Bengaluru short film festival adds AI competition category alongside Oscar-qualifying sections

Variety reports (31 July 2026) that BISFF's 16th edition has expanded to 10 competition arenas, adding AI (Machine Made Movies) and Dancing Lens. Three sections — International, Indian, Animation — remain Oscar-qualifying. The festival received 3,340 submissions from 100-plus countries, 118 in the AI category. In-person screenings run 14–16 August 2026. The festival's own website lists AI as non-competitive, a discrepancy Variety's exclusive does not address.