Bengaluru International Short Film Festival is India’s only Oscar accredited short film festival. This year, the 16th edition of BISFF took place from August 13 to August 16, to review short films by many filmmakers including experienced, aspiring as well as the first timers, from all across the world.
This year BISFF received 3400 short films out of which a total of 390 short films were selected to be screened at different venues in Bengaluru, between August 13 and August 16, 2026. 83 of the short films screened at this four-day event had their world premieres at BISFF. After the screenings of all the shortlisted films, three films were selected and recommended to compete for the Academy, in three different categories.
The Indian short-film, Ujan, directed by Anirban Paul, bagged the first place in the category for animated films; while the Sainath Laxman Ganuwad-directed, A Story Carved on a Tree, declared winner in the Indian Competition category. The Circus Lion, directed by Australian filmmaker Tigran Tovmasian lead the category of International Competition.
The founder of Bengaluru International Short Film Festival, Anand Varadaraj, shared an official statement congratulating the three films that have been opted to be recommended for the Academy Awards and compete on the global stage. “Every year, BISFF gives us the privilege of witnessing filmmakers take enormous creative risks in a very short span of time. These three winning films stood out for their confidence, cinematic imagination and emotional force,” he added.
Check out more about the latest edition of the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival:
