Mumbai, India: The prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) 2025, India’s most celebrated platform for honouring cinematic brilliance, proudly unveils its TOP 21 Short Films, selected from a record-breaking volume of entries submitted by filmmakers from around the world. This announcement marks a significant milestone in DPIFF’s ongoing mission to recognize, uplift, and celebrate the finest voices in independent and short-format filmmaking.
The Top 21 Short Films of DPIFF 2025 embody the spirit of innovation, emotional depth, and creative storytelling that continue to redefine the landscape of short cinema. Handpicked by DPIFF’s esteemed jury panel comprising industry veterans and creative visionaries, the selected films were evaluated on key criteria including originality, narrative strength, technical finesse, emotional resonance, and cinematic impact.
“The short film format is a powerful canvas for cinematic expression. These 21 films have not just entertained us — they’ve challenged norms, sparked dialogue, and left a lasting impression,” said Abhishek Mishra, CEO of Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival.
With the announcement of the Top 21 Short Films, DPIFF continues to champion emerging talent, support meaningful storytelling, and amplify voices that reflect the diverse cultural fabric of global cinema. The festival remains committed to providing a world-class platform for storytellers who push the boundaries of imagination through compelling short films.
Official List: TOP 21 Short Films at DPIFF 2025
1.AVAR – The Inseparables
2.AWAAZ
3.BREAK THE SILENCE
4.DESTINY
5.DREAMING VINCENT
6.EK CHITTI
7.HAPPAN SAANGWALA
8.HUMSAFAR
9.HUNAR
10.IN YOUR HEAD
11.JASWANDA
12.JIJIVISHA
13.KANMASHI
14.KEEP THE FIRE ALIVE
15.LIGHT IN MY EYES
16.LIPSTIC
17.MONIHARA
18.NIGHT QUEEN
19.PARISAL KANAVU
20.RU BA RU (FACE TO FACE)
21.STILL LIFE
Each of these films dives deep into a diverse range of subjects — from poignant social issues and emotional narratives to bold experimental formats, showcasing the dynamic landscape of Indian and global short filmmaking.
Official Top 21 Announcement Page: Click here to view the announcement
Explore the Top 50 Short Films: Top 50 Short Films at DPIFF 2025
Browse the Top 100 Short Films: Top 100 Short Films at DPIFF 2025
The cinematic journey intensifies as DPIFF prepares to announce the TOP 10 Short Films, chosen from this powerful shortlist. These films will be screened at the DPIFF Short Film Screening Gala — a grand celebration of cinematic brilliance and artistic vision.
Stay connected for this milestone moment.
DPIFF Short Film Awards 2025: Recognizing Excellence
From the Top 10, the Best Short Film will be selected and honored at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025 with the following rewards:
- Best Short Film Winner: ₹1,00,000 + Official DPIFF Trophy
- 1st Runner-Up: ₹15,000 + Memento
- 2nd Runner-Up: ₹10,000 + Memento
- 3rd Runner-Up: ₹5,000 + Memento
This award is a celebration of emerging talent, aiming to empower filmmakers and elevate their stories on a national and international stage.
The DPIFF platform champions emerging filmmakers, diverse narratives, and cultural storytelling. The Top 21 selection celebrates voices that dare to be different — voices that are shaping the future of cinema.
“These films reflect the soul of cinema — bold, heartfelt, and human. They carry stories that deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated,” added the DPIFF Creative Team.
Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival 2025 proudly carries forward the legacy of India’s cinematic pioneer, championing innovation, artistic integrity, and creative brilliance. As the festival approaches the much-anticipated announcement of the TOP 10 Short Films, we extend our heartfelt admiration to every filmmaker whose passion, perseverance, and storytelling excellence have shaped this remarkable journey.
Each submission reflects the spirit of fearless creativity that DPIFF strives to celebrate — a tribute to the enduring power of cinema to move, inspire, and transform. We honour not just the films that will rise to the top, but the unwavering dedication of all visionaries who dared to dream and shared their stories with the world.
