Ministers Jupally Krishna Rao and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy Inaugurate Hyderabad International Short Film Festival
“Cinema is far more than mere entertainment. It is a powerful medium capable of awakening society. Short films, in particular, with their ability to convey impactful messages in a limited duration, truly reflect the spirit of our times,” said Shri Jupally Krishna Rao, Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography, Government of Telangana.
Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, along with Minister for Roads, Buildings, and Cinematography Shri Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, on Thursday evening inaugurated the first edition of the Hyderabad International Short Film Festival (HISFF) at Prasads Multiplex by lighting the traditional lamp.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Jupally Krishna Rao noted Hyderabad’s rapid rise as a globally recognised city for conferences and cultural festivals. He expressed satisfaction over the enthusiastic response received in the festival’s inaugural year, with as many as 704 film submissions from ten countries, reflecting the city’s vibrant and growing creative ecosystem.
Referring to Hyderabad as a cradle of cinema in the region, the Minister highlighted the historic contribution of renowned studios such as Ramoji Film City, Annapurna Studios, Ramanaidu Studios, and Sarathi Studios in producing world-class cinema. Carrying forward this rich legacy, he informed that state-of-the-art film studios equipped with advanced technology are being developed in the upcoming Future City.
The Minister encouraged young filmmakers to embrace modern tools such as Artificial Intelligence and virtual production, while underscoring that technology is only an enabler. “It is the human heart that gives soul to a story,” he remarked.
He called upon directors and producers to create short films and feature films that address pressing social issues and inspire positive change in society. He also urged producers to extend full support to filmmakers committed to meaningful and socially relevant cinema.
The event was attended by Telangana Film Development Corporation (TGFDC) Chairman Shri Dil Raju, Managing Director Smt. Ch. Priyanka, IAS, veteran director Shri C. Umamaheswara Rao, and Shri Narsing Rao. Renowned international jury members Ms. Judy Gladstone, Ms. Maithili Rao, Shri Nagesh Kukunoor, Ms. Lima Das, Shri Sunzu Bachuspatimayum, and Shri Utpal Borpujari were also present, lending added prestige to the occasion.
