Switch Off L’Étrange Festival: Sandeep Francis Film Gets European Premiere in Paris

Sandeep Francis’ Switch Off heads to Paris for L’Étrange Festival after winning Jury’s Choice at BIFAN 2026.

Sandeep Francis’ short film Switch Off is heading to Paris for L’Étrange Festival. The film will compete in the festival’s short-film competition.

The selection marks another international milestone for the psychological thriller. It follows the film’s successful run at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea.

European Premiere in Paris

Switch Off has been selected for the “Suspicion” short-film competition at L’Étrange Festival. The official programme lists it as a 10-minute Indian fiction film.

The film is scheduled for screenings on September 2 and September 3. The festival has listed the Paris screening as its European premiere.

A Thriller Built Around a Smartphone

The story follows a man who encounters a seemingly dead smartphone. The device suddenly returns to life and begins documenting his reality.

Sandeep Francis Makes His Directorial Debut

Francis is making his directorial debut with Switch Off. He previously worked as an editor on films including Drishyam 2, Shaitaan and Raid 2.

The filmmaker has taken the film into the international festival circuit. Its latest Paris selection comes after recognition at BIFAN 2026.

Strong Start at BIFAN

The film previously competed in the Bucheon Choice: World Shorts section at BIFAN. It was the only Indian short selected in that main competition lineup.

Switch Off later won the Jury’s Choice award in the World Shorts section. BIFAN officially announced the award in July 2026.

Abhishek Pathak and Panorama Studios Back the Film

The film is presented by Panorama Studios. Abhishek Pathak, filmmaker and managing director of the studio, has backed the project.

Pathak said the film reflects Panorama Studios’ aim to support stories with international appeal. He also praised Francis’ direction and the film’s original thriller concept.

Another International Platform for Indian Cinema

The Paris selection gives the film another international platform. It also places Indian genre short alongside filmmakers from several countries.

For Francis and the Panorama Studios team, Switch Off L’Étrange Festival selection adds to an already strong festival journey. The film’s BIFAN award has further strengthened its international profile.

Sandeep Francis’ short thriller Switch Off is set to make its European premiere at the 32nd L’Étrange Festival in Paris. The 10-minute-30-second film has been officially selected for the festival’s “Suspicion” short-film competition.

Directed by Sandeep Francis and presented by filmmaker Abhishek Pathak, Switch Off brings an unusual horror premise to the screen.

A Story Built Around Technology

At the centre of Switch Off is an everyday object that most people use constantly. The smartphone becomes an unsettling element as the story develops.

The film uses technology to explore fear, uncertainty and the loss of control. Its short runtime keeps the narrative focused and maintains a steady sense of tension.

International Attention for Indian Short Films

The selection also highlights the growing presence of Indian short films at international genre festivals. Such platforms give filmmakers an opportunity to reach audiences beyond the domestic market.

For emerging directors, festival selections can provide valuable exposure. They can also help independent projects connect with programmers, critics and international film communities.

A New Chapter for Sandeep Francis

Francis has built his career primarily through editing before moving into direction. His experience behind the editing desk has shaped his approach to storytelling.

Editing plays an important role in suspense films. Timing, pacing and the placement of visual information can significantly affect how viewers experience a scene.