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Prakash Belawadi
Mentor
ABOUT US
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has designated the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF) as an official qualifying festival for Short Films. Born from an ambitious dream by Anand Varadaraj, BISFF is mentored to this day by multi-award winner Prakash Belawadi.
Conceived as a platform for young and amateur filmmakers to screen their work and receive expert feedback, BISFF has since grown into a full-fledged industry gathering. It now hosts the Discovery Film Market, connecting filmmakers with buyers and distributors, alongside the Echoes Film School Conference for educators and students to shape the future of filmmaking.
Sponsors
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REGISTRATIONS
JOIN US FOR THE 16TH EDITION OF THE BENGALURU INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL, INDIA'S LARGEST AND ONLY OSCAR®-ACCREDITED SHORT FILM FESTIVAL, TAKING PLACE AUGUST 14–16, 2026 IN BENGALURU.
BOOK TICKETS
What BISFF has to offer
Introducing What's New in 2026
DFM
Discovery Film Market
New this year
DISCOVERY FILM MARKET
Where stories find opportunities.
The Discovery Film Market in collaboration with Producer Bazaar, is a dedicated initiative by BISFF that brings filmmakers, producers, distributors, festival representatives, film professionals and aspiring creators together to connect, collaborate and explore new opportunities.
Whether you have a completed film, a project in development, or are looking to understand the film industry better, the market offers a space to meet like-minded people, exchange ideas, discuss potential collaborations, and build meaningful professional connections.
Open to both industry professionals and aspiring filmmakers, the Discovery Film Market is an opportunity to discover people, projects and possibilities that can help shape your filmmaking journey.
Your Opportunity
01
Pitch Your Project
Present your film, project, or idea to producers, distributors, festival programmers, and industry professionals.
02
Expand Your Network
Connect with filmmakers, creators, investors, and collaborators from across the film ecosystem.
03
Discover New Opportunities
Explore funding, distribution, co-production, and festival pathways to take your project further.
04
Learn from the Industry
Engage in meaningful conversations with experienced professionals and gain valuable market insights.
05
Collaborate & Grow
Exchange ideas, build partnerships, and find the right people to support your filmmaking journey.
06
Shape the Future of Your Film
Whether you’re developing a project or have a completed film, discover the connections and opportunities that move your story forward.
ECHOES
Echoes Film School Conference
New this year
ECHOES FILM SCHOOL CONFERENCE
Where the next generation of filmmakers comes together.
The Echoes Film School Conference, presented by BISFF in association with RV University, brings together film students, educators and industry professionals to exchange ideas on the craft and future of filmmaking.
Through talks, workshops and screenings, the conference offers a space for meaningful discussions, presentations and the exchange of ideas. It connects emerging talent with experienced practitioners, fostering learning, collaboration and professional growth.
Open to students, educators, aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts, this is an opportunity to learn, connect and be part of conversations that inspire the next generation of filmmakers.
Your Opportunity
01
Learn from Industry Experts
Attend talks, workshops, and discussions led by leading filmmakers, educators, and practitioners.
02
Present Your Research
Share research papers, ideas, and projects with an engaged academic and creative community.
03
Showcase Your Work
Screen student films and creative projects before peers, mentors, and festival audiences.
04
Build Meaningful Connections
Network with students, educators, institutions, and industry professionals from across India and beyond.
05
Exchange Ideas & Collaborate
Participate in conversations that inspire new perspectives, partnerships, and future opportunities.
06
Be Part of the Future of Cinema
Join a vibrant community shaping the next generation of filmmakers through learning, collaboration, and innovation.
Meet the team
Anand Varadaraj
Artistic Director
Nikhil Bharadwaj
Deputy Director
Nisarga J
Festival Coordinator
Rahul S Desai
Head Programming
GALLERY
