Kolkata, January 14, 2026: Kolkata is once again ready to celebrate the power of short-format cinema as Boroline Presents, in association with Eventizer, the 6th International Kolkata Short Film Festival (IKSFF) 2026 is scheduled from 20th to 25th January 2026. Recognised as Eastern India’s longest-running and most prestigious short film festival, IKSFF 2026 will be held in a hybrid format, combining physical screenings across multiple venues in Kolkata with online screenings on the eFilmZone platform.
This year, IKSFF 2026 will showcase 300+ short films from over 34 countries, selected from more than 350 submissions, spanning International, National, Bengal Panorama, Documentaries, Music Videos, and Advertisement Films. The festival continues to champion independent cinema while creating a meaningful bridge between creativity, industry, and audiences.
CineBridge: A Landmark Industry Initiative
A major highlight of IKSFF 2026 is the launch of CineBridge, Kolkata’s first dedicated industry interaction and market platform for independent filmmakers. Scheduled on 24th January 2026 at Rotary Sadan, CineBridge will bring together filmmakers, OTT platforms, producers, investors, and leading production houses from Mumbai and Kolkata, offering a vital space for collaboration, networking, and future projects.
Festival Schedule & Venues
20–22 January 2026: Adamas University
21 January 2026: Sister Nivedita University
23–25 January 2026: Rotary Sadan, Kolkata (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily)
The festival will culminate with the Grand Closing & Award Ceremony on 25th January 2026 at Rotary Sadan.
Entry to all physical screenings and award events is completely FREE.
Frames of Thought: Seminars & Masterclasses
IKSFF 2026 places strong emphasis on learning and dialogue through curated seminars and masterclasses:
20 January | Seminar | Adamas University
How Artificial Intelligence Will Reshape the Future of Cinema?
21 January | Seminar | Sister Nivedita University
Are Men’s Emotions Ignored in Cinema?
Both sessions will be hosted by noted producer and Festival Advisor Animesh Ganguly.
21 January | Masterclass | Sister Nivedita University
Cinema in the Digital Era by Prof. Sanjay Mukhopadhyay
These sessions aim to address contemporary cinematic challenges and evolving storytelling practices.
Awards & Recognition
IKSFF 2026 will present 30+ awards, including newly introduced categories such as Best Poster Design, Best Sound Design, and Courage of Creation – Producer Award. The festival will also honour cinema with a Lifetime Achievement Award, along with several Memorial and Special Awards, reinforcing its commitment to recognising excellence across generations.
Key Highlights – Notable Films
The festival lineup includes internationally acclaimed films such as Trezor the Dog (Russia), Black Balloons (Australia), If You Hear Me Over (Sri Lanka), and Ghost (Russia).
Indian highlights include Ulto Rajar Desh, RU BA RU, Tea Kottu, Beyond the Sands, and Echoes of Us.
The documentary section features impactful works like Baluka Kala: Sand Artist, The Turtle Warrior, and The Corpse Taker, alongside a strong showcase of music videos and advertisement films.
Movies by Renowned Actors and Directors
IKSFF 2026 proudly showcases films featuring legendary and nationally acclaimed artistes such as Sabitri Chatterjee and Rituparna Sengupta, along with several veteran and contemporary actors from across India. Their participation underscores the festival’s stature as a platform where cinematic legacy intersects with independent and new-age cinema.
ShortFlicks – Extending Cinema Beyond the Festival
IKSFF continues its digital initiative ShortFlicks – The Short Film Hub, its official YouTube platform that offers filmmakers revenue-sharing opportunities while ensuring curated short films reach audiences well beyond the festival circuit.
Voices from the Festival
Sourav Chakraborty, Chairman, IKSFF, said: “Short films are the future of cinema. IKSFF 2026 is designed as a global platform where creativity, learning, and industry interaction come together. IKSFF has evolved into a global platform where creativity, industry interaction, and learning coexist. This year’s edition reflects our commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and cinematic excellence.”
Saswati Guha Chakraborty, Festival Director, added: “The diversity of stories this year reflects the growing global relevance of short films. With our hybrid format and expanded initiatives, IKSFF 2026 promises a truly inclusive cinematic experience. With diverse films, knowledge sessions, CineBridge, and iconic venues, IKSFF 2026 celebrates cinema as a powerful medium of connection and dialogue.”
