A story that travels: “ITI: The Beginning” earns spotlight at Bengal Short Film Festival

ITI: The Beginning continued its strong festival run with a special screening at the Bengal Short Film Festival, further cementing its growing reputation on both national and international platforms. The screening was attended by actors Debleena Dutt and Biswanath Basu, along with members of the film’s cast and crew. Directed by first-time filmmaker and career coach Abhishake De Sarkar, the short film has steadily built a presence across the global festival circuit. It first premiered at the International Kolkata Short Film Festival, where it not only secured nominations in two key categories but also won the Best Debutant Director award. The film went on to receive the Best Short Film honour at the Indo-Dubai International Festival, while also earning official selections at platforms such as the New York Film & Cinematography Awards and the Berlin Lift-Off Film Festival. It continues to be considered across several other international festivals, reflecting its expanding global footprint. At its core, the film explores the emotional world of a child growing up amid the demands and distractions of working parents. Through a sensitive and layered narrative, it draws attention to a familiar yet often overlooked reality—where professional ambition can sometimes overshadow emotional presence. The storytelling invites viewers to pause and reflect on the quiet gaps that can emerge within families. Speaking at the screening, Abhishake De Sarkar said, “I have spent years guiding students toward successful careers. But somewhere along the way, I realised that success without emotional grounding creates silent voids. ‘ITI: The Beginning’ is my humble attempt to remind the world that while we chase professional excellence, we must not forget the fragile hearts waiting for us at home. This film is just the beginning of many stories I wish to tell.”