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CHAIRMAN MESSAGE
WELCOME TO THE INTERNATIONAL KOLKATA SHORT FILM FESTIVAL | IKSFF
Short films are no longer just a stepping stone — they are the future of storytelling. At the International Kolkata Short Film Festival (IKSFF), we have always believed in the power of brevity to convey deep, powerful narratives that resonate with today's fast-evolving audience. Over the past five years, we have dedicated ourselves to building a platform that not only celebrates this art form but also nurtures the incredible talents behind it. Our journey has been one of passion, persistence, and belief — belief in the filmmakers, in the stories they tell, and in the audience that embraces them.
In a world where time is precious and attention spans are limited, short films offer an immersive experience without compromise — much like T20 cricket did for the sport. Just as we accepted the thrill of T20 alongside Test and One-Day formats, it’s time the cinematic world embraced short films alongside mainstream features. We appeal to multiplexes, PVRs, and single-screen theatres to dedicate weekly slots to short films, documentaries, and animations, so these powerful works can find their rightful space on the big screen.
IKSFF 2026 marks our 6th edition!
Last Year, we’ve received 200+ films from 30+ countries, hosted grand award nights, collaborated with celebrities, and created a credible platform for independent filmmakers.
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​From this year, we’re also proud to introduce CineBridge – an exclusive initiative that connects independent filmmakers with producers, production houses, and investors. It’s a unique opportunity to pitch ideas, sell films, and forge meaningful collaborations. For industry professionals, it offers a direct gateway to fresh and original content.
Our mission at IKSFF has always been to push boundaries, to connect cultures through storytelling, and to uphold an international standard of cinematic excellence. We strive to remain a festival that doesn’t just screen films but walks hand in hand with the filmmaker, supporting their journey from vision to visibility. Despite financial challenges, we are committed to scaling greater heights and reaching wider audiences in the years to come.We thank our sponsors, partners, and the creative community who have stood by us and believed in this movement. Today, IKSFF proudly stands as one of the most prestigious international festivals dedicated to short films — and this is just the beginning.
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​We thank our sponsors, partners, and the creative community who have stood by us and believed in this movement. Today, IKSFF proudly stands as one of the most prestigious international festivals dedicated to short films — and this is just the beginning.
— Sourav Chakraborty
Festival Chairman
International Kolkata Short Film Festival (IKSFF)
