In a big boost for small budget filmmakers, non-feature films produced on digital or video format will be allowed in the Indian Panorama section of the film festival and for National Film Awards.

According to an official press release Tuesday, the Directorate of Film Festivals is inviting entries for the non-feature film sections for films produced on digital or video formats.

This, the department believes, will provide a forum for independent and low budget filmmakers to enter their films for the country's most prestigious cinema awards.

The films have to be censored by the Central Board of Film Certification between Jan 1 and Dec 31, 2003, to be eligible to enter for the national film awards.

The films should be submitted on BETACAM SP (broadcast quality) tapes, the release said. The last date for receiving entries along with tapes for the award is Aug 6, 2004.

The decision to allow digital or video was taken due to the growing trend of filmmakers using the medium for documentaries and non-feature films.

The inclusion of these films in the Indian panorama section of the International Film Festival of India and other festivals would give independent film producers an opportunity to present their films in front of an international audience.

The panorama, which has been part of the International Film Festival of India since 1978, is selected by a special jury to showcase the best of Indian cinema.