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Introduction to the film festival

You’ve chosen to film. Chosen to put together a visual piece of art if we may say so. Today when anyone with a camera can, in theory, make a film... how will you make your short film stand out? What you intend to do with your film is what the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival is all about. We will be what you create. 

After the tremendous success that was BISFF 2025, we are all set to host the 16th edition. Just as every year, this is an attempt to understand the medium a little better and go a little further in inventing new forms of storytelling as filmmakers.

This year the Festival will be a HYBRID Version, having both Online and Venue Screenings. Online Screenings will be only for INDIAN Geography

The festival showcases shorts from across the world, creating a physical space for a great audience experience and bringing together a keen audience for the filmmakers. BISFF also exhibits works by past masters who have dabbled in short filmmaking that today is viewed as an art form that needs a unique approach. Additionally, the festival presents talks and panel discussions with leading thinkers and industry practitioners, enabling budding makers to interact with the best in the industry. BISFF also includes hands on learning experiences in workshops and demonstrations by professionals, putting together an exclusive audience experience and perhaps space for makers to find what they are looking for.  

Awards

Best International Film - 3 prizes
Best Indian Film - 3 prizes
Best Karnataka Film - 3 prizes
Best Animation Film - 3 prizes
Best Women's Cinema Collective Film - 3 prizes
Best Lets Include Film - 3 prizes
Best Queer Qorner Film - 3 prizes

Rules

Genre ：
Subject ：
Video Format ：HDV MPEG4 DCP

Genre: Only fiction short films are accepted
Running Time: 30 minutes or less. No exceptions. Running time includes end credits.
Formats: Video Link (any digital format)
Production Country: All
Production Year: The film must have been produced after January 1, 2025 for all.
Language: All languages are accepted.
Subtitles: English subtitles mandatory for all submissions (including English language films).
Screenings: Will be both Online and Venue Screenings

Evaluation

Jury Profile
Jury Name Judge photos Jury Profile

Authorization type

    Proxy Submission

Duration (several sessions)

    14

Film Festival Features

  • Red Carpet
  • Celebrity Guest
  • Filmscreen
  • Cash prize
  • Trophy

Dates & Deadlines

  • 2026-02-01
    Submission start time

  • 2026-02-26
    Regular Deadline

  • 2026-03-29
    Late Deadline

  • 2026-04-28
    Extended Deadline

  • 2026-04-28
    Submission end time

  • 2026-07-31
    Finalist notification start time

  • 2026-07-31
    Finalist notification end time

  • 2026-08-06
    Award ceremony start time

  • 2026-08-16
    Award ceremony end time

Categories and fees

  • International Competition Section
    Video length ：0 - 30
    This section is officially accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) for Oscar consideration. Any narrative work of Fiction & Non-Animation with a running time of 30 minutes shot outside Indian, will qualify in the International competition section. The film has to be produced after 1 January 2025 and not submitted to previous BISFF edition. If the film is found to be produced before this term, it will lead to disqualification.

    2026/02/26
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 15 Dollar

    2026/03/29
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 25 Dollar

    2026/04/28
    Extended Deadline

    Standard: 30 Dollar

    Not available
  • Animation Competition Section
    Video length ：0 - 30
    This section is officially accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) for Oscar consideration. Any narrative work of Animation fiction with a running time less than 30 minutes, will qualify in the Animation competition section.The film has to be produced after January 1, 2025 and not submitted to previous BISFF edition. If the film is found to be produced before this term, it will lead to disqualification.

    2026/02/26
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 15 Dollar

    2026/03/29
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 25 Dollar

    2026/04/28
    Extended Deadline

    Standard: 30 Dollar

    Not available
  • Let's Include
    Video length ：0 - 30
    This Section invites filmmakers to share their stories of disability through a short film. We welcome submissions from all filmmakers, ranging from the professional to the independent, student, or amateur. The filmmaker needs to be above 18 years of age to adult. We welcome entries from filmmakers who have a disability. This does not mean that the filmmakers are required to have a disability to submit. Any narrative work of fiction & Non-Animation with a running time of 30 minutes The film has to be produced after 1 January 2025 and not submitted to previous BISFF edition. If the film is found to be produced before this term, it will lead to disqualification. Genre: Fiction (only on disability)

    2026/02/26
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 15 Dollar

    2026/03/29
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 25 Dollar

    2026/04/28
    Extended Deadline

    Standard: 30 Dollar

    Not available
  • Queer Qorner
    Video length ：0 - 30
    This Section invites filmmakers to share their stories of disability through a short film. We welcome submissions from all filmmakers, ranging from the professional to the independent, student, or amateur. The filmmaker needs to be above 18 years of age to adult. We welcome entries from filmmakers who have a disability. This does not mean that the filmmakers are required to have a disability to submit. Any narrative work of fiction & Non-Animation with a running time of 30 minutes The film has to be produced after 1 January 2025 and not submitted to previous BISFF edition. If the film is found to be produced before this term, it will lead to disqualification. Genre: Fiction (only on disability)

    2026/02/26
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 15 Dollar

    2026/03/29
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 25 Dollar

    2026/04/28
    Extended Deadline

    Standard: 30 Dollar

    Not available

Related film festivalMore

View in the applet

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