Kolkata, March 24, 2026: The critically acclaimed short film “ITI: The Beginning”, directed by debut filmmaker and career coach Abhishake De Sarkar, added another milestone to its growing list of achievements with a special screening at the 11th Bengal Short Film Festival.
The screening event witnessed the presence of noted actors Debleena Dutt and Biswanath Basu, along with members of the film’s cast and crew, marking a significant moment in the film’s festival journey.
The film has already garnered considerable acclaim on both national and international platforms. It premiered at the International Kolkata Short Film Festival, where it secured nominations in two major categories and went on to win the Best Debutant Director Award. Further strengthening its credentials, the film clinched the Best Short Film Award at the Indo-Dubai International Festival.
Expanding its global footprint, “ITI: The Beginning” has also been officially selected at prestigious international platforms such as the New York Film & Cinematography Awards and the Berlin Lift-Off Film Festival, while continuing to remain under consideration at several other global film festivals.
The film delves into the emotional landscape of a child growing up amidst the pressures and absences of working parents. Through a sensitive narrative, it explores a pressing societal issue—where professional ambitions often overshadow emotional bonds—offering audiences a poignant and introspective cinematic experience.
Speaking on the occasion, Abhishake De Sarkar said that the film reflects his personal realization that success without emotional grounding can leave unseen voids. He described the project as an attempt to remind society of the importance of nurturing emotional connections while pursuing professional goals, adding that this marks the beginning of many more stories he intends to tell.
With its compelling theme and growing international recognition, “ITI: The Beginning” continues to make a strong impact across film festival circuits, positioning itself as a noteworthy entrant in contemporary short cinema.
