After a Grand Success of the 11th Bengal International Short Film Festival (BISFF) we are announcing the 12th edition of BISFF in March 2027 in the City of Cinema - Kolkata. The Festival is organized by the Bengal Film and Television Chamber of Commerce (BFTCC), a reputed trade body of the flm and television industries affiliated with the Film Federation of India to promote and encourage the young and talented independent filmmakers from all over the world. This year the Festival will be showcased again at NANDAN - the Film Center of West bengal in Kolkata from 24 to 27 March 2027.

Awards & Prizes

Cash Awards for Best and Second Best Film in Both Sections - Short Fiction and Documentary.

Rules & Terms

* Genre: Fiction and Documentary.
*Duration: Maxim 40 minutes.
*Eligibility: Films made after 1 Jan 2024 in any format/ country/ language with English subtitles are eligible.
* Synopsis/ Story Line of the Film should be between 300 and 500 words. Synopsis/ Story Line less than 300 words may be rejected.
*Certificates will be issued to all participants for all categories whose films will be selected for final screening.
*Please specify if the film has already got a CBFC certificate from the Govt of India. If yes, please upload the certificate. If Not, please mention that. (Please note, a film without CBFC certicate can also be submitted).
*Premiere: No condition of premiere. Even films available in YouTube or OTT platforms are also eligible.
*Embargo: Films submitted earlier in any edition of BISFF will be rejected.
*One filmmaker can submit any number of entries but separate submission forms should be submitted for every entry with separate entry fees.
*Final Screener: High Resolution (max 3GB) downloadable file in MOV or MP4 format or Pen-drive (non-returnable) only after receiving the confirmation for final selection. No DVD/VCD.
*Decision for selection of any film for Competition or Panorama (Out of Competition) section or rejection of any film is the sole prerogative of the festival committee. No negotiation will be entertained in this respect.
*Films once submitted can not be withdrawn under any circumstances.
*Any individual or organization holding the due ownership rights of the films can submit any number of entries.
*Festival authorities will have the right to screen any selected film (max. 5 screenings) in different cities of India on non-commercial basis.
*For promotional/publicity purposes, excerpts from any film (max. 60 secs) may be used on non-commercial basis.
*Legal jurisdiction: Calcutta High Court.
19 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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  • Subhankar Ray

    One of the nice and beautiful film festival in Kolkata. So many verities of short fiction and documentary film attended. Viewers also educated and enthusiastic. Festival comittee members organisers also very kind & cooperative. Hope this festival will achieve very important role in future for all young Filmmaker's.

    March 2026
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  • Arnab Mahapatra

    A professionally managed festival with excellent communication and a supportive atmosphere for filmmakers. Honoured that *The Alter Echo* received Second Best Film here. A meaningful platform for independent cinema.

    March 2026
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  • Suddhasatwya Chatterjee

    As a Director , It was an excellent experience attending the festival , perfectly organised , very very knowledgeable jury members, excellent movie selection and screening , excellent ambience, overall a great experience

    June 2025
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  • Anubhab Adhikary

    Decent festival. We were invited to the screening. However the sound quality of the hall was not good.

    June 2025
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  • Kushal Sinharoy

    One of the prominent film festival where independent makers can show their creativity. Thanks BISFF for Selecting my documentary "Bipanna-The Endangered" and gave me the opportunity to showcase it at Nandan Kolkata..

    May 2025
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