Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Unveils Top 10 Short Films Selected for DPIFF 2026

Thousands of submissions from across the world narrowed to ten exceptional films as DPIFF continues its mission of championing independent voices and emerging cinematic talent on a global stage.

MUMBAI, INDIA: Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF), India’s most prestigious independent international film festival platform dedicated to celebrating excellence in cinema, has officially announced the Top 10 Short Films selected for its highly anticipated 2026 edition.

Representing some of the most compelling voices in contemporary independent filmmaking, the selected films have emerged from an intensely competitive selection process involving thousands of submissions received from filmmakers across India and around the world. The shortlist reflects a rich diversity of narratives, cultures, perspectives and cinematic styles that continue to redefine the landscape of short-form storytelling.

The journey to the final selection involved multiple rounds of rigorous evaluation conducted by the festival’s screening committee and programming team. Beginning with an extensive pool of global entries, the competition progressed through the Top 100, Top 50 and Top 21 stages before arriving at the final Top 10 films that will now compete for the highest honours at DPIFF 2026.

Recognised as one of the most powerful mediums for emerging filmmakers to showcase their creative vision, short films have increasingly become a driving force in discovering new talent and innovative storytelling. Through its dedicated Short Film Competition, DPIFF continues to provide a respected international platform where independent filmmakers can present their work before distinguished industry professionals, cultural representatives and global audiences.

The shortlisted films will be showcased during the prestigious DPIFF Short Film Screening Gala, the official opening segment of the festival celebrations in Mumbai, India.

TOP 10 SHORT FILMS – DPIFF 2026

• CHASING JUPITER by Bhavya Balantrapu
• CYNAIDE by Prakash Vijayan
• DARK LIGHT by Deep Sagar Gandham
• GOOD FOR NOTHING by Shamas Nawab Siddiqui
• IN HALF by Jorge Morais
• JAHAAN – THE LAST GIFT by Rahul Shetty
• MADHURI – END IS BEGINNING by Saiyed Shahid Khan
• SOLOBATHA by Golerius Murmu
• STRINGS by Kishan SB
• TEA KOTTU’83 by Sai Harini Vasanth

AWARDS

• Best Short Film – Trophy, Certificate and Cash Prize of ₹1,00,000
• 1st Runner-Up – Trophy, Certificate and Cash Prize of ₹15,000
• 2nd Runner-Up – Trophy, Certificate and Cash Prize of ₹10,000
• 3rd Runner-Up – Trophy, Certificate and Cash Prize of ₹5,000

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Commenting on the announcement, Abhishek Mishra, CEO of Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival, said:

“Every year, the DPIFF Short Film Competition reveals extraordinary storytellers whose work reflects the evolving language of global cinema. The final Top 10 films represent not only technical excellence and creative innovation but also the courage to tell meaningful stories that resonate across cultures and borders.”

Guided by the enduring vision and legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke, the Father of Indian Cinema, DPIFF remains committed to recognising outstanding achievements in filmmaking while creating opportunities for independent artists to showcase their work on an international stage.

The winners of the Short Film Competition will be announced during the grand DPIFF 2026 Awards Ceremony, where distinguished personalities from the Indian and international entertainment industry, government dignitaries, cultural representatives, filmmakers and global delegates will come together to celebrate cinematic excellence.

ABOUT DPIFF

Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival is India’s leading independent international film festival platform, dedicated to recognising excellence in the entertainment industry while honouring the legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke, the Father of Indian Cinema.