Entries have been invited from filmmakers for the festival and the last date for submission is January 5, a press release here said.
Short films should be less than 70 minutes, while there was no time limit for documentaries, the release said.
The prize for best documentary and best short feature carries a cash of Rs 50,000. The best film on subjects like state oppression, human rights, environmental issues, gender equality and cultural identity would get a cash prize of Rs 25,000.
Selected films from among the entries would also compete for the John Abraham award instituted by Kerala region of FFSI, the release said.
The jury for "Signs" would be headed by noted Kannada filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli. A two-day workshop would also be held in connection with the festival.