Student’s film selected for Cannes short film corner

Vadodara: A student film from Parul University has earned international recognition after being selected for the short film corner at the 2026 edition of the Cannes Film Festival in France.

The Fire Kept Its Promise, directed by Rohan Rathod, a semester-6 student of the Film & TV Production programme at the Parul Institute of Design (PID), has been officially included in the short film corner catalogue at the Marché du Film, one of the world’s leading film industry platforms held alongside Cannes from May 12 to 23 in Cannes.

The film, which earlier won the Best Short Film (Student Category) award at the Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival, revolves around a tragic incident in a village where rigid customs and social hierarchies overpower compassion and humanity. Through emotionally layered storytelling and realistic visuals, the film explores themes of silence, fear and inherited prejudice.

The short film corner at the Marché du Film is regarded as a major global platform for emerging filmmakers and independent cinema, connecting creators with international filmmakers, producers and distributors.

Parul University described Rathod’s selection as a significant milestone for student-led cinema and a reflection of the growing visibility of Indian academic filmmaking on global platforms.

Bhaskar Mitra, dean and director of PID, said the recognition reflected the creative strength and global potential of the institute’s students, while Parul Patel termed it a proud moment for the university.

“This recognition at Cannes will inspire young storytellers across the country,” Patel said.