WORLD FILM FESTIVAL KOLKATA is organized by the Eastern Region of the FEDERATION OF FILM SOCIETIES OF INDIA (Estd.1959; Founder President: Satyajit Ray) in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Section of the International Federation of Film Societies every year at 'Nandan' - the Film Center of West Bengal in Kolkata. 1st edition of the festival was held from 20 to 25 Sept 2022 and the 2nd edition from 22 to 27 Sept 2023 showcasing a carefully selected films from all over the world. 3rd edition of the festival was held from 15 to 21 Sept 2024 and from this edition the festival became Competitive with several awards judged by an eminent independent jury. 4th edition of the festival was held from 16 to 21 Aug 2025. 5th edition will also be held as usual at Nandan - the film center in Kolkata from 10 to 15 Aug 2026.

🏆BIMAL ROY GOLDEN AWARD for the Best Feature Film (Fiction: 60 to 120 mins)
🏆BIMAL ROY SILVER AWARD for the 2nd Best Feature Film (same as above)
🏆HARISADHAN DASGUPTA GOLDEN AWARD for the Best Documentary: (Non-Fiction: 10 to 120 mins)
🏆HARISADHAN DASGUPTA SILVER AWARD for the 2nd Best Documentary: (same as above)
🏆CHIDANANDA DASGUPTA GOLDEN AWARD for the Best Short Fiction (01 to 59 mins)
🏆CHIDANANDA DASGUPTA SILVER AWARD for the 2nd Best Short Fiction (same as above)

* Fiction and Non-Fiction Films made after 1st January 2023 in any country are eligible.
* Films must be subtitled in English.
* One can submit more than one Entry, but separate submission forms should be filled up for each Entry.
* Synopsis/ Story Line of the Film should be written between 300 and 500 words. Synopsis/ Story Line less than 350 words may be rejected.
* Festival Committee will decide which films will be shown in competition section and which in non-competition section.
* WhatsApp No. of the Right Owner of the Film is Mandatory.
* Any individual or organization holding the due ownership rights of the films can submit any number of entries.
* For final screening of the selected films only High Resolution MP4 files (max 05 GB) should be submitted OR Download permission of a high resolution file should be given through FilmFreeway on request as final screener for the selected films.
* Festival authorities will have the right to screen any selected film (five 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.
* Final Public Screening of the Film is subject to the approval of the Govt. of India.
* There will be NO refund of Money.
* Films already available in any platform are also eligible, no condition of premiere.
* Films already submitted or shown in any previous editions of the World Film Festival Kolkata or South Asian Short Film Festival or International Sports Film Festival of India organised by the Federation of Film Societies of India/ Eastern Region are not eligible.
* Film once submitted can not be withdrawn after decision notified thorugh FilmFreeway.
* Legal jurisdiction: Calcutta High Court.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Tathagata Ghosh

    A great festival with great programming!

    August 2025
  • Amala Popuri

    The audience response was amazing and people from different age groups and walks of line made it to the screening. The screening space is a part of the prestigious Nandan theatre…and brings in a great value because of its projection quality and rendition. The organisers were very communicative and very accommodative to our requirements. This being the Kolkata premiere for the film, it was truly rewarding.

    August 2025
  • Soumendu Bhattacherya

    Fine atmosphere. Selective films are of good quality. Helpful organisers.

    August 2025
  • Daria Elena Dashunina

    A dynamically developing festival. Creative team of motivated people.
    Serious expert level of the jury. I'm glad that my short film has become part of this festival. Unfortunately, I couldn’t come, but even from a distance the communication was excellent.

    September 2024
  • Very nice festival with a rich variety of films.

    September 2024