"Avala Hejje" Women's Kannada Short Film Festival - 2025
Missed the first screening? No worries — there's another chance!
Third screening of the selected short films from an exclusive competition for Kannada short films by women filmmakers
September 21, 2025, Sunday, 10 am - 1 pm
Address: Suchitra Cinema and Cultural Academy
Puravankara Hall
36, 9th Main Rd, Banashankari 2nd Stage, Bengaluru - 560070
Nearest Metro: Jayanagar
The first screening of the short films selected in the competition and the announcement of the award winners were held on June 14, 2025 at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC). The announcement of the winners and the award ceremony were held in the presence of the chief guest of the film festival, renowned director D. Suman Kittur.
The overwhelming response and support received in the first screening led to the re-screening of the short films. The second screening was organized on July 12, 2025 at the Indian Institute of World Culture (IIWC), Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. The third screening scheduled to be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the Suchitra Cinema and Cultural Academy, Bengaluru.
"Avala Hejje" Short Film Festival
Short film submissions for the second edition—the 2026 festival—will be invited soon.
Avala Hejje Short Film Festival organised by Gubbivani Trust is not just a short film festival – it is a cultural movement to provide a platform for women’s experiences and perspectives and to promote gender equality.
Without women behind the camera, we run the risk of limiting female characters to just glamour. As visual media holds the power to effectively portray women’s lives, stories, and viewpoints, the primary goal of this festival is to promote women directors and offer a strong platform for their narratives.
What makes "Avala Hejje Short Film Festival – 2025" special is that, for the first time in Karnataka, a competition was organized exclusively for Kannada short films made by women. The first prize of ₹1 lakh in cash and the "Avala Hejje" award was won by the Kannada short film Unheard Echoes, directed by Kavitha B Nayak.
Short film that won the first prize of ₹1 lakh in cash and the "Avala Hejje" award
'Unheard Echoes' (2025)
Set in a remote village, the film follows Bharamappa, a landless labourer, and his daughter Neela. When her inter-caste relationship is revealed, he fears social disgrace, while Neela struggles between love and family loyalty. The film explores caste, tradition, and the heavy burden of honour placed on women.
Director: Kavitha B Nayak
Kavitha B Nayak, a filmmaker and theatre artist from Kaduru, directed the play Avala Hejje and the award-winning short film Glee. Trained at Baduku Community College, she worked as Assistant Director on Hadinelentu. Her films highlight women’s social and cultural issues.
The short film that won a cash prize of ₹10,000 cash in the Student category
'Pushpa' (2024)
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Pushpa follows a single mother working in garment factories to give her son, Vishva, a better life. As she shields him from a harsh world, his curiosity about her past tests her strength. A traumatic event reignites her resolve, leading her to fight back. It's a powerful story of survival, sacrifice, and a mother’s unyielding spirit.
Director: Kshama Ambekallu
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Kshama Ambekallu from Sullia, Dakshina Kannada, is a B.Sc. Visual Communication student at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru. She has worked as an assistant director on short films. Her debut Pushpa has won over 10 awards, marking her as a promising new filmmaker.
Short film that won a cash prize of ₹10,000 in the First-time Filmmaker category
'The Last Happy Customer' (2024)
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The Last Happy Customer follows Geetha, a determined young woman from a lower-middle-class family balancing her CA articleship and finances. When an EMI is unexpectedly paid off, she gains brief financial freedom and faces a choice that sparks a quiet personal revolution.
Director: Mandara Battalahalli
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Mandara Battalahalli makes her directorial debut with The Last Happy Customer. Having acted in films like Blink, Hosa Dinachari, Old Monk, and Aachar & Co., her on-set experiences sparked a passion for filmmaking. This curiosity blossomed into a deep desire to tell stories through cinema. The Last Happy Customer is her first step toward that dream — a personal project driven by her love for film and commitment to heartfelt storytelling.
Short film that received a consolation prize of ₹5,000 cash
'Cake Walk' (2025)
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As per the convenience of her parents, Mallika, a fifteen-year-old, is expected to oscillate between behaving like an adult and behaving like a child. The implications of this are explored in the teen drama short film titled “Cakewalk.” After all, being a teenager is indeed a cakewalk, right?
Director: Sinchana Shylesh
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Sinchana Shylesh has been in the field of theatre for over sixteen years now. Having acted in over fifty plays and two films, she now wants to venture into the field of Direction.
Short film that received a consolation prize of ₹5,000 cash
'Online' (2025)
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Vivek and Rahul are brothers. After Rahul dies in a car accident, Vivek learns his brother’s drug addiction and that Dashanand, a drug kingpin, supplied the drugs. Driven by anger, Vivek seeks to avenge Rahul’s death.
Director: Sathya Pramodha M.S
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Sathya Pramodha M.S, a Bangalore-based filmmaker trained at TENT CINEMA, is passionate about socially driven stories. She directed her first short film with a 50+ member crew and has worked as an assistant director and writer. Her goal is to create impactful Kannada films that inspire change.
