Paridrishya 2026 concludes with award ceremony, discussions in Mysuru

The three day fourth international festival of short films and documentaries -Paridrishya-2026 concluded with panel discussions and award ceremony at Maharaja's college ground in Mysuru on Sunday.

Mysuru Cinema Society which hosted the fest received 3042 short films and documentaries from 114 Countries, provided platform to screen 65 best short films and documentaries. They encouraged the makers by presenting 30 awards in various categories.

Fest on Sunday featured panel discussion on 'story to screenplay'. In conversation with filmmaker Vikas Negiloni, veteran director and screenplay writer Pani Ramachandra, shared yester year's vibrance of experience of cinema making. He pointed out how the filmmakers succeeded in conveying the importance of movies to people and pulled them in large numbers to watch them in theatres. He felt that at a time when people are watching movies on OTTs, though there are good directors and movies, if their importance reaches people, they can still be pulled to watch them on big screens, he said.

Pani Ramachandra explained how his uncompromising nature and quality to explore unique aspects, helped him make a difference. He shared how his own personal experiences like staying in a 'Vataara' and deep observations, helped him come up with successful movies like Ganeshana Maduve, Gowri Ganesha which were filled with humour and , Vondu Cinema Kathe. He also shared how a story becomes a screenplay with the way it is presented; and how restricting to a strong script while shooting gives little scope for editing. He even shared his experience of working with iconic actors like Ananth Nag and Vishnuvardhan, their dedication, and his bonding with them.

Artists bagged awards in various categories including best Kannada film, documentary, editing, visual effects, production design, music, cinematography, screenplay, supporting character, actress, actor, direction and film.

Director of Fest and Secretary of Mysuru Cinema Society, Padmavathi S Bhat, said that while short films are impactful to create awareness, the State Government should encourage them. Screening them in multiplexes should become regular phenomena, so that budding filmmakers will get an opportunity to showcase their talents, and audiences will have an experience of watching meaningful short movies with good content and quality.

Besides movies, the fest was packed with expos, food fest, master classes, panel discussions, musical nights and more.