Kolkata Kaleidoscope International Film Festival (1)

Festival start: 08 January 2027      Festival end: 10 January 2027

The principal objective of the Kolkata Kaleidoscope International Film Festival (KKIFF) is to promote and encourage awareness, appreciation and understanding of the art of cinema, and to inspire cultural exchange through film.

The first edition of KKIFF aims to bring together filmmakers, film enthusiasts, artists, cultural practitioners, industry professionals, and audiences through a shared love for cinema.

More than a festival built around screenings and awards, KKIFF seeks to create a space for conversation, collaboration, discovery and community—connecting established voices with emerging filmmakers and creating opportunities for people who are beginning to find their place in the film ecosystem.

Our philosophy is simple:

LESS COMPETITION. MORE COMMUNITY.

We believe cinema grows when people share ideas, resources, skills and perspectives rather than working in isolation. KKIFF therefore seeks to build an accessible and inclusive film community where filmmakers and film enthusiasts have a genuine space to connect, participate and belong.

OUR VISION

KKIFF envisions a film culture where diverse voices are not only represented but actively heard.

The festival aims to create conversations around independent filmmaking, emerging filmmakers, cultural representation, Indigenous cinema, women in cinema, human rights, environmental concerns, new technologies and evolving forms of storytelling.

Our goal is not simply to showcase films, but to encourage audiences to question, discuss, connect and engage with the worlds those films create.

WHAT KKIFF STANDS FOR

Emerging Voices

Creating opportunities for upcoming and independent filmmakers to showcase their work, meet professionals, build networks and find new audiences.

Cultural Diversity

Celebrating stories across languages, cultures, communities and geographies, while creating meaningful space for Indigenous and underrepresented voices.

Community Building

Bringing filmmakers, film lovers, artists, students and industry professionals into the same room to exchange ideas, skills, resources and opportunities.

Representation

Encouraging cinema that engages with questions of identity, gender, human rights, environment, culture and social change.

The Future of Cinema

Exploring emerging forms and technologies, including AI filmmaking and immersive cinema, alongside conventional cinematic practices.

AWARDS

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

Best Short Narrative Fiction Film
Best Director
Best Actor male
Best Actor female
Best Screenplay
Best Music & Background Score
Best Cinematography
Best Editor
Jury Awards
Best Documentary
Best AI film
Best Film in Each Category
Best Animation Film
All the participants will be provided certificate of participation

4. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

4.1 Submission Format

Screener Link (Selection Phase):

Please share a downloadable online screener link (Festhome) along with the password to access if applicable. The programming team will evaluate the film using this link provided by you in this form.

Exhibition Format (Post-Selection):

Upon official selection, submitters must provide a high-resolution Master copy in MP4, MOV or DCP format (unencrypted or encrypted).

4.2 Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, films must meet the following criteria:

• Films must be completed on or after 1st January 2024

• In exceptional cases, slightly older films may be considered

• Maximum duration: 30 minutes (including credits)


4.3 Selection Process

All submissions will be reviewed by an internal selection committee.

Selected films will be nominated for final categories.

By submitting your film, you confirm that you are the authorized rights holder and agree to the following Terms & Conditions:

Submission does not guarantee selection. Official Selections, Nominees, and Winners will be informed via email and social media. Any form of canvassing will lead to disqualification.

All short films completed between January 2024 – October 2026, with a duration up to 30 minutes, are eligible.

If selected filmmakers or winners are unable to attend the ceremony, certificates/awards will be couriered. Courier charges will apply.

Submission Deadlines:

Early Bird Deadline: 31st August

Normal Deadline: 30th September

Late Deadline: 31st October

Extended Deadline: 10th November

Submission Limit: Each filmmaker or production house may submit up to a maximum of 5 films total. Each film requires a separate submission and fee.

Films may be in any language or have no dialogue.

Only International Films can be submitted on Festhome, All Indian Films should be submitted using the Google Form in linktr.ee/kolkatakaleidoscope . Any Indian Film Submitted on Festhome will be disqualified.

The festival reserves the right to use excerpts from the submitted films for promotional purposes.

The submitter agrees to indemnify the festival against any claims related to copyright, trademark, publicity or credits.

Submission fees are non-refundable, even if the film is withdrawn.

Films once submitted cannot be withdrawn until the festival concludes.

All films must be original works and must not violate copyright laws.

Ineligible films for competitive sections may be considered for non-competitive sections at the discretion of the jury.

The festival may amend rules at any time without prior notice. Filmmakers are responsible for checking updates.

Decisions of the Selection Committee and Jury are final and binding.

Incomplete, incorrect or ambiguous submissions will be disqualified.

5. AWARDS

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

Best Short Narrative Fiction Film
Best Director
Best Actor male
Best Actor female
Best Screenplay
Best Music & Background Score
Best Cinematography
Best Editor
Jury Awards
Best Documentary
Best AI film
Best Film in Each Category
Best Animation Film
All the participants will be provided certificate of participation

6. DEADLINES

• Final submission deadline: 10th November, 2026
• No entries will be accepted after this date
• Selection notifications will be sent in the last week of November 2026

7. FESTIVAL ATTENDANCE

Travel, accommodation, and food expenses will not be covered by the festival.

8. FEES

• No customs fees will be paid
• No screening fees will be paid

9. PROHIBITED CONTENT

Films containing the following will not be accepted:

• Extreme Graphic Violence
• Communal Controversy
• Racism
• Disrespect towards any Gender

For any queries, please contact:
+91 94775 85768 / +91 7001587596
kolkatakaleidoscopeiff@gmail.com

Selected films will be placed in appropriate programmes by the Festival Organizing Committee.
The Committee reserves the right to decide on cases not foreseen by these regulations in accordance with international festival norms.

Participation in KKIFF 2026 implies acceptance of all Rules & Regulations.