OPPO India and Discovery have joined forces to launch the Filmmaker Accelerator Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to discover and nurture emerging filmmakers in India through mobile visual storytelling. Announced on May 11, 2026, this program is part of OPPO’s broader LUMO Creator Program and marks the third year of the popular Culture in a Shot initiative.
Table of contents
- What Is the OPPO x Discovery Filmmaker Accelerator Program?
- What Is the OPPO LUMO Creator Program?
- Contest Details at a Glance
- Prizes and Recognition
- How Are Entries Judged?
- The OPPO Find X9 Ultra: The Grand Prize Smartphone
- Protect Your OPPO Find X9 for Filmmaking on the Go
- OPPO x Discovery: A Shared Vision for Indian Storytelling
- Additional OPPO Creator Initiatives in 2026
- How to Enter the OPPO x Discovery Filmmaker Accelerator Program
- Final Thoughts
What Is the OPPO x Discovery Filmmaker Accelerator Program?
The Filmmaker Accelerator Program is a mobile filmmaking contest and mentorship initiative open to Indian creators. Powered by OPPO’s LUMO Image Engine, the program invites young storytellers to submit short-form videos rooted in authentic Indian culture under the theme “Meet Culture Anew, Make Your Moment”.
This year’s theme builds on previous editions, Portraits of Legacy and Celebrate the Moment, and focuses on culture as a living, evolving experience shaped through everyday connection, creativity, and expression.
What Is the OPPO LUMO Creator Program?
Alongside the contest, OPPO India officially launched the OPPO LUMO Creator Program, a creator-first platform designed to support micro and nano creators across markets where smartphones are the primary tools of creative expression. The program will introduce ongoing initiatives, mentorship opportunities, and rewards for emerging talent.
Contest Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Contest Open Date | May 5, 2026 |
| Contest Close Date | July 15, 2026 |
| Submission Platform | Instagram (Reels or Video Posts) |
| Required Hashtags | #OPPOxDiscovery #CultureInAShot #ShotOnOPPO |
| Eligibility | Indian residents, 18 years and above |
| Video Length | 30 seconds to 10 minutes |
| Device Requirement | Any smartphone |
| Winners Announced | July 30, 2026 |
Prizes and Recognition
| Prize | Details |
|---|---|
| Cash Prize | Rs 5,00,000 |
| Smartphone | OPPO Find X9 Ultra |
| Certificate | OPPO x Discovery Certificate |
| Collaboration | Opportunity to direct a short film with OPPO x Discovery in H2 2026 |
| Social Recognition | Feature across OPPO India’s social platforms and the official contest website |
How Are Entries Judged?
A shortlist of Top 10 creators will be selected and then reviewed by Vikram Channa, Vice President, Co-Lead, and Editorial Chief at Warner Bros. Discovery. Entries are evaluated on:
- Cultural relevance and thematic alignment with “Meet Culture Anew”
- Visual aesthetics and shooting quality
- Originality and creativity
- Emotional impact and authentic cultural expression
The OPPO Find X9 Ultra: The Grand Prize Smartphone
The winner takes home the OPPO Find X9 Ultra, OPPO’s flagship smartphone built for creators and filmmakers. If you want to experience the same mobile filmmaking power before the contest closes, you can check availability on Amazon India:
- OPPO Find X9 5G (Space Black, 12GB RAM, 256GB): View on Amazon.in
- OPPO Find X9 5G (Titanium Grey, 12GB RAM, 256GB): View on Amazon.in
- OPPO Find X9 Pro 5G: View on Amazon.in
Protect Your OPPO Find X9 for Filmmaking on the Go
If you already own an OPPO Find X9 or plan to get one, here are some well-rated accessories available on Amazon India:
| Accessory | Amazon.in Link |
|---|---|
| OPPO Find X9 Pro Back Case with Ring Holder | Buy on Amazon.in |
| OPPO Find X9 Pro Tough Armor Bumper Case | Buy on Amazon.in |
| OPPO Find X9 Back Hydrogel Protective Film | Buy on Amazon.in |
OPPO x Discovery: A Shared Vision for Indian Storytelling
Goldee Patnaik, Head of Communications at OPPO India, stated that the company believes technology should empower people to tell stories that matter. Through the LUMO Creator Program, OPPO is building meaningful opportunities for young creators to showcase India’s cultural richness through cinematic storytelling.
Vikram Channa of Warner Bros. Discovery added that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to nurturing emerging storytellers who can capture culture through fresh and meaningful perspectives, with a goal to take Indian stories to audiences around the world.
Additional OPPO Creator Initiatives in 2026
SuperFestivalMoment Campaign
OPPO India launched the #SuperFestivalMoment campaign, an always-on cultural storytelling platform celebrating India’s vibrant festivals through regionally rooted creators. The campaign covers Holi, Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Poila Boishakh, Puthandu, Bihu, and Baisakhi, showcasing OPPO’s AI-powered imaging in real-time festive environments.
OPPO Photography Awards 2026
The OPPO Photography Awards 2026 are also open to Indian creators. This year’s edition introduces a Super Video category alongside Journey, Me, Live, Snap, and Super Zoom. The total prize pool is US$76,500 across 38 awards. Submissions are open until December 31, 2026 on the official OPPO Photography Awards platform.
How to Enter the OPPO x Discovery Filmmaker Accelerator Program
- Create an original short-form video between 30 seconds and 10 minutes on any smartphone
- Ensure your video reflects the theme “Meet Culture Anew, Make Your Moment”
- Post it as a Reel or video post on your public Instagram profile
- Include the hashtags #OPPOxDiscovery #CultureInAShot #ShotOnOPPO
- Submit before July 15, 2026
Final Thoughts
The OPPO x Discovery Filmmaker Accelerator Program 2026 is one of the most rewarding mobile filmmaking contests in India this year, combining a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, an OPPO Find X9 Ultra smartphone, professional mentorship, and the chance to co-direct a short film with a global media brand. If you are an emerging creator with a story to tell, this is your moment.
Check out the OPPO Find X9 series on Amazon India and start creating today: