Mysuru: The cultural city of Mysuru is set to host the 4th edition of the Paridrishya International Short Films & Documentaries Festival – 2026 from February 20 to 22 at the iconic Maharaja College Grounds. The venue has been chosen to make this year’s festival larger, more accessible and vibrant for cinephiles across the city.
Organised by the Mysuru Cinema Society (MCS), Paridrishya has evolved into a prominent international platform for short films and documentaries, drawing filmmakers, students and cinema lovers from India and across the globe.
Founded in 2022, the Mysuru Cinema Society is dedicated to promoting cinema appreciation and encouraging meaningful engagement with films as an art form. Through workshops, curated screenings and interactive sessions, the Society continues to nurture young talent while strengthening Mysuru’s cultural ecosystem.
The festival has seen remarkable growth over the years. The inaugural edition featured 150 films from 10 countries, the second edition received over 300 films from 20 countries, while the third edition expanded dramatically with 3,100+ films from 109 countries. For the 2026 edition, the organisers have received more than 3,000 submissions from 114 countries, underlining the festival’s growing global footprint.
Festival Director Padmavathi S. Bhat, who is also the Honorary Secretary of the Mysuru Cinema Society, said Paridrishya 2026 has been designed as a comprehensive cultural and learning experience for audiences, students and aspiring filmmakers.
The three-day festival will feature curated Indian and international film screenings, masterclasses by industry experts, panel discussions, student interactions, art and cultural experiences, food stalls, musical evenings, and awards recognising outstanding filmmaking talent.
According to the organisers, the festival aims to promote cinema not just as entertainment, but as a powerful medium of social expression and cultural dialogue, while offering a strong platform for emerging filmmakers.
With its blend of cinema, discussions and cultural engagement, Paridrishya 2026 is expected to attract wide participation from Mysuru and neighbouring regions.