Spotlight on global stories, innovation and Oscar-worthy shorts at BISFF
Virtual viewings began on August 7, with in-person screenings scheduled from August 15 to 17, at venues across Bengaluru, namely, Suchitra Academy, Alliance Française, Goethe-Institut, RV University, and Curiouscity Science Centre. Festival director Anand Varadaraj says, 'This year promises to be bigger and better, with more films, diverse voices, and engaging sessions. We're excited to welcome audiences to experience the vibrant world of short films.' A look at what the fest has in store for film buffs:
Conversations on cinema
The event will also host engaging panels, including: Screens – Big, Small, Handheld with Arun Sagar, Kishore, Rajesh Nataranga, Sudha Rani, and Arun Mandala (Cinimage); Diversity in Moving Image Media with Vasudhendra, Mujeer Pasha, Medhini, and Poojita Prasad; Cinema Studies in India featuring Ashish Kulkarni, Umesh Kulkarni, Gaurav Trivedi, and Piyush Roy; and Film Distribution.
A special talk by Maike Mia and Umesh Kulkarni will look at How Not to Enter European Film Festivals.
Learning from the experts
This year's line-up features a host of cinema-focused workshops for budding filmmakers — from the Selfie Workshop by editor Sri CrazyMindz, to Writing Micro Dramas with Abhishek Iyengar, World of Imagination in Animation by Kartik Mahajan, and a Direction Workshop with Tushar Hiranandani.
Focus on transformation
This year's theme is 'Transform'.
'It's a reflection of the massive changes we're seeing. The world is shifting rapidly, and so are we. We've evolved, too, in how we think, create, and connect. We are standing at the edge of something huge – AI is shaking things up, and it's not just about movies anymore. It's about how we live and work. I think to stay ahead – to be future-forward – we should adapt, evolve, and be open to totally new ways of doing things,' Anand shares.
Students to take centre stage
'Students are playing a significant role in this year's festival, contributing their work and engaging in various sessions. Their involvement brings valuable energy and new voices to the conversation around short films,' says Anand.
Films From Across The Globe
'BISFF receives over 3,000 film submissions each year. This year's Oscar-qualifying categories include International, Indian, and Animation Competition Sections, giving audiences a chance to see some of the most creative shorts from around the world,' adds Anand.
We in the cinema industry are standing at the edge of something huge – AI is shaking things up. To stay ahead, cinema should adapt, evolve, and be open to totally new ways of doing things
Anand Varadaraj, festival director
India's Only Oscar-qualifying Fiction Film Festival
BISFF is India's only Oscar-qualifying short film festival. 'As an Oscar-qualifying festival, the best films in our international and Indian sections are eligible for Oscar consideration. The Academy doesn't directly select short films; instead, it relies on accredited festivals to recommend entries. Our winners join a pool of films recommended globally, increasing their chances for an Academy Award nomination,' shares Anand, and adds, 'Last year's International Competition winner, I'm Not a Robot by Victoria Warmerdam went on to win the 2025 Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film.
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