Teen filmmakers shine at The Teen Indie Film Awards 2025 as Bengaluru emerges as a launchpad for new cinema voices

• TIFA’s fourth edition, hosted by RV University, unlocks India’s untapped 13–25 youth creator segment, with Hombale Films set to launch winning entries

BENGALURU: The Teen Indie Film Awards (TIFA) 2025 concluded at RV University with powerful stories, bold experimentation and strong regional representation from young creators aged 13 to 25. The festival marked its most successful edition to date, with participation growing across India and overseas, positioning TIFA firmly as Bengaluru’s third-largest film festival after BIFFES and BISFF.

Over five themed days, students explored diverse aspects of contemporary storytelling through screenings, masterclasses, newsroom simulations and a high-energy script pitch challenge. The festival opened with a film from North East India, reinforcing TIFA’s commitment to inclusive filmmaking and representation of emerging cultures and voices.

A notable highlight of this edition was increased industry engagement. producers, film faculty, senior journalists and digital-first creators attended to mentor participants, discover new talent and guide students toward professional opportunities. The awards night brought together leading names from Kannada cinema and notable creative-industry achievers to celebrate the accomplishments of youth filmmakers.

According to Prof. (Dr.) Piyush Roy, Dean, School of Film, Media and Creative Arts at RV University, “TIFA is evolving into a national talent-discovery engine. With every edition, we see more confidence, ambition and agency in young filmmakers who are eager to pursue cinema as a legitimate professional path.”

“It was exciting to witness such clarity of vision at such a young age. What I liked most about these films is that they have not been corrupted by technology. The thought is pure. These are pearls that need to be noticed in this competitive world.” said Mr. Amit Behl, a distinguished filmmaker who served as a special guest and jury member at the festival. “Students here are lucky. The Kannada, Hindi, and Tamil film industries are all nearby. When you're at a film festival like this, be a sponge and absorb as much as you can. I hope TIFA grows and becomes the biggest festival of its kind.”

The first three winners of the Talent Hunt for Emerging Filmmakers of Tomorrow (THEFT) will be launched by Hombale Films, India’s largest production house. Their films will be developed under the mentorship of leading industry experts, giving young creators a national platform to showcase their vision.

RV University reiterated that the festival will continue its mission of enabling employment, entrepreneurship and education in India’s creative economy. The organisers also announced plans for a future TIFA roadshow in Guwahati to build stronger collaborations between youth creators from Bengaluru and the North East.

Media companies that were present during the festival acknowledged the growing appetite for youth-led storytelling and the urgency of platforms like TIFA that recognise it. Festival organisers confirmed continued collaborations with press and production houses in future editions.

With this year’s success, TIFA has strengthened its role as a springboard for emerging talent in India’s fast-expanding visual media sector. The next edition is expected to bring even greater international participation and career-shaping opportunities for young filmmakers.

TIFA 2025 WINNERS/PRESENTERS

Teen Indie Category (13-19) Awards:

• Best Story - Adarsh U Nair for The Last Heist, India
• Best Ensemble - Bhuvan, Chethana Prasad, Abhinandan, Kumuda and Nandish Mahadev for Regret, India
• Best Direction - Qu Bingkun for Summer With Diogenes, China and Amirhossein Bahamani for The Ceiling of Wishes, Iran
• Best Technical Achievement - Akshat Asolkar for Mirror Behind the Bars, India
• Best Film - In the Backstage, Rui Paulo Silva, Portugal 

Emerging Young Filmmakers Category (20-25) Awards:

• Best Film Animation - Straight and In A Circle by Palina Ramashka, Belarus
• Best Film Essay/Experimental (Non-Fiction) - Fadalous by Yahya Tamer Zeitar, Egypt
• Best Film Fiction - The Tragic Theft of the Anima Sol by Laxya Pahuja and Devjyoti Ghosh, India and Mari Lewd by Michael Szalcer, UK. 

RVU Filmmakers Awards:

• Best Cinematography - Gagandeep Shastry for The Witch’s Revenge
• Best Editor - Pranesh G for Guess My Name
• Best Story - Vijay Rahul for Menu
• Best Director - Suriya Kiran T for Where does a Body Begin and End?
• Best Actor Female - Rashitha Nagaraj for Stella Amor and Bindu V S for Dasha
• Best Actor Male - Aldo A Clement for Stella Amor
• Best Film - Dasha by Yashas Rajendra 

RJ Hunt Winners:

• Winner - J. Trishaa
• Runner Up - Mrudula

Pixel Storm Winners:

• Freefire Contest Winner - Nithin M
• BGMI Contest Winners - Shriyansh and Team
• FIFA Contest Winner - Manav N
• Valorant Contest Winner - Rachur Venkata Vijayadithya
• Animation Sprint Winner - Rakshita Rao
• Comix Blitz - Chidattmika Pradan 

Talent Hunt for Emerging Filmmakers of Tomorrow (THEFT) Winners:

• First: Satya by G U Prem Kumar, Cast and Crew: Nidhi Srikanth and Anniruddha
• First Runners Up: Kuberaa by Charan Aradhya, Cast and Crew: Mayur Suresh, Sourav Kavinannan, Pavan Kumar and Puneeth
• Second Runner Up: Prema Tantra by Prem HC, Cast and Crew: Suraj Mahesh, Navaneet, Sheshu