Bathukamma Young Filmmakers Challenge Announced

Telangana Roads & Buildings and Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy today unveiled the brochure and poster for the Bathukamma Young Filmmakers Challenge, a State-level competition designed to encourage young talent to showcase Telangana's history, culture and welfare schemes through short films and music videos.

The minister described the initiative as a "golden platform" for budding filmmakers and creative artists to display their skills to a wider audience. Conducted under the guidance of the Telangana Department of Cinematography, the challenge was being led by the Film Development Corporation (FDC), and aimed to provide youth with a platform to express their creativity and tell Telangana's story to the world, he said, and congratulated FDC chairman Dil Raju for spearheading the event.

"Competitions like this not only highlight Telangana's traditions but also bring fresh talent into the limelight," he said, and added that the government was committed to promoting the State's cultural identity.

The contest invites entries of short films up to three minutes and music videos of up to five minutes on themes covering Telangana's festivals; art forms; heritage; schemes such as free bus travel for women, Maha Lakshmi, Gruhajyothi and Indiramma Indlu; Young India Sports University and Young India residential schools. Participants must be under 40 years of age, submit films in 4K resolution, and ensure that the content is original and exclusive to the challenge.

Cash prizes of Rs 3 lakh, Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh will be awarded to the top three entries, along with consolation prizes of Rs 20,000 each for five participants. The winners will also receive certificates and mementos.

Entries need to be submitted by September 30, 2025, via email at youngfilmmakerschallenge@gmail.com