Short film that received official selection
'Ubhaya' (2024)
In this poignant short film, a young girl contemplates ending her life. At the brink, two ethereal figures—her inner turmoil and hope—appear. Through them, she gains insight into her emotions and choices, ultimately discovering what she truly needs to move forward.
Director: Chandana Nag
Chandana Nag is a filmmaker, actor, and Bharatanatyam dancer. She has worked on Kannada films like Yajamana and Kranti, and directed award-winning shorts such as Giliyu Panjaradolilla and Ubhaya. Her play Kintsugi won Best Play at Naataka Bengaluru 2024. A trained Bharatanatyam dancer, she has performed across India and is passionate about telling meaningful, impactful stories.
Short film that received official selection
'Solo Traveler' (2023)
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Sparsha is irritated about how her mother is always dependent on her. She meets a stranger on her way to Pune who changes her perspective.
Director: Manasa U Sharma
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Manasa U Sharma is a filmmaker and screenwriter from Bangalore, co-founder of Coffee Bite Studio. With eight years in the industry, she specializes in slice-of-life narratives that center emotional depth and realism. Her work aims to empower women behind the camera and tell stories that resonate with quiet authenticity.
Short film that received official selection
'How Are You?' (2023)
Tina’s world shatters when her husband, Roy, abruptly leaves. Battling fear and heartbreak, she searches for answers. On their anniversary, a shocking revelation changes everything—bringing unexpected clarity to her pain.
Director: Trupti Kulkarni
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Trupti Kulkarni is a filmmaker known for her simple, realistic style. Her debut short Hejjegalu (2021) featured only footwear as characters. With films like Dead End and How Are You?, she gained recognition at festivals. Inspired by everyday life and human behavior, Trupti is now working on an upcoming feature and writing a social drama.
Sunayana Suresh
A multi-award-winning journalist and the Vice President of the Karnataka Film Journalists Association. She mentors actors, writers, and filmmakers and consults for leading production houses such as AppleBox Studios, KRG Studios, Sakkath Studio, and Sri Sai Anjaneya Pictures. She has also served on the juries of the Bengaluru International Film Festival and the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival.
Sanjotha Bhandari
Filmmaker and storyteller with an engineering background, Sanjotha Bhandari transitioned from tech to cinema after studying at Digital Academy, Mumbai. Known for content-driven films, her works include Mirchi Mandakki Kadak Chai (2015) and the acclaimed comedy Langotiman (2024)
Madhu Daithota
A senior journalist with extensive experience in media, she is also a passionate film enthusiast who has dedicated herself to analyzing and celebrating cinema. Her commitment to journalism has been recognized with the prestigious Karnataka Women Achiever Award in Journalism, honoring her contributions to the industry and her impactful storytelling.
Gowri Neelavar
Writer, director, and producer working across fiction and advertising. Directs ad films independently as well as through her production house - La Loba Films, known for blending empathy with cinematic craft.
Poornima Malagimani
Contemporary writer of short stories, novels, poetry and articles in Kannada and English. Best known for her novel Ijayaa, that won her Karnataka Sahitya Parishad award. Ex- Indian Air Force Officer and former Joint Deputy Director at Central Government Research Organisation.
Shwet Priya Naik
Award-winning cinematographer known for distinctive visual storytelling in film and advertising. A frequent collaborator with top filmmakers, she is a trailblazer among India’s leading creative women.
Pooja Sudhir
A New York Film Academy graduate and a screenwriter at Paramvah Studios, she co-wrote the acclaimed Sakutumba Sametha (2022). Her next project is greenlit, with an announcement forthcoming.
Akhila Vidyasandra
An advocate and activist who has been involved with KRRS and DSS since their inception. She is also an active member of the Karnataka Raajya Mahilaa Dourjanya Virodhi Okkuta and the national-level Human Rights Defenders Network.
Executive Team
Shanthala Damle
Shanthala Damle is the Festival Director of “Avala Hejje Short Film Festival”. She holds an MBA from Virginia Tech, USA and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from BDT College of Engineering, Davangere, Karnataka. She worked as an IT professional, in India for 4 years and in the United States for 12 years. After returning to India in 2010, she has been engaged in social work and activism with focus on anti-corruption and women empowerment.
Malavika Gubbivani
Malavika Gubbivani holds a B.E in Computer Science from SJCE College, Mysore. She has 15 years work experience as an IT professional at Infosys. She has a decade long experience in social work and activism; has engaged in several women’s causes, anti-corruption drives, pro-Kannada campaigns, environment related activities. The “Gubbivani Trust” she founded focuses on educating citizens about their rights & duties and empowering them through the experience of participating in democracy.
Usha SampathKumar
Hailing from Bengaluru, Usha SampathKumar is a social activist and has been associated with Samata, Mahila Dourjanya Virodhi Okkoota, Mysuru. A graduate in English Literature as well as in Education, She was a teacher in several schools including Vishwa Mangala Education Society, Mangalore University Campus.
