September 2025 — A bold new chapter in Eastern India’s cinematic journey is set to unfold this January as CineBridge makes its debut at the International Kolkata Short Film Festival (IKSFF) 2026. Positioned as a flagship segment of the festival, CineBridge promises to be a game-changer for the independent film community — creating a platform where untold stories meet open doors.
For the first time in Kolkata and across Eastern India, independent filmmakers will have a dedicated space to connect directly with producers, financiers, OTT representatives, and production houses. Described as more than just a film bazaar, CineBridge is envisioned as a purpose-driven ecosystem designed to bridge the gap between emerging storytellers and key industry stakeholders.
“CineBridge is our natural progression — a result of everything we’ve learned through years of working with passionate independent filmmakers,” says Sourav Chakraborty, Chairman of IKSFF. “At every edition of the festival, we’ve seen extraordinary films and met creators with great potential. With CineBridge, we’re giving these talents a chance to build relationships that go beyond screenings. This is about turning creative ambition into real projects.”
Built on the mantra of 'Submit. Pitch. Connect. Create.', CineBridge will host pitch sessions, networking forums, and showcase opportunities. The initiative is expected to attract both creators and investors, facilitating long-term collaborations.
Several Mumbai-based production houses, including Little Lamb Production and EON Films, have already confirmed their participation. In addition, prominent OTT platforms and leading Kolkata-based production houses are also preparing to join, underlining the trust and excitement around this pioneering venture.
Submissions for IKSFF 2026 are currently underway across a wide range of categories, including Short Film, Long Short Film, Short Documentary, Environmental Short Film, Animation Films, Music Video, PSA, and Advt & Commercial. Submissions will be through FilmFreeway or the IKSFF website submission panel. The deadline for entries is November 2025, and the response has already been overwhelming, with over 200 films submitted from nearly 20 countries. Organizers expect a record number of entries this year, further strengthening the festival’s reputation as one of India’s most inclusive and dynamic platforms for short cinema.
Submission Link:
FilmFreeway:https://filmfreeway.com/InternationalKolkataShortFilmFestival
The IKSFF has also launched its official YouTube channel, Shortflicks, aimed at encouraging short filmmakers. This platform will be ideal for those looking to share their films and music videos with a broader audience, serving as a dedicated short film hub.
Launched in 2020, IKSFF has grown into Eastern India’s largest and most internationally recognized short film festival. Its unique hybrid model — combining online screenings with offline events, masterclasses, and seminars — has made it a vital platform for aspiring filmmakers and cinephiles. Over the years, the festival has been attended by distinguished personalities such as Dr. Mohan Agashe, Moon Moon Sen, Barun Chanda, Paran Bandopadhyay, Phalguni Chatterjee, Jaya Seal Ghosh, Pandit Bickram Ghosh, Anirban Bhattacharya, Bauddhayan Mukherji, Arghyakamal Mitra, Prof. Sanjoy Mukhopadhyay, and many more.
Behind the festival’s rise are Sourav Chakraborty and Saswati Guha Chakraborty, a couple who, despite coming from different professional backgrounds, built IKSFF out of their shared passion for cinema. Their vision has helped establish the festival as one of the most talked-about platforms for independent filmmakers in India and abroad.
“At IKSFF, our commitment has always gone beyond just screening films,” said Saswati Guha Chakraborty, Festival Director. “CineBridge is that next step — about giving filmmakers the access and network they need to move forward with confidence.”
The 6th edition of IKSFF will be held from January 20–25, 2026, across multiple venues in Kolkata, including Adamas University (Barasat), Sister Nivedita University (New Town), and Rotary Sadan. Online screenings will run from January 20–24 on the festival’s official digital platform, 'efilmzone'.
CineBridge will take place on January 24, 2026, at Rotary Sadan, Kolkata, serving as the hub of industry interaction during the festival. The Closing and Awards Ceremony will follow on January 25, 2026. Enrollment for CineBridge has already opened, with filmmakers invited to register at their convenience.
With Kolkata’s rich cinematic heritage as its backdrop, CineBridge is set to become a transformative space — one where storytelling meets structure, and ideas turn into investments. As IKSFF 2026 lights up the city, CineBridge is poised to stand out as one of its brightest highlights, ushering in a new era of collaboration and opportunity for independent cinema.
