Short Film Festival

"Avala Hejje" Women's Kannada Short Film Festival 2026

For previous year's Short Film Festival details click here

"Avala Hejje" Women's Kannada Short Film Festival

Started in 2025, Avala Hejje Short Film Festival organised by Gubbivani Trust is not just a short film festival – it is a cultural movement dedicated to women empowerment, providing a platform for women’s experiences and perspectives, and promoting gender equality.

Without women behind the camera, we run the risk of limiting female characters to just glamour. As visual media holds the power to effectively portray women’s lives, stories, and viewpoints, the primary goal of this festival is to promote women directors and offer a strong platform for their narratives.

Calling All Women Kannada Directors!

Submission Window: November 1, 2025 to February 14, 2026.

Regular Deadline to Submit Short Film: Jan 31, 2026. Entry Fee: ₹1,000
Karnataka Rajyotsava Special Entry Fee Waiver: If submitted by Nov 30, 2025, entry fee is ₹0
Final Deadline with late fee: February 14, 2026. Entry Fee: ₹1,500

The short film festival, with screening of selected films, results and awards,

will be held in Bengaluru during April or May 2026.

Short Film Submission Form

Eligibility Criteria:

Films must be in Kannada and directed by a woman.
Year of completion should be 2024, 2025 or 2026.
Duration: 5 to 30 minutes, including credits.
Films featuring female leads, women’s empowerment, or gender and social issues are preferred, though all themes by women filmmakers are welcome. The festival aims to highlight these themes over time, with a special emphasis on exploring new themes and fresh perspectives.
English subtitles are not mandatory but encouraged.
Adaptations are allowed; however, originality and a strong directorial voice will be key factors during selection.
Documentaries are welcome but will compete alongside all other submissions in the same category.
For AI-generated films, clear creative authorship by the director is essential.
Films previously submitted to the 2025 festival will not be allowed.

Entry fee must be made to the following Gubbivani Trust bank account

Beneficiary Name: M/S GUBBIVANI TRUST
Bank Name: ICICIBank Ltd Bank
Account #: 015205015324
Account Type: Current a/c
IFSC Code: ICIC0000152

A jury panel will consider all short films that meet the eligibility criteria and select the best short films for competitive screening.

"Avala Hejje" Award

The best short film among the films selected for screening will win the Festival Grand Prize: "Avala Hejje Award" plaque along with a Winning Certificate and a cash prize of ₹1,00,000 (one lakh)

Screening Certificate

All films screened at the Short Film Festival will receive a Screening Certificate.

Special Recognition Prizes

There will be several Special Recognition Prizes, with one film in each of the categories below receiving a cash prize of ₹10,000 (ten thousand) along with a certificate.

Note: All submissions will be considered for the Festival Grand Prize. Additionaly, the special categories have been introduced to encourage short films that align with the mission of Gubbivani Trust, reflect the concept of "Avala Hejje," or are rooted in modern creativity and contemporary themes.

Stories that challenge norms, traditions, or expectations. Stories of identity, existence, and exploration
Sisterhood stories of women lifting each other up.
Film for Social Change
Humour or Satire
Sci-Fi
Women and Sports
Animation and AI
Young Director - Films directed by women born in 2000 or later.