Dadasaheb Phalke film school to host Hyderabad short film festival from Dec 19 to 21

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad International Short Film Festival (HISFF), organised by the Dadasaheb Phalke School of Film Studies, will be held from December 19 to 21, reaffirming its position as a platform for short films, student cinema and independent voices from India and abroad.

Festival history and focus

HISFF is a recurring festival and has been conducted in previous years with an emphasis on nurturing emerging filmmakers.

Designed as a learning-oriented festival, it brings together student filmmakers, first-time directors, and independent creators, while also offering curated international content to Hyderabad audiences.

704 film submissions recorded

This year, the festival received 704 film submissions, the highest number of entries recorded for any film festival in India, according to the organisers.

The submissions included short fiction, documentaries, animation, experimental films and student projects from India and countries such as Spain, Egypt, the United States, the United Kingdom, the UAE, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, South Korea and Luxembourg.

Following a multi-stage jury review process, 60 short films were selected as official competition entries.

These films will be screened in curated blocks across the three days, grouped thematically and by genre to allow audiences to engage with diverse storytelling styles and formats.

Programming and film sections

The festival programme is structured into multiple sections. The official competition section features short films across fiction, non-fiction, and experimental categories.

A dedicated North East Pavilion will showcase 11 films from India’s northeastern states, focusing on regional narratives, cultural identity, social change, and lived experiences from the region.

In addition, five classic films will be screened as part of a special segment aimed at contextualising contemporary short cinema within the larger history of filmmaking and narrative craft.

Screenings and audience engagement

Screenings will take place across multiple sessions over three days, allowing audiences to attend curated film blocks rather than isolated screenings.

Post-screening interactions are expected to offer filmmakers an opportunity to discuss their work, creative intent, and production challenges with viewers and fellow filmmakers.

Awards and jury recognition

The Hyderabad International Short Film Festival organising committee, under the aegis of the Dadasaheb Phalke School of Film Studies, will award prize money totalling Rs 3 lakh.

Awards will be presented across various categories recognising storytelling, direction, technical excellence, and overall cinematic impact.

Knowledge exchange and skill development

Alongside film screenings, HISFF will host panel discussions on contemporary issues related to content creation, cinematic language, and evolving modes of expression in Indian cinema.

These discussions are intended to address the changing landscape of short films, digital platforms, and independent production.

A masterclass has also been scheduled for students and aspiring filmmakers, offering practical insights into filmmaking fundamentals and providing a structured reference point for those planning to pursue cinema professionally.

Role in Hyderabad’s cultural landscape

With Hyderabad home to several film schools, studios, and production hubs, HISFF plays a complementary role by offering a public exhibition space for student and independent work.

By combining curated screenings with education-driven discussions, the festival continues to strengthen the city’s reputation as a centre for film learning and emerging cinema.

The Hyderabad International Short Film Festival will conclude on December 21, where award winners will be announced and the festival’s jury observations shared.