Abhishek Galshar is an influential Indian film festival director, cultural curator, and entrepreneur, renowned for founding and directing several prominent film festivals and talent awards across India. As Festival Director, he spearheads the Short Film Mantra International Film Festival (SFMIFF), the OTT Cinema Awards, and the Vibrant India Talent Awards. These platforms are dedicated to recogniz
ing and celebrating excellence in short films, digital media, and the performing arts. Early Life and Education
Born in Surat, Gujarat, India, Abhishek Galshar cultivated a passion for cinema and the arts from an early age. This passion led him to deviate from an engineering to pursue theatre education under the mentorship of acclaimed dramatist Satyadev Dubey. He further honed his artistic skills at the Zee Film Academy Institute and completed a certificate course at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. Career Trajectory
Galshar's artistic journey began in theatre as an actor, director, and writer. His foundational experiences in the performing arts naturally transitioned him into the broader fields of film curation and event management. Identifying a critical gap in platforms for independent filmmakers, he launched the Short Film Mantra International Film Festival (SFMIFF) in 2010. SFMIFF has since evolved into one of India’s most notable festivals dedicated to short films, with its 15th edition scheduled for Surat, Gujarat, in September 2026. Responding to the rapid expansion of digital media, Galshar founded the OTT Cinema Awards, an initiative designed to honor outstanding content and creators in the over-the-top (OTT) media space. He also leads the Vibrant India Talent Awards, an annual event in Mumbai that celebrates diverse achievements in creative fields including acting, singing, dancing, and writing. In 2025, he expanded his initiatives with the introduction of the Vibrant India Talent Show, a nationwide platform aimed at discovering and promoting emerging singers and dancers. Winners of the show are offered opportunities to feature in professional music video albums and receive national-level promotion. Impact and Contributions
Through his multifaceted festivals and awards, Abhishek Galshar has provided a vital launchpad for countless emerging filmmakers, artists, and performers. He has played a pivotal role in amplifying regional talent and nurturing a dynamic, inclusive creative ecosystem throughout India. Under his leadership, SFMIFF alone has attracted over 15,000 short film submissions globally, representing the work of more than 45,000 filmmakers and team members. To date, Galshar has organized over 900 cultural events, encompassing theatre productions, fashion shows, and film festivals. His initiatives extend beyond professional circles, incorporating community-driven efforts such as caring for street dogs and promoting socially conscious filmmaking. Recognition and Accolades
Abhishek Galshar's significant contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including:
Best Director and Writer for the short film Awareness at the San Francisco International Film Festival (2007)
Best Short Film for Daughter at the Durban International Film Festival (2016)
Official Selection for his short film Lockdown at the Cannes International Film Festival (2019)
Personal Life
Currently residing in Surat, Gujarat, Abhishek Galshar is single. His personal interests include writing, reading, exploring new artistic trends, and mentoring emerging talent. Beyond his professional engagements in documentaries, advertisements, and non-commercial projects, he remains deeply committed to community service and animal welfare.
