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BRAHMA ENTERTAINMENTS LLPBRAHMA SHORT FILM FESTIVAL & AWARDS

BRAHMA
INTERNATIONAL
SHORT FILM
FESTIVAL 2026

Films for a better tomorrow.

An international short film festival celebrating powerful short-form storytelling, emerging filmmakers and excellence in cinema — part of the Brahma Short Film Festival & Awards, where screenings and awards take place together on 21 February 2027 in Bangalore.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

7 January 2027

Before 6:00 PM IST

OFFICIAL SELECTION (SHORTLIST)

1 February 2027

YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp Community & email

FESTIVAL DAY — SCREENINGS, AWARDS & RESULTS

21 February 2027

Bangalore — screenings and awards together

THE FESTIVAL

A global stage for short-form storytelling.

The Brahma International Short Film Festival 2026 is a global platform celebrating powerful short-form storytelling, emerging filmmakers and excellence in cinema.

Open to filmmakers from India and around the world, the Festival recognises creativity across direction, writing, performances, cinematography, editing and innovation — with Indian, International and Student categories determined by the Entrant’s country of residence.

Bring your story. Share your vision. Be part of Brahma.

ENTRY CATEGORIES

Three categories. One global stage.

Category is determined by the Entrant’s country of residence at the date of submission. The award categories and the number of awards in each category will be published on the Organiser’s official channels along with the Official Selection list.

International

Open to filmmakers and production entities from outside India, irrespective of country of residence, nationality, language or country of production.

Indian

Open to filmmakers and production entities based in India, irrespective of state, region, language or place of production.

Student

Open to students currently enrolled in a recognised school, college, university or film school, in India or internationally.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Every film must meet these standards.

DURATION

5–39 minutes

FORMAT

2K high-quality MP4

ASPECT RATIO

16:9

SUBTITLES

English compulsory (every language)

English subtitles are compulsory for every film, irrespective of its language, including films made in English.

The film must be submitted in 2K resolution as a high-quality MP4 through a viewable online link (Google Drive, YouTube or Vimeo). The link must remain active and accessible until 22 February 2027.

Only films completed between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2026 are eligible; the year of completion must be stated in the application.

ENTRY FEE & GST

₹2,500 per film, plus GST.

₹2,500 + GST

PER FILM · NON-REFUNDABLE · PAID IN INR VIA CASHFREE

  • The entry fee is ₹2,500 per film, exclusive of GST, and is strictly non-refundable.
  • Payments are made in Indian Rupees (INR) through the Cashfree payment gateway, including by International Entrants. Bank, currency-conversion and gateway charges are borne by the Entrant.
  • All fees are exclusive of GST, charged under Indian law because the Organiser is registered in Karnataka. GST applies to every payment, whatever the state or country of the payer.
  • The Organiser issues a receipt or tax invoice for each entry fee paid. Indian entrants requiring a tax invoice should provide their GSTIN.
  • Payment of the fee does not guarantee Official Selection, screening, nomination or an award.

AI POLICY

Less than 20% AI-generated footage.

20%

MAXIMUM AI-GENERATED FOOTAGE

  • 01AI-generated footage must constitute less than 20% of the film’s total running time.
  • 02The AI declaration must state the approximate percentage and the AI tools used.
  • 03AI-generated or AI-cloned voices, digital replicas or synthetic likenesses (including “deepfakes”) must be disclosed in all cases, with the consent of the person depicted obtained.
  • 04AI-generated music, scripts, still images or artwork must be disclosed (they do not count towards the 20% limit).
  • 05The Organiser may request tool names, project files or raw footage; the Entrant must supply it within 5 working days.

HOW TO ENTER

Six steps from prepare to selection.

01

PREPARE

Ensure your film meets the eligibility, duration, format, subtitle and AI requirements.

02

SUBMIT

Complete the official submission form with film and entrant details, AI declaration and rights declaration.

03

PAY

Pay the ₹2,500 entry fee plus GST through the payment gateway (Cashfree) in INR.

04

DECLARE

Accept the Terms, Master Legal Terms, Master Declaration and Privacy Notice online.

05

COURIER

Download, print, sign and seal the emailed legal forms and courier the originals within 7 days.

06

SELECTION

Eligible films are reviewed by the Selection Committee and/or Jury. Official Selection announced 1 February 2027.

SELECTION & AWARDS

Trophies and certificates. No cash prizes.

The Official Selection (shortlist) is announced on 1 February 2027 on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, the WhatsApp Community and by email. Results and winners are revealed only at the Festival on 21 February 2027.

Jury decisions are final.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

ORIGINALITYSTORYTELLINGDIRECTIONSCREENPLAYCINEMATOGRAPHYEDITINGACTING & PERFORMANCESSOUND DESIGNPRODUCTION DESIGNEMOTIONAL IMPACTTECHNICAL EXECUTIONCREATIVITY

FAQ

Before you ask.

BEFORE YOU SUBMIT

Your submission checklist.

  • 5–39 minutes, including credits
  • 2K high-quality MP4 via a viewable link (active until 22 February 2027)
  • 16:9 aspect ratio
  • English subtitles compulsory for every film
  • Completed between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2026
  • AI-generated footage under 20%, with full AI declaration
  • All rights and licences secured by the Entrant
  • One film per Entrant
  • ₹2,500 + GST entry fee (non-refundable)
  • Submit before 7 January 2027, 6:00 PM IST

READY TO SHARE YOUR STORY?

Your film. Your vision.
Your legacy.

Submit your short film to the Brahma International Short Film Festival 2026. Entries close 7 January 2027, before 6:00 PM IST.

APPLY

BRAHMA SHORT FILM FESTIVAL & AWARDS · 21 FEBRUARY 2027 · BANGALORE