“Short films reflect the true spirit of our times”
The Hyderabad International Short Film Festival (HISFF), conceived by the Dadasaheb Phalke School of Film Studies, commenced on a vibrant note on December 19, 2025, at Screen 4, Prasads Multiplex, Hyderabad.
The three-day international festival is being organised under the aegis of the Telangana State Film Development Corporation (TSFDC) and the Department of Culture, Youth and Tourism, Government of Telangana. The Hon’ble Minister for Roads & Buildings and Cinematography of Telangana, Shri Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, who graced the inaugural ceremony as Chief Guest declared the event open.
The Hon’ble Minister for Tourism and Culture of Telangana, Shri Jupally Krishna Rao, who was the Guest of Honour, defined the prestigious event as a moment of pride for not just Hyderabad but also the state of Telangana and India as a whole.
“Cinema is far more than mere entertainment. It is a powerful medium capable of awakening society. However, short films, with their ability to convey impactful messages in a limited duration, truly reflect the spirit of our times,” he noted. The HISFF provides a platform for talent to thrive and aims to capture the crème de la crème who has the power to reform society. With a staggering 705 entries, the response to the HISFF has been extraordinary, he pointed out. He underscored that the purpose of films include employment, business generation, and creating social consciousness.
The Minister called upon the young filmmakers to capture our true culture, which we lost in all spheres of life. He announced that his department would host an interactive session in the near future with the makers of short films to produce content that hels awaken the society. The event was presided over by TSFDC Chairman Shri Dil Raju. I&PR Special Commissioner Priyanka, IAS, eminent filmmakers, critics, and screenwriters Judy Gladstone, Maithili Rao, Nagesh Kukunoor, Lima Das, Sunzu Bachuspatimayum, and Utpal Borpujar were also present.
Veteran filmmaker and Telangana Gaddar Film Award jury committee member Uma Maheshwara Rao, who is Ajay the Patron of the HISFF Organising Committee, announced that Dadasaheb Phalke School of Film Studies will host an exclusive session with five masters in the coming week where they will interact with young critics and filmmakers. On the occasion, the organisers launched a catalogue and also felicitated a few dignitaries, including veteran filmmaker B Narsing Rao, film critic Varala Anand, Hyderabad Film Club Founder Prakash Reddy, and Sai Prasad of Prasads Multiplex.
Opening Films
The festival opened with the screening of Ancessao and Jahaan–The Last Gift, marking the formal commencement of film screenings. Directed by Manguirish J. Bandodkar, Ancessao offers a sensitive and poignant portrayal of ageing, loneliness, and the quiet resilience of the human spirit. The 30-minute Konkani short film won the Best International Short Film award at the 14th International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA), Toronto.
Actor Prashanti Talpankar received the Best Actor (International Category) award at IFFSA for her compelling performance, earning acclaim for capturing the emotional depth and complexity of an elderly woman navigating personal struggle and vulnerability.
Jahaan – The Last Gift, directed by Rahul Shetty and headlined by Tiger Shroff, showcases the realities of climate change and human indifference through restrained storytelling and striking visuals.
The short fiction was recently screened at the WAVES Summit 2025, prompting discussions on environmental responsibility and climate consciousness. Tiger Shroff also received the Best Actor award at the Lakecity International Film Festival 2025, held recently in Mumbai.
