Announcing ‘TOP 100 Short Films’ of 2026 at Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival
The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival 2026 announces the ‘TOP 100 Short Films’, selected from thousands of entries received worldwide.
A Global Celebration of Short Films:
Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival continues to honour the legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke, the Father of Indian Cinema. The festival remains committed to supporting new talent and giving a platform to significant and authentic stories. This prestigious recognition is a tribute to outstanding cinematic storytelling, creativity, and artistic excellence. These remarkable films have captivated audiences with their compelling narratives, thought-provoking themes, and groundbreaking filmmaking techniques.
This year’s selected films bring together different styles and themes including:
Social & human stories – Films that highlight societal issue and tales that touch hearts and portrayals of authentic human emotions.
Experimental concepts – Films that venture into unique, distant approach to storytelling.
Thrillers & Suspense – Films with suspense and thrill that keep the audience captivated until the very end of it.
Comedy & Light-hearted narratives – Light and breezy content that offers entertainment.
Drama – Films that delve deeper that resonates deeply
Animation & Fantasy – Unleashing imagination through vibrant artistry
Official Announcement & Recognition
Each of these films have been meticulously selected by a distinguished panel of industry experts, ensuring that only the most compelling and impactful stories make it to the final list.
Recognising and Honouring Excellence
Making it to the TOP 100 Short Films at DPIFF is no small feat. These extraordinary films stand as testaments to storytelling brilliance, showcasing the creative resilience, vision, and technical mastery of independent filmmakers. From emotionally charged performances to breathtaking cinematography, these films embody the essence of meaningful and transformative cinema.
TOP 100 Short Films’ – Official Announcement
| 1 | 17 ve varsh |
| 2 | 18rsKING |
| 3 | Aakali |
| 4 | Aasmaani Jhoola |
| 5 | AAYKAE |
| 6 | ABHILASHA |
| 7 | Aise Hee (Unwarranted) |
| 8 | ALIEN BRIHASPATI |
| 9 | Almari ka Achaar |
| 10 | Anbirkuriyaval |
| 11 | Antaram |
| 12 | Batti Illuminate |
| 13 | Best in the game |
| 14 | Bhaad mein jaaye tera Jaanu |
| 15 | Black Forest |
| 16 | CELEBRATION |
| 17 | ChaariKaandha |
| 18 | Chanchal Enterprises |
| 19 | Chasing Jupiter |
| 20 | CHERYL |
| 21 | CHIPAAD |
| 22 | Chokher Tara Tui…. |
| 23 | Circuition |
| 24 | Cynaide |
| 25 | DARK LIGHT |
| 26 | Dear 202 |
| 27 | Dear teacher |
| 28 | Deepa Didi |
| 29 | Deyaler Opare |
| 30 | DITTO |
| 31 | DP: Dream Paralysis |
| 32 | Drishtikon |
| 33 | EATER EATEN |
| 34 | Echoes of Us |
| 35 | Gaasam |
| 36 | Gardener |
| 37 | Ghutan |
| 38 | Good For Nothing |
| 39 | Half Real Half Magic |
| 40 | In Half |
| 41 | In Your Eyes Again… |
| 42 | Inspiring Aarav |
| 43 | JAHAAN-THE LAST GIFT |
| 44 | Jhappi |
| 45 | Kaala Vazhu |
| 46 | KAIRA |
| 47 | KEEL |
| 48 | Khwabeeda |
| 49 | KINTSUGI |
| 50 | Kirtan – The Heritage of Bengal |
| 51 | Lafda-e-Ishq |
| 52 | Lakshmi |
| 53 | Saral |
| 54 | Lakudiya Veer |
| 55 | LLR ( Love Lust Retro ) |
| 56 | MADHURI – END IS BEGINNING |
| 57 | Kadal Kondaan |
| 58 | Madka -The Last Rites |
| 59 | MANYA 2 – IS THIS ACCEPTABLE? |
| 60 | Marigold: The Tale of a God’s Flower |
| 61 | Mehta & Co. |
| 62 | MENDER |
| 63 | Microxerox |
| 64 | Mor Adhikar |
| 65 | Mounabrotee (The Silent Vower) |
| 66 | Mundu | The Boy |
| 67 | NAAK KE NEECHE SE |
| 68 | NALLA NERAM VANTHACHU |
| 69 | NATRAJA |
| 70 | NAZAR |
| 71 | Nirnay The Choice Of Life |
| 72 | PAANI |
| 73 | Payraw |
| 74 | Pendulum |
| 75 | Poos Ki Ek Raat |
| 76 | Pravaah -The Flow |
| 77 | Raddi Kabaadi |
| 78 | Roots |
| 79 | Solobatha |
| 80 | SORRY |
| 81 | Strings |
| 82 | Sukhant |
| 83 | Sunny-Man |
| 84 | Tea Kottu’83 |
| 85 | Tere Bin : Brain Overpowering Heart |
| 86 | The Expiry Date |
| 87 | The Happy Birthday |
| 88 | The Intruder |
| 89 | The Mushrooms |
| 90 | The Red fire Fly |
| 91 | The Undying Spirit Of Doctors |
| 92 | thovva |
| 93 | TRUST |
| 94 | ULLURUKKAM |
| 95 | Touch |
| 96 | Utsab |
| 97 | Valayam |
| 98 | Victim Card |
| 99 | Zariya |
| 100 | Zep |
These unprecedented films celebrate powerful storytelling, fresh ideas, and the creative vision of independent filmmakers who continue to shape the future of the cinema.
Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival 2026 congratulates all the selected filmmakers. Your work continues to inspire and relate to audiences. Your contributions continue to heighten cinema and inspire audiences across the world.
A Grand Invitation to Celebrate Cinema
Dadasaheb Phalke In International Film Festival, welcomes industry experts and film lovers to join in this big cinematic event. DPIFF remains true in its mission to promote and recognise rising filmmakers while preserving the timeless legacy of Indian Cinema.
Join us as we continue to honour eminence in filmmaking and commend the voices shaping the future of cinema. Stay tuned for more updates on the festival, exclusive screenings and special recognitions!