.. We'll also have workshops from India and abroad on the same and we will be inviting good puppeteers from across the world,' he said.

The award money from this festival onwards in each category has been raised to a total of Rs 22.75 lakh along with Golden/Silver Conches in different categories.

Dr. V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award will also be given to an Indian filmmaker for his contribution to the documentary movement with a cash prize and trophy.

The last date for submission of entries for the MIFF 2010 has been extended to Sep 30 from Sep 10. There already have been close to '200 entries by now', according to Sinha. These will be shortlisted on grounds of 'totality' for the main event.

'Entries are allowed from all over the world irrespective of language... they just need to be sub-titled in English,' said Sinha.