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Short films have become a powerful way to tell meaningful stories, allowing filmmakers to experiment with ideas within a short runtime. Short film festivals in India significantly showcase emerging and established talent, reflecting the country’s deep-rooted cinematic culture and growing appreciation for short-form storytelling. These festivals screen compelling films and create opportunities for filmmakers to connect, collaborate, and learn from industry professionals. In this blog, we take a closer look at some of India’s well-known short film festivals.
10 Notable Short Film Festivals In India
Here is a list of the top short film festivals in India to showcase your work, gain recognition, and network with industry experts or simply explore:
1. International Documentary And Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK)
Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK), organised by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, is a gathering place for filmmakers, cinephiles, and storytellers who believe in the power of cinema to spark conversations. With a focus on alternative and experimental narratives, IDSFFK embraces diverse voices, making it more than just a festival—it’s a meeting ground for ideas, perspectives, and change.
Entry Fees: Varies based on submission category
Festival Month: Usually held in June
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
2. Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF)
Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Bangalore International Short Film Festival (BISFF) is more than just a screening event—it’s a meeting ground for filmmakers, storytellers, and industry professionals who are passionate about short films. As India’s only Oscar-qualifying short film festival, it has become a crucial platform for emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their work and gain international recognition. With strong global partnerships, BISFF opens doors for filmmakers to connect with international film circuits.
Entry Fees: ₹500 – 1,500
Festival Month: August
Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Bangalore City Railway Station
3. Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF)
Photo: Dpendurty / Wikimedia Commons
The Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) has grown into a vital platform for independent and alternative cinema, showcasing a diverse selection of films, including shorts. Beyond the screenings, DIFF fosters meaningful conversations through interactive Q&A sessions and masterclasses, offering a rare chance for audiences to engage directly with filmmakers. Over the years, the festival has played a key role in introducing global independent cinema to Indian audiences.
Entry Fees: ₹1,000 – 2,000
Festival Month: November
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station
4. Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF)
Photo: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) has been a cornerstone for documentary, short fiction, and animation films in Asia for decades. With a strong focus on nonfiction storytelling, MIFF has played a key role in shaping the careers of documentary filmmakers in India, making it one of the famous short film festivals in India. Its competitive sections come with significant cash prizes, further encouraging bold and impactful storytelling.
Entry Fees: ₹2,000 – 5,000
Festival Month: Biennial (January – February)
Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Mumbai Central Railway Station
5. Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF)
Photo: Kolkata Music Academy / Wikimedia Commons
The Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) is a well-respected platform that brings together filmmakers to celebrate storytelling in both feature-length and short films. It is one of the most important short film festivals, with a dedicated space for short filmmakers, the festival encourages creative experimentation and fresh perspectives in cinema. KIFF stands out for its esteemed jury, which includes internationally acclaimed filmmakers who offer insightful feedback to participants.
Entry Fees: ₹500 – 3,000
Festival Month: November
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Howrah Railway Station
6. Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF)
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JIFF has grown into a major gathering for filmmakers from around the world, showcasing a wide range of short films, documentaries, and animations. With a strong emphasis on storytelling, the festival celebrates creative voices and fresh perspectives. Filmmakers have a chance to compete in multiple categories, with awards highlighting artistic and technical achievements. JIFF’s collaborations with international festivals help bring Indian cinema to a global audience, making it an important event.
Entry Fees: ₹1,000 – 3,000
Festival Month: January
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Jaipur Junction
7. Ladakh International Film Festival (LIFF)
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LIFF takes place in one of the highest-altitude locations in the world, offering a distinctive setting for film screenings. The festival highlights short films that explore themes of resilience, culture, and human connection, often reflecting the experiences of indigenous and mountain communities. One of the cultural short film festivals, LIFF serves as a meaningful space for filmmakers who focus on environmental and socially conscious storytelling.
Entry Fees: ₹1,500 – 4,000
Festival Month: September
Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station
8. Ayodhya Film Festival (AyoFF)
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AyoFF is a space where indie filmmakers can experiment, share stories, and bring socially relevant themes to the screen. The festival shines a light on independent voices, often highlighting regional and grassroots narratives that might otherwise go unheard. With mentorship programmes and hands-on workshops, AyoFF actively nurtures new talent, giving emerging filmmakers the support they need to grow. For young storytellers seeking industry recognition, it serves as an important stepping stone.
Entry Fees: ₹500 – 2,000
Festival Month: December
Nearest Airport: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (Lucknow)
Nearest Railway Station: Ayodhya Railway Station
9. Kochi Metro (Malayalam) Short Film Fest
Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This festival is a dedicated platform for Malayalam-language short films, animation, and documentaries, creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work. It serves as a meeting ground for storytellers looking to make their mark in the regional and national film landscape. With special screenings of student films and discussions led by established Malayalam filmmakers, the festival fosters learning and collaboration. By highlighting fresh talent and innovative narratives, it plays a vital role in shaping the future of Malayalam cinema.
Entry Fees: ₹500 – 1,500
Festival Month: July
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction
10. Bring Your Own Film Festival (BYOFF)
Photo: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
BYOFF is an unconventional and open-ended festival where filmmakers bring their own films to share in an informal, outdoor setting. It cultivates a creative space where storytelling is celebrated without competition, allowing for organic discussions and collaborations. With no rigid structure, the festival encourages artists to exchange ideas freely, making it a welcoming environment for independent voices. BYOFF thrives as a gathering where cinema is experienced as a shared, evolving conversation rather than just a showcase of finished work.
Entry Fees: N/A
Festival Month: February
Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Puri Railway Station
Short film festivals in India provide a valuable platform for emerging filmmakers to share their stories and connect with industry professionals. Attending or participating in these festivals is an opportunity to engage with new ideas, discover fresh perspectives, and be part of India’s growing film community. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore India’s thriving film scene with ease.
Cover Photo: Jakob Owens / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
