PANACHE, an initiative by 7thdigit Film, is more than a storytelling competition—it is a powerful platform for voices that dare to be heard and stories that demand to be told. Held annually, PANACHE celebrates the art of narrative through a community of creators, dreamers, and disruptors who use storytelling as a force for connection and change.

This isn't just an award—it's a movement. A call to every storyteller who believes their voice matters and their vision deserves the spotlight. From emerging talent to seasoned creators, PANACHE is a space where originality thrives and stories echo beyond the page.

If you’ve got a story, make it count. Step into PANACHE—and let your voice be the one that resonates.

Unleash your creativity through storytelling, narration, or performance—and compete for recognition, awards, and industry acclaim, because every great story deserves to be heard. 

 Confirm your participation by registering today.

PANACHE – A Storytelling Award, celebrates the multifaceted art of storytelling across disciplines. Designed to recognize individual brilliance and creative expression, the award is divided into three core categories: Writing, Storytelling, and Performance. Each category honors excellence in both male and female segments, ensuring equitable representation and encouragement for all voices.

Category – 01 WRITING - Participate - ‘WRITE’ - Win

This category recognizes the power of the written word—from ideation to fully developed stories. Whether you're a seasoned writer or a first-time creator, your ability to express emotion, build characters, and craft compelling narratives will be celebrated.

Awards

• Best Ideation Award – For the most original and innovative story concept
• Best Story Award – For a story that demonstrates strong narrative structure 
• Best Script Writing Award – For exceptional formatting, dialogue, and screenplay structure
•  Best Lyrics/Poetry Award – For lyrical or poetic contributions that enhance storytelling
• Best Screenplay Award – For the most structured and cinematic storytelling execution

Category – 02 STORYTELLING - Participate - ‘NARRATE’ - Win

This category focuses on the performance and vision behind the story. Participants showcase their ability to visualize, dramatize, and narrate stories in compelling ways—whether through voice, performance, or conceptual development.

Awards

• Best Narration Award – For a cohesive, gripping and well-delivered story narration
• Best Dialogue Award – For impactful and memorable dialogue writing
• Best Title & Theme Award – For the most creative and relevant story title and thematic focus
• Best Impact Award – For stories that tugged at the heartstrings
• Best Versatile Voice Award – For vocal expression that adds life and mood to the story

Category – 03 On camera PERFORMANCE - Participate - ‘PERFORM’ - Win

This category celebrates the embodiment of characters through voice, emotion, and presence. Participants are evaluated on their ability to bring stories to life through performance and theatrical depth.

Awards

• Best Performance Award – For the most captivating and emotionally powerful performance
• Best Character Award – For a performer who perfectly portrays a character with depth and authenticity
• Best Screen Presence Award – For expressive storytelling through dramatic performance
• Best Styling Award – For costume, appearance, and presentation that complement the character
• Best Storyteller Award – For overall excellence in delivering a story through acting and presence

This multi-category framework encourages participants to write, narrate, and perform—making PANACHE not just an award, but a platform where creativity finds its true voice.

At PANACHE, we champion the voices of emerging and seasoned storytellers alike. Our inclusive framework ensures equal opportunity and creative freedom for all participants. To be eligible, entrants must meet the following requirements:

Age Requirement

• Open to individuals aged 11 years and above as of the submission date.
• Participants under 18 must provide parental or guardian consent if selected for   advanced rounds or publication.

Nationality

• Open to Indian nationals, both residing in India and abroad.
• While PANACHE currently focuses on domestic talent, future editions may include   international categories.

Creative Background

• No prior professional experience required.
• Ideal for: Students exploring writing or media, Aspiring storytellers with untold ideas, Independent creators seeking a platform, Professionals from any field with a passion to create

Language of Submission

• Submissions must be in English or Hindi.
• Regional languages may be accommodated in future editions or under special categories.

Originality & Ownership

• Entries must be: Original, unpublished, and solely owned by the participant or team
• Free of plagiarism or AI-generated content
• Any violation will lead to automatic disqualification.

