen public understanding and appreciation of Earth’s past, present, and future. At its core, PRITHVI places palaeosciences at the heart of India’s science communication, weaving together scientific inquiry, environmental stewardship, and cinematic storytelling.
Through the powerful medium of film, PRITHVI invites us to explore Earth’s untold stories—engaging, educating, and inspiring people across all walks of life. It serves as a dynamic platform for science filmmakers, communicators, students, researchers, institutions, and the wider public to come together and celebrate our planet.
Let us harness the art of storytelling to bridge the gap between science and society, illuminate the wonders of our world, and inspire a future rooted in scientific temper and environmental responsibility.
Be part of PRITHVI – Bringing Earth’s Stories to Life, Inspiring a Sustainable Tomorrow.
For more information and to apply, visit: www.bsip.res.in
Email us at: prithvifilmfestival@bsip.res.in