Payal Tiwari Short Film Festival 2026

Welcome to the Bitiya Foundation Shortfilm festival 2025, a platform where creativity meets purpose. We are more than just a short film festival. We are a movement dedicated to raising social awareness through the power of storytelling.

Our festival provides a stage for filmmakers to showcase their perspectives on crucial social issues, inspiring change and sparking conversations that matter.

Award Ceremony:
31st October 2026
S.M.Joshi Socialist Foundation Hall,
Navi Peth, Near Ganjwe Chowk. Pune-30
Screening:
10th August 2025
11.30 am to 6 pm
Moulana Abdul Kalam Smarak Hall
Award Ceremony:
14th August 2025
S.M.Joshi Socialist Foundation Hall,
Navi Peth, Near Ganjwe Chowk. Pune-30
Submit Your Film
Know more about us

Over 2 Lakh Rupees in Cash Awards!

Your Story. Your Format.

Pick a topic that moves you. Choose the style that suits your voice.
Whether it’s a hard-hitting short film or a quick, powerful reel—this is your space to say something that matters. Tell stories that provoke thought, spark empathy, or push for change. You don’t need big budgets or fancy equipment. Just a strong idea, a clear message, and the courage to put it out there.

3–5 Minutes
5–7 Minutes
7+ Minutes
Reels Category

Choose from below featured Topics

  • Women's Safety & Empowerment
  • The Role of Indian Youth in Politics
  • Dowry & Domestic Violence
  • HIV/AIDS Awareness
  • Other Social Issues (Participants may choose any relevant social issue not listed above.)
  • Save Our Trees (Environmental Conservation)
  • Sex Education & Its Importance in India
  • Environmental Pollution & Sustainable Living
  • Road Safety & Responsible Driving
  • The Impact of Social Media on Society
  • Gang Crime & Youth Violence
  • Casteism in Modern India
  • Water Conservation (Save Water)
  • Mental Health Awareness
  • Modern India, Ancient Infrastructure
  • Child Obesity & Healthy Living

How to Participate

Choose a Topic & Duration

Pick a social issue from our list and decide your video length. Pick what fits your idea best.

Upload Your Film

Upload your final video to YouTube or Google Drive. Make sure the link is public or shareable.

Fill the Submission Form

Enter your film details, contact info, topic, duration, and paste the video link. Then hit Submit-you're done!

Submit Your Film

Win Exciting Awards! Massive Prize
Pool in cash and filming equipment.

Short Film Categories

3–5 Minutes
5–7 Minutes
7+ Minutes

Reels Category

Honourable Mentions

Selected entries will receive professional filmmaking equipment and certificates, continuing the tradition from the previous edition.

Festival Highlights

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Festival Timeline

Results will be declared both offline and online. Winning entries will be featured on our YouTube channel.

10 Oct 2026

Submission Last Date

24 Oct 2026

Film Screening

31 Oct 2026

Awards Ceremony

Submit Your Film

Meet the organizers

Punit Balan

Chairman and Managing Director
Punit Balan is a distinguished entrepreneur, philanthropist and sports enthusiast with contributions across business, education, culture and community development. Through the Punit Balan Group and Indrani Balan Foundation, he supports social initiatives, mandirs and the preservation of India’s heritage. His film industry background also brings a creative and cinematic perspective to the festival, supporting emerging filmmakers and storytelling talent.

Sangeeta Tiwari

President
Sangeeta Tiwari is a Pune-based political and social leader with extensive involvement in civic life, education, women’s welfare and community development. A former Chairperson of the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Education Board, she is also the founder of the Bitiya Foundation and Priyadarshini Women’s Forum, working towards women’s empowerment and public welfare. Her involvement in cultural and temple development initiatives further reflects her commitment to serving communities across Pune.

Punmeet Tiwari

Vice President
Punmeet Tiwari is an entrepreneur with experience across business, hospitality, brand development and partnerships. He has also been involved in public and community service, including serving as General Secretary of the Youth Congress.
His interests extend to social initiatives, community development, and supporting causes connected to cultural and civic life.

