Bengaluru fest to spotlight 280-plus short films; diversity and inclusivity to take centre stage

The 14th edition of the Oscar-accredited Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF) is currently under way. This year’s event offers a unique hybrid experience, combining online and in-theatre screenings. While virtual screenings began on August 8, audiences can catch the live action from August 16-18 at Suchitra Film Society, Indian Institute of World Culture, Prestige Srihari Khoday Centre, and Goethe Institut Max Mueller Bhavan.
Best films at B’luru short film fest eligible for Oscar nod?
Festival director, Anand Varadaraj explains, “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. We’re India’s only Oscar-qualifying fiction film festival. Our winners join a pool of films recommended globally, increasing their chances for an Academy Award nomination.”
‘Focus on short films has intensified in Karnataka since Kannada cinema’s Cannes win’
“Short films have always been a significant platform for filmmakers, serving as a testing ground for their creativity. While their overall volume hasn’t necessarily increased, the spotlight on short films has intensified since Chidananda S Naik’s Kannada short, Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know, won at Cannes. The achievement generated immense pride for the Kannada film industry, especially as Naik is an alumnus of the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival. His previous short was even screened at our festival, making the win particularly special for us,” shares Anand.
8 sections, 280+ films to screen:
280-plus films across eight sections will be screened at this year’s Bengaluru International Short Film Festival. These sections include the International Competition, Women’s Cinema Collective, Indian Competition, Let’s Include, Karnataka Competition, Queer Qorner, Animation (International & Indian), and a non-competitive category. “We’re excited about the animation category, which has seen an increase in both quality and quantity of Indian submissions. Selecting films from our 3,000-plus entries was challenging,” shares Anand.
Spotlight on diverse voices in cinema:
The theme, this year — Inclusion and Exclusion — underscores the festival’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, shares Anand. “We will spotlight filmmakers with disabilities and introduce Queer Qorner for greater representation. The Women’s Cinema Collective also reflects our dedication to gender equality,” he shares.
Workshops, discussions galore:
“Alongside screenings, workshops and panel discussions will be part of the festival. A workshop on editing short films will be conducted by Kannada writer Sri Crazymindz. Panels will focus on new cinema products, casting, promotion, and global reach. Another panel will feature filmmakers who’ve transitioned from shorts to features, sharing their experiences. We’ll also delve into the impact of AI on the film industry,” says Anand.