MY SHORTS- results will be announced immediately after Diwali, on 15th of November 2020

My SHORTS is a first-of-its kind Bengali short-film festival organised by My CinemaHall, a virtual cinema hall app. The details of the festival is to be found at www.mycinemahall.com  website. A bouquet of fresh Bengali short films are being screened on the platform between October 18 and Nov 15 as part of the festival. A first in the world of short films, this festival is a golden opportunity for filmmakers to not only showcase their work but also to monetize their screened and selected short films.

The panel of judges is another attraction for the festival. The Chairperson of the jury is MsAparna Sen –renowned director, actor and international film personality.

Other judges include ArghyakamalMitra (award-winning editor), Anik Datta (well-known director) and Sohag Sen (actor and theatre personality). It is noteworthy that apart from the awards decided by the jury, there will be a special Audience Choice Award as well.

My SHORTS generated an overwhelming response from filmmakers.  Around 300 registered for the festival.  After initial screening, around 69 films were shortlisted for the festival.  There is a remarkable show of enthusiasm among the audience too for the films being screened on the platform.  Film is a reflection of the society which is evident from the stories that we have received. The subjects include stories of achievements and failures, human relationship, stories of hope and despair, political satire, science fiction and stories from life in general. The current pandemic and lockdown also have a fair share. There is also an entry from Bangladesh. There are films from well-known established directors who have won many international awards and there are budding filmmakers too.

A total of 8 films including “A SILENT WARBLE”, “LITTLE PARADISE”, “SAMPURAK” “UHADER KOTHA”- are presently in the nomination procedure for the final selection. There are other categories of winners too. The awards by the judges and the final results will be announced immediately after Diwali, on 15th of November 2020. Yaatrik Chakraborty, one of the founder members of My CinemaHall who also conceptualized the festival, stated, “Our main objective was to ensure that a short filmmaker can make his film reach out to the audience in exchange of a nominal viewership fee and I think we have been successful in doing that. A lot of people have booked tickets and are watching the films in this festival virtually. Also, in My SHORTS, we have a transparent process of selection and the credentials of the judges are unquestionable.”

Throwing more light on what sets My SHORTS apart, Kalyanmoy Chatterjee, Managing Director of My CinemaHall, said, “The festival has opened up new avenues of opportunities for budding filmmakers to exhibit their creations. Apart from huge enthusiasm among the short filmmakers in terms of participation, the response among the viewers is overwhelming too. We have received some great films in submission. We can say that we have lived up to our aim of bringing innovative films with good content to the viewers. “

Anik Datta, a celebrated director and one of the jury members, emphasized, “The festival creates an opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their talent to a select audience. I am confident that it has the potential to turn into a pool from where curators of significant festivals in India and abroad can readily access quality films.”