Navya Shree
Navya Shree is a freelance graphic designer. She holds a B.Sc. degree in Visual Media from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru, and is currently pursuing her Master's in Multimedia from ICAT College of Design and Media. She has also worked as a social media manager and is skilled in visual communication and branding. Navya's dream is to bring compelling stories to the world through films.
Rohan Dev P
Rohan Dev P is a Bangalore-based VFX artist and videographer with a passion for visual storytelling. With expertise in 3D, cinematography, and design, he brings ideas to life through compelling visuals. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Visual Effects, he aspires to transition into filmmaking and craft immersive cinematic experiences.
Manasi Babaleshwar
Manasi Babaleshwar is an emerging filmmaker. She holds a BA from REVA University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Film and Television: Research and Production from the University of Birmingham. Manasi has directed and produced her short film Shattered Vows. She gained hands-on experience interning at production houses like Rural Media, contributing to projects such as the BBC series The Read.
Srivatsa B
Srivatsa B is a business graduate from St. Joseph’s College of Commerce and a branding professional with a strong commitment to intersectional climate action. Actively involved in intersectional climate advocacy since school, he has collaborated with organizations like Fridays for Future and Jhatkaa, as well as activists like Dia Mirza and Disha Ravi. He also serves as the director of Dystopia India, an animal welfare organization.
Interns
Dhatri B.S.
BA 2nd Year
Mount Carmel College
Methila Bhardwaj
BA 2nd Year
Mount Carmel College
Smruti G.M.
BA 1st Year
Kateel Ashok Pai Memorial college, Shimoga
Siri Gowri
BBA 2nd Year
NESIAS College, Shimoga
E.A. Sarayu
BA 2nd Year
Mount Carmel College
Spoorthi N.M.
BSc 1st Year
Kateel Ashok Pai Memorial college, Shimoga
Deepthi Sumana K
BA 2nd Year
Mount Carmel College
V U Shivani Sirisha
BA 2nd Year
Mount Carmel College
What makes "Avala Hejje Short Film Festival – 2025" special is that, for the first time in Karnataka, a competition was organized exclusively for Kannada short films made by women. Submissions for short films were open in March and April 2025. The competition received an overwhelming response. Nearly 60 short films, directed by women with diverse backgrounds from across Karnataka - including a 14-year-old young filmmaker and a Kannadati from the United States - were submitted.
The selection process was highly competitive. A distinguished jury panel comprising Sunayana Suresh, Madhu Daithota, Sanjotha Bhandari, Shwet Priya Naik, Gowri Neelavar, Akhila Vidyasandra, Pooja Sudhir and Poornima Malagimani meticulously reviewed the entries and shortlisted films for screening at the short film festival. The first screening of the short films selected in the competition and the announcement of the award winners were held on June 14, 2025 at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC).
The announcement of the winners and the award ceremony were held in the presence of the chief guest of the film festival, renowned director D. Suman Kittur. The first prize of ₹1 lakh in cash and the "Avala Hejje" award was won by the Kannada short film Unheard Echoes, directed by Kavitha B Nayak. The film also received the Audience Choice Award, a testament to its strong emotional connection with viewers.
Among the special category winners was Kshama Ambekallu, whose short film “Pushpa” received the Student Filmmaker Special Category Prize.
Three other films, each by first-time filmmakers, also received cash prizes for their outstanding work: “The Last Happy Customer” (2024), directed by Mandara Battalahalli, “Cakewalk” (2025), directed by Sinchana Shylesh and “Online” (2025), directed by Sathya Pramodha M.S
The festival also showcased “Neerellavoo Teertha” (2025), a short film produced by Renuka Yallappa Malligar, a woman farmer from Haveri district, under the non-competitive category.
The festival, which showcased eight compelling short films, drew a full house. A lively Q&A session with the featured filmmakers engaged the audience, who asked thoughtful questions and showed strong support for them.
A key highlight of the festival was a panel discussion titled “Finding the Female Voice in Kannada Cinema”, moderated by journalist Sunayana Suresh. The panel featured acclaimed filmmaker Roopa Rao (Gantu Moote), film educator Shobha C. S. of Tent Cinema School, and chief guest D. Suman Kittur.
Roopa Rao spoke candidly about the gendered biases she has faced in the film industry:
“Financiers and distributors would often speak directly to my male assistants instead of addressing me.” She emphasized that only “madness and passion” keep filmmakers going in spite of repeated rejections and financial hardships.
Suman Kittur shared a striking anecdote about a financier who refused to fund her project because their horoscopes did not match — a surreal but telling example of the irrational barriers that continue to exist for filmmakers.
The overwhelming response and support received in the first screening led to the re-screening of the short films. The second screening was organized on July 12, 2025 at the Indian Institute of World Culture (IIWC), Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. The third screening scheduled to be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the Suchitra Cinema and Cultural Academy, Bengaluru.