Filmfare, a brand that's synonymous with entertainment has taken a leap forward and ventured into the digital space by launching a new awards property, Jio Filmfare Short Film Awards. The awards property has roped in the creme de la creme of the industry including as the jury on board which includes the likes of - Gauri Shinde, Karan Johar, Meghna Gulzar, Vidya Balan, Zoya Akhtar and Kabir Khan. With several accomplished and upcoming filmmakers vying for the iconic Black lady, a first one for short film makers, the competition has become fierce now.

The awards property has succeeded in striking a balance between films from both established and aspiring directors which gives every filmmaker a fair chance to own a Black Lady! The winners will be announced via Facebook Live - a first of its kind - and honored at Filmfare Awards on January 14.

All the shortlisted films have been uploaded on the microsite and the Filmfare facebook page for as the public can also view and vote. Renowned director Sujoy Ghosh's short film titled 'Ahalya' and Neeraj Pandey's 'Ouch' are also in the list of the shortlisted movies competing for the coveted black lady. While Sujoy Ghosh has won the title of Best Director at Filmfare Awards in the past, Neeraj Pandey was nominated for the same title. These familiar faces are coming together once again on the same platform in an interesting turn of events.

On being one of the jury, actress Vidya Balan said, "I'm excited to be on the judging panel of the first ever 'Short Film Awards', being championed by a widely recognized awards property like Filmfare. I have been a jury member for multiple film festivals across the globe but this is truly unique given that it's the short film format. I am also happy to be the only actor on the jury among some of the country's more acclaimed film directors. It's wonderful that Filmfare has carved this property to highlight and celebrate the talent that exists in this space"


Director Karan Johar who is the part of Filmfare Short Film Awards Jury said, "I have been a part of innumerable Filmfare award ceremonies and it's great to see them extend this prestigious platform to short filmmakers. There are lot of talented people out there this is a great way they can showcase it especially on a digital platform. Hope they seize the opportunity and make the most of it. I cannot wait for the awards to unfold and watch some cutting edge content."

Acclaimed director Zoya Akhtar said, "The first ever Filmfare Short Film Awards is an ideal pedestal for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their work to the world. I am thrilled to be a part of the jury. With all the great digital content available I am sure it's going to be tough to choose a winner. Also I am excited by the prospect of judging these films with other esteemed members on the panel."

Director and Jury member Gauri Shinde said, "Having worked on short films in the past, I know for a fact that conveying a story through this medium is by no means an easy task. I think Filmfare has conceived a much needed property, and I'm delighted to be a part of the first ever Filmfare Short Film Awards. The category is very niche, but we need initiatives like these to back such filmmakers and bring them to the mainstream. I am looking forward to being a part of the jury along with Vidya Balan, Karan Johar, and the rest."

Few films old, Film Director Divyansh Pandit's 'Lallan from Ahmedabad' is also shortlisted for one of the categories under Filmfare Short Film Awards. It took the onlookers by surprise when the young director received an acknowledging tweet from Sujoy Ghosh wishing him good luck. Some of the short films also feature popular names playing pivotal characters, which include actors Sunny Leone, Alok Nath, Deepak Dobrial, Huma Qureshi, Manoj Bajpai, Tisca chopra, Radhika Apte, Tota roy Chowdhary and Soumitra Chatterjee. These will be seen in these shortlisted films for the first ever Filmfare Short Film Awards.