The 4th edition of the International Kolkata Short Film Festival (IKSFF 2024) is set to captivate audiences from January 23rd to 28th, 2024, at Rotary Sadan, Kolkata. Hosted by Eventizer, the festival has garnered a staggering 270+ submissions from over 30 countries, receiving widespread acclaim from international, national, and Bengal film luminaries.
This year’s festival embraces a hybrid format, blending online and physical events. Over six days, IKSFF 2024 promises a cinematic feast, featuring diverse categories such as Tribal Films, Human Rights Films, Children’s Films, LGBTQ films, Women-Centric films, and other socially significant themes.
Festival Director Saswati Guha Chakraborty reflects on the event’s growth, stating, “IKSFF has reached people’s hearts and has earned the belief and love of many filmmakers and film enthusiasts.” The festival kicks off with an online screening on Kolkata’s First Short Film Platform, eFilmzone, from January 23rd to 25th, 2024, starting at 7 pm. The online festival, accessible with the Universal Code “IKSFF24” at www.efilmzone.com, is a free event.
The online festival will be complemented by master classes, seminars, and screenings at iLead from January 23rd to 25th, covering topics such as ‘Cinema with a Cause,’ ‘LGBTQ narrative and notions,’ and ‘From Her Lens – Their challenges and success stories.’
Transitioning to the physical realm, the festival continues from January 26th to 28th at Rotary Sadan, Kolkata, with the Closing/Award Ceremony on January 28th from 5 pm to 10 pm. Notable seminars, including ‘Cinema With a Cause,’ will address human rights issues through audio-visual tools.
Festival Chairman Sourav Chakraborty emphasizes the significance of short films, advocating for their inclusion in mainstream cinema: ‘We want to propose the Multiplex, PVRs, and single screens to at least allot a minimum 2-hour slot for short films, documentaries, and animations before the commercials so that short films can also find a way to the cinema hall.’
The Physical Festival and Award Ceremony are open to all free of charge this year, with a total of 30+ awards to be presented. Highlights include the prestigious Late Jibon Guha Memorial Award, the Award for Best Bengali Actor of the Decade, and the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred upon Dr. Mohan Agashe for his immense contributions to Indian Cinema.