The film contest is a short documentary and fiction film competition based on the theme "Knowing Bangladesh Better". Contestants have been invited to make films on the aspects of our country, culture and heritage. The theme is quite broad; and filmmakers are allowed to choose to depict any aspect of Bangladesh: nature, culture, lifestyle, commerce, politics and so on. We encourage a focus on rural Bangladesh and not just on urban centres.

The length of the films should not be less than 20 minutes and we recommend not more than 45 minutes. The submissions must be in DVD format for preview purposes. Only winners will be asked to provide master copies of their awarded films in DVCAM master format. Submissions must be original and unscreened work of the filmmakers.

A jury board consisting of nine experts in the field will judge the submissions, and the best submissions will be awarded in the following categories: Best Documentary, Best Short Fiction, Special Jury Award Documentary, and Special Jury Award Short Fiction. Cash awards in the amount of Tk. 100,000 each will be given to the two Best films, and Tk. 50,000 each to the two Special Award films.

The winning films will be broadcasted on Channel I. The winning films will also be screened in a touring festival program at the district level throughout Bangladesh. Eminent film directors have shown interest in working closely with the top two winners of this contest for upcoming projects.