Chhota Cinema: New Indian Shorts 2026

Screening as part of the 2026 South Asian Film Festival. 

Click here to purchase a Series Pass ($65) for priority seating and discounted admission to all five SAFF programs!

Returning for the first time since 2024, Chhota Cinema showcases the best in cutting-edge new Indian cinema. This year, we present five compelling films from filmmakers across the globe: THE LAST RIDE, SŪNNA, KUCHAR (THE ITCH), BLU’S, and THE PREDICTION. Together, these films highlight the diversity, creativity, and evolving voices shaping contemporary South Asian cinema.

The Last Ride
2025, 23 minutes, India, In Hindi with English Subtitles, directed by Vijesh Rajan and Yashoda Parthasarthy
In Mumbai, a migrant ride-share driver’s desperate theft takes a terrifying and unexpected turn when his final passenger turns out to be a demonic witch.

SŪNNA
2025, 13 minutes, USA, In English, directed by Radha Mehta 
Southeast Premiere!
When sudden hearing loss shatters her identity, a young Indian musician is left in silence until the echoes of memory, touch, and culture help her reclaim music and herself. Directed by Radha Mehta (“Dosh”, SAFF 2024) and produced by Janet Yang (The Joy Luck Club)
 

Kuchar (The Itch)
2025, 20 minutes, India, In Hindi with English Subtitles, directed by Vaidaangi Sharma
Southeast Premiere!
Winner of Best International Short at the Palm Springs International Shortfest, “Kuchar” is a coming-of-age tale that follows Chanda, who unexpectedly discovers masturbation on an otherwise ordinary day—set off by nothing more than the whirl of a washing machine.
 

Blu’s
2025, 10 minutes, India, No Dialogue, directed by Rajesh PK
Southeast Premiere
Growing up freely in harmony with nature, witnessing her beautiful environment being swallowed up by industrialization, BLU decides to fight for the wildlife, meadows, rivers and trees before they disappear completely, in this beautiful directorial debut from animator Rajesh PK (The Croods, Trolls)
 

The Prediction
2025, 24 minutes, India, In English and Tamil with English Subtitles, directed by Rishi Chandna
East Coast Premiere
A grieving boatman and an earnest meteorologist share their knowledge of the seas and weather, but find themselves helpless in the face of unpredictable climate.