Parul Student’s Film 'The Fire Kept Its Promise' Makes Official Selection at Cannes 2026 Short Film Corner

Parul University has achieved another success on the international creative stage as Rohan Rathod, a student in Semester 6 of the Film & TV Production programme at the Parul Institute of Design (PID), got accreditation and selection for his final project film, “The Fire Kept It’s Promise” at the Short Film Corner, Rendez Vous Industry during the Cannes Film Festival 2026.

The film has been officially included in the Short Film Corner Catalogue at the Marché du Film, one of the world’s most influential film industry platforms held alongside the Cannes Film Festival from 12th May to 23rd May 2026 in Cannes, France. The recognition places the young filmmaker and the university among emerging global cinematic voices being showcased before international filmmakers, producers, distributors, and industry professionals.

The film “The Fire Kept It's Promise” by Rohan Rathod & Team had also recently received recognition at the 16th Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival, which is one of the most prestigious awards of the world, and there it was honoured with the Best Short Film (Student Category) award.

The film’s story turns around a really tragic incident in a village where strict customs and social hierarchies start getting too heavy, to a point where they overpower compassion and basic humanity, until it really shows the grim truth that is stuck inside those social structures. Through emotionally layered storytelling and visuals that look realistic, the film leaves a strong message about how silence, fear and inherited prejudice work over time.

The Short Film Corner at the Marché du Film is globally recognised as a platform that helps emerging filmmakers and independent cinema by bringing creators in touch with the international film community. Rohan Rathod’s selection really stands out, not just as a simple win but as a quite notable step for student-led cinema. This achievement of Rohan also shows how more Indian academic filmmaking is being seen in internationally acclaimed forums.

The Film & TV Production programme at the Parul Institute of Design (PID) keeps pushing students to make cinema that is more than just technically strong, but it has to be socially relevant and culturally reflective as well. This film project feels like a real blueprint for how campus filmmaking can meet complicated social realities while achieving international recognition.

Speaking about that achievement, Prof. Bhaskar Mitra, Dean & Director, Parul Institute of Design (PID), said, “Cinema holds the power to challenge social conditioning and ignite conversations that really matter. Rohan’s film demonstrates the courage and sensitivity required to tell stories that matter. Its recognition at Cannes reflects the evolving creative strength and global potential of our students.”

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Dr Parul Patel, Vice-President & Chairperson, Student Affairs and General Administration at Parul University, said, “This achievement is a proud moment for the university and is also a reflection of our dedication toward developing socially awake and globally capable creative minds. Getting recognition at a platform as renowned as Cannes gives real motivation for young storytellers across the country.”

Rohan Rathod, creator of the film “The Fire Kept It’s Promise”, spoke about his excitement about the international recognition. He said, “Being selected at Cannes is a dream come true for any filmmaker. The Film & TV programme at Parul Institute of Design played a defining role in shaping my journey as a storyteller and filmmaker. From script development and cinematic language to camera handling, production design, editing, and hands-on filmmaking experience, the course provided us with complete practical exposure to the world of cinema. The constant mentorship, creative environment, and industry-oriented learning at PID gave me the confidence to create stories that address important social realities and present them on a global platform.”

The international recognition around The Fire Kept Its Promise at the Cannes Film Festival 2026, strengthens Parul University's reputation in creative education and highlights the importance of how student-led storytelling can matter on global film stages.

Disclaimer: This article has been distributed by Parul University and published as a marketing initiative between Careers360 and Parul University.