As film festivals multiply, DPIFF seeks to redefine space for independent voices in Indian cinema

Short films, regional narratives and digital-first storytelling emerge as key focus areas for the upcoming edition

Mumbai, February 7:
At a time when India’s film festival landscape is witnessing rapid expansion and heightened scrutiny, the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) is positioning its forthcoming edition as a platform that seeks to recalibrate attention towards independent filmmakers, short-format cinema and emerging storytelling voices.

Festival organisers have confirmed that submissions for the upcoming edition are currently open across categories, including feature films, short films, web series and television content. The move comes amid broader shifts in the Indian entertainment industry, where non-theatrical formats and regional narratives are increasingly shaping audience consumption patterns.

According to festival officials, the emphasis this year is on widening participation from filmmakers working outside the mainstream studio system, particularly those exploring social themes, regional identities and experimental formats.

Changing contours of film festivals in India

Over the last decade, India has seen a sharp rise in film festivals, awards platforms and curated screenings, driven by the growth of digital content, streaming platforms and independent production ecosystems. While this expansion has created new avenues for recognition, it has also raised questions around credibility, curation standards and long-term cultural impact.

In this context, DPIFF’s renewed focus on short films and independent cinema aligns with global festival trends, where shorter formats are no longer treated as peripheral but as significant creative expressions in their own right.

“Short films today are not just calling cards; they are complete works with strong thematic depth,” said a senior Mumbai-based film curator who has served on multiple festival juries. “Festivals that recognise this shift stand to gain relevance, especially among younger filmmakers.”

Platform for emerging storytellers

Organisers said shortlisted short films will be evaluated by an independent jury, with final selections to be announced closer to the awards ceremony. While mainstream cinema remains part of the festival’s awards framework, officials indicated that the curatorial approach this year would place equal weight on emerging talent and unconventional narratives.

“Independent filmmakers often struggle with visibility, not talent,” said Abhishek Mishra, chief executive officer of DPIFF. “A credible festival platform can play a decisive role in bringing such work to industry attention, investors and wider audiences.”

Industry data suggests that a growing number of Indian filmmakers are opting for short films and digital-first projects as entry points, given lower production costs and the ability to reach audiences without traditional distribution channels. Film schools, regional collectives and independent studios have increasingly relied on festival circuits to validate and showcase such work.

Legacy and relevance

Named after Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, widely regarded as the father of Indian cinema, DPIFF has, over the years, positioned itself as an independent awards platform recognising excellence across cinema, television and digital content. Past editions have featured awards for mainstream films alongside categories aimed at new talent and technical excellence.

However, as with many cultural platforms operating at scale, the festival has also faced public scrutiny in recent years, underscoring the importance of transparency, governance and clear communication in sustaining institutional credibility.

A senior producer associated with independent cinema said festivals must now “earn trust continuously.”

“Filmmakers today are discerning. They look at jury composition, selection processes and post-festival impact before submitting their work,” the producer said. “Relevance is no longer automatic.”

Audience engagement and future outlook

Beyond awards, festivals are increasingly expected to function as spaces for dialogue, learning and industry exchange. Panel discussions, workshops and curated screenings have become central to how festivals engage both creators and audiences.

While DPIFF has yet to announce its full programme schedule, organisers indicated that additional details regarding jury members, screening formats and industry interactions will be released in the coming months.

Cultural analysts note that the success of such platforms will depend not just on scale or celebrity presence, but on their ability to foster meaningful engagement with cinema as an art form.

As India’s content ecosystem becomes more decentralised and regionally diverse, festivals that adapt to these shifts may play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of filmmakers. For DPIFF, the upcoming edition represents an opportunity to reinforce its relevance by aligning legacy with contemporary cinematic realities.

Whether this approach translates into sustained cultural impact will become clearer once the selections and outcomes unfold later this year.