14th CIDSFF 2026 : Special Screenings

14th Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival 2026

19 - 28 Feb, multiple venues, Chennai 

Organised by MARUPAKKAM 30

Special Screenings :

DAY 2, 20 Feb; 10 am to 6 pm ; Goethe Institut, Chennai 

Organised by GOETHE INSTITUT & MARUPAKKAM 30

Schedule 

10 am 

Sathyapullu (The Magical Grass)

Dir : Ramdas Kadavallur; 67 min; Doc; India 

The alarming unsavoury developments in the socio-political milieu of India in the recent years have dented the confidence of a multitude of Indians who cherish peace and camaraderie.A nation that always upheld secular and democratic values since independence, a large chunk of the people is deeply concerned about the recent attacks on these much cherished ideals! The documentary is a journey through the mindscape of a young women, who is earnestly longing for the true secularism and coexistence of different communities in India.

Formless Form

Dir : Debaranjan; 60 min; Doc; India 

Casteism, in India, is deeply rooted in the social hierarchy based on birth and occupation, and with Brahmins it was at the top. This system fosters discrimination, prejudice and social exclusion. In course of time, various religious movements and teachings have arisen across the subcontinent to abolish such oppressive caste system and advocate for equality.

2 pm 

Nocturnes
Dir : Anirban Dutta, Anupama Srinivasan; 82 min; Doc; India

Amidst the lush Eastern Himalayan forests, moths convey a mysterious message. Under the cover of night, two inquisitive observers illuminate this clandestine universe, unraveling the secrets whispered by these enigmatic creatures.

4 pm 

Farming the Revolution
Dir : Nishtha Jain; 105 min; Doc; India

Farming the Revolution takes us to the heart of the massive year-long protests against the Indian government’s then newly enacted farm laws during the COVID lockdown. Over half a million protesters gathered – men and women from all generations, religions, classes and castes – and reinvented co-existence at massive protest sites that burgeoned on the borders of Delhi. The film invites us to experience the everyday textures and indomitable spirit of this historic farmers’ movement – until, finally, victory.