Story Format

• Submit your work in PDF format, including:
• A story of 500–1,000 words count
• A Title and A Tagline

Team Entries

• Solo entries are encouraged, but collaborative submissions from up to 3 members are allowed.
• All contributors must be clearly credited. In case of selection, the team will be jointly recognized.

Multiple Submissions

• Participants may enter multiple unique stories, each submitted separately in  accordance with guidelines.

PANACHE is more than a contest—it's a celebration of creativity, originality, and community-driven storytelling. To preserve the values of fairness, integrity, and artistic excellence, all participants must comply with the following rules:

Creative Authenticity & Ownership

• All submissions must be 100% original and unpublished.
• Use of plagiarized content, AI-generated material without proper disclosure, or unauthorized tools will lead to automatic disqualification.
• Participants retain full copyright of their work. However, winners grant Seventh Digit Films and Entertainments Pvt. Ltd. the right to promote, publish, or adapt their entry with proper attribution and prior consent.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be assessed by an expert jury based on the following artistic pillars:

• Originality & Ideation – Innovative concepts and fresh perspectives
• Narrative Structure & Clarity – Logical flow, pacing, and cohesiveness
• Emotional Resonance – Ability to move, inspire, or connect with audiences
• Dialogue & Creative Voice – Distinct tone and character-driven conversation
• Thematic Relevance – Alignment with PANACHE’s theme and category
• The decision of the jury is final and binding. No appeals will be entertained.

Jury Conduct & Confidentiality

• Jury members evaluate entries independently and without bias.
• Participants must not attempt to contact, influence, or solicit feedback from jury members.
• Any breach of jury confidentiality protocols may result in disqualification and future ban from PANACHE.

Communication & Updates

• PANACHE organizers will communicate all important updates (deadlines, round results, rule changes) through official email, WhatsApp, or website announcements.
• Participants are responsible for tracking these updates and adhering to revised instructions, if applicable.

Ethics & Disqualification

PANACHE maintains a zero-tolerance policy for:

• Inappropriate, offensive, or discriminatory content
• Misconduct, manipulation, or unethical behavior during participation
• Fraudulent entries or misrepresentation of authorship

Any violation may lead to immediate disqualification, and in severe cases, legal or reputational action may be pursued.

PANACHE – A Storytelling Award celebrates creative brilliance through a meticulously crafted four-stage process. From registration to recognition, each step is designed to elevate voices in writing, narration, and performance.

Registration, Entry Fee & Confirmation

• Registration is mandatory via the official form, accompanied by a ₹1,000 fee.

Round 1 – WRITING - Participate - ‘WRITE’ - Win

• Participants submit their story, lyrics, or poetry in PDF format .
• Entries are evaluated for: Ideation, Story, Script/Lyrics/Poetry Writing.
• Shortlisted entries move forward to Round 2.

Round 2 – STORYTELLING - Participate - ‘NARRATE’ - Win

• Candidates present their submissions live or virtually to a panel of judges.
• Evaluation based on: Visualisation, Title & Theme, Screenplay, Narration and Voice.
• Select entries may receive mentorship sessions to fine-tune their presentation.

Round 3 – On camera PERFORMANCE - Participate - ‘PERFORM’ - Win - Yearly (Dec–Feb)*

• On-Camera Performance – Candidates are required to act and deliver their performance confidently in front of the camera, showcasing expression, character portrayal, and screen presence.
• Finalists are chosen to compete for the PANACHE awards.
• Judged on: Presentation clarity, Creative vision, Execution potential

Round 4 – Jury Deliberation & Award Ceremony -  Yearly (March)*

• Final entries undergo in-depth jury review.
• Each year, winners across key categories are officially announced during the month of March:
• Writing – Participate, Write & Win
• Storytelling – Participate, Narrate & Win
• Performance– Participate, Perform & Win

Celebrated at the PANACHE Award Ceremony, hosted live or virtually, alongside industry guests, creatives, and media.

Unleash your creativity through storytelling, narration, or performance—and compete for recognition, awards, and industry acclaim, because every great story deserves to be heard. 

 Confirm your participation by registering today.