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 & Prizes

Best International Film - 3 prizes
Best Indian Film - 3 prizes
Best Animation Film - 3 prizes
Best Asian Eye Film - 3 prizes
Best Karnataka Film - 3 prizes
Best Women's Cinema Collective Film - 3 prizes
Best Lets Include Film - 3 prizes
Best Queer Qorner Film - 3 prizes
Best AI Film - 3 Prizes
Best Screen Dance Film - 3 Prizes

Rules & Terms

INSTRUCTIONS
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
There will NO screenings fees for selected films.

For the sections “Asian Eye” and “Womens’ Cinema Collective”, films must first be submitted either to the International or Indian competition section, depending on the country of production.
After submission, the programming team will review all eligible films and then decide if any of them fit into the Asian Eye or Womens’ Cinema Collective sections.
116 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Raakesh Rawat

    I would like to begin by thanking the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival for recognizing Almari Ka Achaar with the 2nd Runner-Up Award in the LGBTQ category. It was truly an honour for the film, and I am grateful for the recognition.

    My experience with the festival team over email was very positive. They were transparent, responsive, and quick to communicate whenever I reached out, which I greatly appreciated.

    One small suggestion I would offer is to have a basic quality check with filmmakers before screenings, or to propose a simple verification step regarding the projection format. My film had two screenings, and I noticed that during the first screening the film was played in the wrong aspect ratio. I was able to convey this and do a quality check before my second screening.

    That said, the intentions and passion of the organizers are clearly in the right place, and it shows in the scale and commitment of the festival. With a few refinements, the festival can become even stronger in the coming years.

    Overall, it was still a valuable experience and definitely worth submitting to the festival. I wish the team continued success and look forward to seeing the festival grow further.

    March 2026
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  • Adit M

    It was a true honour to have our film to be selected for your prestigious film festival last year, can't wait to see what comes next!

    January 2026
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  • Rajesh PK

    It was a true honour for us to be part of the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival. Winning an award here feels incredibly special for our independent studio in Kerala. I attended the festival along with my three co-directors, and we were genuinely touched by the hospitality and warmth we received.

    The festival was beautifully organised, with great communication and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Being surrounded by passionate filmmakers and an engaged audience made the experience even more memorable.

    Thank you, BISFF, for recognising Blus and for giving us such a positive and inspiring festival experience. We look forward to being part of future editions.

    December 2025
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  • Julia Speropoulos

    Thank you Bengaluru team for acknowledging my work and for the opportunity for Indian audiences to view my film AGAPI.

    October 2025
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  • Ashwini Abhyankar-Ghaisas

    Thank You Bengaluru team for acknowledging my work!!!

    October 2025
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