Lucknow, 13th September 2025: The Lucknow International Film Festival was officially launched at PVR Cinemas, Saharaganj, Lucknow. The festival is founded and organized by Ayub Khan, with Parag Chahpeker serving as the Festival Director. Renowned actor and jury member Rakesh Bedi and B. N. Tiwari, President of the Film Federation of India, producer and director, were present at the launch.

As announced on the official website, Lucknow International Film Festival 2026 will host film screenings on 30th March 2026 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM and 31st March 2026 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Award Function will be held on 31st March 2026 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The last date for film submissions is 8th March 2026, and the results will be announced on 18th March 2026.

This edition features a special short film competition on the theme “Sangam,” inviting filmmakers to submit short films of 5 to 25 minutes highlighting its cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. A five-member jury will select the top five films, which will be awarded cash prizes, trophies, and certificates. The First Prize carries a cash award of ₹1,11,000.

The director of the winning film will receive an opportunity to direct a short film under the banner of CineDream Films for the next edition of the festival. Additionally, actors, actresses, and technicians from the selected films will be considered for CineDream Films’ upcoming Hindi feature film “Shubh Sangam,” written and directed by Ayub Khan and shot entirely in Uttar Pradesh.

The shooting of “Shubh Sangam” is scheduled to begin in November 2025, with participation from both emerging talent and established names from the Hindi film industry.