The West Bengal Short Film Festival returned for its 4th edition on 29 November 2025, marking another significant step in its effort to build a vibrant short-film culture in the state. Held at Bholagiri Kalamandir on Netaji Subhas Road, Kadamtala, Howrah, the festival continued its tradition of accessibility with an entry-free, open-to-all format that encouraged audiences, students, filmmakers and enthusiasts to engage directly with independent cinema.

From 9 AM to 6:30 PM, the venue hosted the screening of more than fifty short films, covering a wide range of genres including narrative fiction, documentary, student films, music videos, experimental works, and mobile-shot cinema. The diversity of submissions reflects the festival’s ongoing mission: to give independent and regional filmmakers a place to exhibit their craft alongside international entries, while fostering a film-viewing culture that extends beyond mainstream Bengali cinema.

The 2025 edition was hosted by Yogesh Baraskar, and the festival welcomed two chief guests from the film industry: filmmaker and producer Sautrik Dutta, and cultural personality and actress Mou Bhattacharya. Their presence reinforced the festival’s focus on both creative excellence and community involvement, aligning with the event’s long-term goal of cultivating discussion, collaboration, and visibility for emerging filmmakers.

This year’s award ceremony, held at 6:30 PM, highlighted some of the most compelling works screened throughout the day. “The Second Reality,” directed by Ayan Mukherjee, received the Best Film Award, notable for being shot entirely on a mobile phone a testament to the growing recognition of low-budget and innovative filmmaking techniques. “UNO,” directed by Aryaman Sen, won Best Live Action Film, distinguishing itself with strong storytelling and execution. The Best Debut Director award went to Subhadeep Ghosh for his film “The Reminiscence,” acknowledging a promising new voice in short-form cinema. “Ashte – The Stench,” directed by Rahul Majumdar, secured the award for Best Fictional Screenplay, praised for its narrative structure and writing.

Beyond awards, the festival continued to expand its relevance. As a young but steadily growing event with editions documented since at least 2022 the West Bengal Short Film Festival is still in the early stages of forming its legacy. However, its consistent organisation, broad submission categories, and accessibility through platforms like FilmFreeway have begun to establish it as an important contributor to West Bengal’s contemporary film landscape. It provides an opportunity for new and independent creators to present their work publicly and to engage with audiences and industry professionals alike.

As the 2025 edition concluded, the West Bengal Short Film Festival reaffirmed its role as a welcoming, community-driven platform championing independent cinema. Its fourth year demonstrated not only continuity, but also a deepening commitment to supporting filmmakers who seek creative expression outside the commercial mainstream.

Written By : Arunangshu Banerjee