🎬 IKSFF 2026 is Officially Open for Submissions! 🎬
Festival Dates: 20th – 25th January 2026
Get ready for another spectacular cinematic journey! After the resounding success of the International Kolkata Short Film Festival 2025, we're thrilled to announce the 6th edition – IKSFF 2026!
Last year, we were honored to receive 200+ short films, documentaries, and music videos from over 30 countries, backed by the incredible support of celebrities, global brands, and film icons. The grand award ceremony was nothing short of magical – an evening graced by stars and filled with cinematic brilliance.
🌟 And now, we’re back – bigger, bolder, and more brilliant than ever! 🌟
IKSFF 2026 invites filmmakers from across the globe to be a part of this vibrant, internationally acclaimed festival. This is your chance to showcase your creativity, vision, and voice on a platform that truly celebrates independent cinema.
🙌 Why Submit to IKSFF 2026?
🎥 Hybrid Festival – Selected Films screened both online and offline*
🏆 30+ Award Categories across 6 Genres
📜 Every selected entry receives an official certificate and laurel
⏱️ Long Short Films (up to 45 minutes) are welcome
🎶 Now accepting Music Videos!, Advt/Commercials also
🎥 Non-Competitive Screenings available – get in touch!
🤝 A vibrant platform where cinephiles, directors, producers, and filmmakers from around the world come together to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the transformative power of cinema.
IKSFF isn’t just a festival – it’s a celebration of global storytelling. Hosted in Kolkata, a city steeped in cinematic legacy, the festival brings together filmmakers, critics, actors, and cinephiles to connect, engage, and inspire.
Submit your entries now via FilmFreeway – Our Global Submission Partner and join a community that empowers storytellers and nurtures fresh voices.
💡 Whether you're a rising filmmaker or an established storyteller, IKSFF 2026 is your stage. Let the world experience your story!
For more updates, visit: https://iksff.co.in/
For showcasing opportunities on our partner platform Eventizer, stay tuned!
🙏 A heartfelt thank you to all our filmmakers, jury, sponsors, partners, and supporters. Let’s create something extraordinary together.
✨ Submissions are now OPEN! Don’t miss this chance to be a part of something amazing. Let the magic of storytelling begin at IKSFF 2026!
🎬 Screening, Selection & Awards – IKSFF 2026
We are excited to announce that all selected films will be screened either online or offline, and every selected filmmaker will receive an official ‘Selection Laurel’ and Certificate via email. From this curated selection, five entries per award category will be nominated for the next stage.
These nominated films will be honored with a ‘Nomination Laurel’ and will be proudly featured on our official website and social media platforms.
🏆 The winners from the nominated entries will be selected by our esteemed jury. We have a total of 25 above award categories along with Special Mentions to recognize excellence in various genres and crafts.
🏅 IKSFF 2026 Award Categories
🎥 Film Categories
1. Best Short Film
2. Best Long Short Film
3. Best Indian Short Film
4. Best Bengali Short Film
5. Best Documentary Film
6. Best LGBTQ Short Film
7. Best Environmental Short Film
8. Best Animation Short Film
🎬 Direction & Technical
9. Best Director (Short / Long Short Film)
10. Best Director (Documentary)
11. Best Bengali Director
12. Best Director (Commercial / Advertisement)
13. Best Debut Director
14. Best Concept
15. Best Cinematographer
16. Best Editor
17. Best Background Score
🎭 Acting
18. Best Actor
19. Best Supporting Actor
20. Best Child Actor
21. Best Bengali Actor (Long / Short Film)
🎶 Music Video
22. Best Music Video
23. Best Singer (Music Video)
24. Best Lyricist (Music Video)
📢 Other Categories
25. Best PSA (Public Service Announcement)
26. Best Commercial / Advertisement
🏆 Special & Prestigious Awards
Lifetime Achievement Award
Late Jiban Guha Memorial Award
and More ...
⚠️ Note: Eligibility for nomination and awards is subject to a minimum of 5 submissions per category.
🎖️ Winner Benefits All winning films will receive:
>> A Winner Laurel
>> Certificate of Achievement
>> Medal or Memento
>> Featured social media promotions
In addition, depending on availability and time constraints, we will host a special offline screening in Kolkata for award-winning entries.
🏅 Award Deliverables:
Digital laurels and certificates will be sent via email.
Hard copies (trophies/medals/certificates) will be dispatched via courier/post.
The recipient must bear shipping charges, customs duties, and handling fees. The festival organizers will not be liable for these expenses.
🎥 Screening Format Please note that selected, nominated, or awarded films may be screened online, offline, or both, depending on programming limitations. Not all films may be shown during the offline segment due to time constraints. The final decision rests with the IKSFF festival committee.
We look forward to celebrating your storytelling on a global platform!
Let your creation shine at IKSFF 2026! 🌍✨