AMREN Foundation, in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh Tourism, invites you to the most awaited event of the year, Lucknow Short Film Festival 2025. In its season 6, the festival returns to the cultural heart of the city on October 25 and 26 at Sangeet Natak Akademi, bringing filmmakers, artists, and audiences together for two focused days of cinema and conversation.
The festival will open with Prof. Rita Bahuguna Joshi, former Cabinet Minister and cultural advocate, and Mr. Dhiraj Singh, Vice Chancellor of FTII, an acclaimed filmmaker and writer.
This edition highlights the strength of independent Indian cinema. From hundreds of entries received from across the country, 20 short films have been selected for screening in Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, and English.
Alongside the screenings, LSFF will host sessions that bring art and dialogue into the program. Dance, poetry, music, and conversations will add depth to the viewing experience across both days.
The first day will feature Laksh Maheshwari, one of India’s most popular storytellers, presenting his poetic narration “The Story of Four Assistants”, a session that promises to be both visual and lyrical. The second day will witness a stunning Kathak performance, “Sacred Bells”, by Internationally acclaimed artist, Sanjukta Sinha and her group.
Adding cinematic depth and dialogue, Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi, known for her roles in Jolly LLB 3 Monica O My Darling, and Gangs of Wasseypur, will join writer-director Sunny Singh for an engaging conversation on “Salma Maharani: Women and Identity in Modern Indian Cinema.” Their session will explore how women’s narratives are evolving in today’s storytelling landscape.
The festival will also feature a special filmmakers’ panel led by Jyoti Kapur Das along with past and present LSFF award-winning directors. The discussion, “Film Festivals as Catalysts for Independent Filmmakers – The Short Film Revolution,” will focus on the changing language of Indian storytelling and the rise of short films as a powerful medium of expression.
And just as Cannes celebrates cinema with a red carpet grandeur, LSFF will bring that spirit home with its retro-themed red carpet event “Shwet and Syah.” This evening will see Lucknowites walk the red carpet in full flair and style, embracing the timeless charm of Indian cinema. The evening will also feature a tribute to legends Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt, honouring the golden era that continues to inspire filmmakers today.
Speaking about the festival, Renuka Tandon, organiser of LSFF, shared,
“LSFF has always been a space where compassion meets creativity. This year, we’re bringing together artists, filmmakers, and thinkers who believe cinema can transform the way we see the world. For us, it’s not just a festival, it’s a movement of empathy through art.”
Gaurav Dwivedi, former Film Policy maker, said,
“The Lucknow Short Film Festival has become a platform where emerging filmmakers can express their vision. It’s a celebration of Indian cinema and a reminder that powerful stories often come from the most unexpected places.”
Festival Director Vipul V. Gaur added,
“With every edition, LSFF grows as a symbol of Lucknow’s cultural identity. Supported by Amren Foundation, this year’s festival celebrates films and art forms that speak to our shared humanity.”
With screenings, performances, discussions, and workshops spread across two days, the Lucknow Short Film Festival 2025, organised by Amren Foundation and co-powered by Uttar Pradesh Tourism, promises to be a heartfelt celebration of cinema and creativity.