Meet the Jury

Our esteemed jury includes professionals from across the film and creative industries. Their insights and experience will shape the recognition of the best stories.

Know more About Us

FAQs

Everything you need to know before submitting your film

1. When is the event?

The Award Ceremony will be held on 14th August 2025. Screenings take place on 10th August 2025.

The site is scheduled to go live this week to start accepting submissions.

The evaluation will be conducted internally by our jury. No public rating or star system will be used.

We are not accepting file uploads. Participants must submit a link (YouTube, Google Drive, etc.), so quality depends on their platform settings.

No. The jury will review entries offline. The website is strictly for information and entry collection.

Yes. Winners will be announced both offline at the ceremony and online on our website after the event.

Yes, but only after the award ceremony. Selected entries will be uploaded to our official YouTube channel.

organizers

Punit Balan

Chairman and Managing Director
Punit Balan is a distinguished entrepreneur, philanthropist and sports enthusiast, known for his contributions across business, sports, education, culture and community development. Through the Punit Balan Group and the Indrani Balan Foundation, he has supported numerous social and cultural initiatives, including the preservation and development of temples and religious institutions. His involvement in supporting mandirs and cultural traditions reflects his commitment to preserving India's heritage while contributing to the communities around him. Beyond business, his work in education, sport and philanthropy reflects a broader vision of creating opportunities and building a meaningful, lasting legacy. His background in the film industry brings a valuable creative and cinematic perspective to the festival, enriching its vision of celebrating emerging filmmakers and storytelling talent.

Sangeeta Tiwari

President
Sangeeta Tiwari is a Pune-based political and social leader with a long association with the city’s civic and public life. She has served as Chairperson of the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Education Board and has remained active on issues concerning education, women’s welfare and civic development. She is also the founder of the Bitiya Foundation and Priyadarshini Women’s Forum, initiatives focused on supporting women, empowering them and addressing issues affecting their lives. She has also been involved in the development of a temple, reflecting her commitment to community and cultural initiatives. Through her political and social work, Sangeeta Tiwari continues to work with communities across Pune, with a particular focus on women, children and public welfare.

Punit Balan

Chairman and Managing Director
Punit Balan is a distinguished entrepreneur, philanthropist and sports enthusiast, known for his contributions across business, sports, education, culture and community development. Through the Punit Balan Group and the Indrani Balan Foundation, he has supported numerous social and cultural initiatives, including the preservation and development of temples and religious institutions. His involvement in supporting mandirs and cultural traditions reflects his commitment to preserving India's heritage while contributing to the communities around him. Beyond business, his work in education, sport and philanthropy reflects a broader vision of creating opportunities and building a meaningful, lasting legacy. His background in the film industry brings a valuable creative and cinematic perspective to the festival, enriching its vision of celebrating emerging filmmakers and storytelling talent.

Sangeeta Tiwari

President
Sangeeta Tiwari is a Pune-based political and social leader with a long association with the city’s civic and public life. She has served as Chairperson of the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Education Board and has remained active on issues concerning education, women’s welfare and civic development. She is also the founder of the Bitiya Foundation and Priyadarshini Women’s Forum, initiatives focused on supporting women, empowering them and addressing issues affecting their lives. She has also been involved in the development of a temple, reflecting her commitment to community and cultural initiatives. Through her political and social work, Sangeeta Tiwari continues to work with communities across Pune, with a particular focus on women, children and public welfare.

Welcome to the Bitiya Foundation Shortfilm festival 2025, a platform where creativity meets purpose.

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©2025 Payal Tiwari Bitiya Foundation — All Rights Reserved

Welcome to the Bitiya Foundation Shortfilm festival 2025, a platform where creativity meets purpose.

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©2025 Payal Tiwari Bitiya Foundation — All Rights Reserved