2nd LK INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 2026
Where Stories Meet, Cultures Connect
Harmony is at the heart of the 2nd LK International Short Film Festival. Through cinema, the festival brings together diverse voices, cultures, ideas, and perspectives, creating a shared space for understanding, dialogue, and creative connection.
2nd LKSFF
Logo
Revelation
The official Logo Revelation of the 2nd LK Short Film Festival 2026 was inaugurated by Adv.
M. Anil Kumar, Hon. Mayor of Kochi. The ceremony was presided over by Sri Kamal,
renowned filmmaker and Jury Chairman of LKSFF, and attended by distinguished guests
including S. Satheesh, K. N. Unnikrishnan, P. V. Srinijan, Asha Aravind, and Anumol. The
official LKSFF 2026 logo was jointly unveiled by the dignitaries, marking the formal launch of
the festival’s second edition.
ADVISORY BOARD
Guided by Experience. Shaped by Vision.
The festival is strengthened by a distinguished Advisory Board led by Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Chief Patron, and T. V. Chandran, Chairman. Their experience and cinematic vision provide valuable guidance in shaping LKSFF as a meaningful platform for emerging filmmakers and independent cinema.
Adoor Gopalakrishnan
Chief Patron - Iconic Face of Indian Cinema
A legend of Indian cinema, Adoor Gopalakrishnan is globally acclaimed for his pioneering
contributions to Malayalam parallel cinema. His storytelling and cultural depth continue to
inspire generations of filmmakers.
T. V. Chandran
Chairman, Advisory Board –
Legendary Malayalam Filmmaker
An acclaimed director known for thought-provoking narratives, T. V. Chandran leads the
Advisory Board with his vision and passion for nurturing new cinematic talent.
MAIN JURY PANEL LKSFF 2026
Kamal
(Kerala)
Jury Chairman – Indian Filmmaker & Former Kerala Film Academy Chairman
Haobam Paban Kumar
(Manipur)
Jury Member – Renowned Indian Filmmaker
Philip Cheah
(Singapore)
Jury Member – International Film Critic & Editor
Sankhajit Biswas
(West Bengal)
Jury Member – Filmmaker & Producer
Sunanda Bhatt
(Karnataka)
Jury Member – Documentary Filmmaker & Cinematographer
PROGRAMME
A Day of Cinema, Conversations & Cultural Exchange
The 2nd LK International Short Film Festival 2026 brought
together filmmakers, critics, artists, scholars, and cinema
enthusiasts for a day of screenings, conversations,
recognitions, and cultural exchange across three venues.
01
CINEMA
Cinema & Official Selections
The festival presented a diverse selection of officially selected short films at the Mini Box Office, giving emerging filmmakers a platform to showcase their stories before an engaged audience. The festival also screened the Best Short Film of the 2nd LKISFF as part of the closing ceremony.
02
DISCUSSION
Conversations on the Future of Cinema
The festival explored contemporary questions shaping the creative industry through discussions and keynote sessions. A panel discussion on “Are We Losing the Human Touch? AI and the Future of Creative Filmmaking” brought together creative voices to examine the changing relationship between technology, human expression, and filmmaking.
03
MEMORIAL TALK
Shaji N. Karun Memorial Talk
The Shaji N. Karun Memorial Talk, titled “From Lens to Chair: Reliving the Legacy of Shaji N. Karun,” brought together cinematographer and former FTII Chairman Sunny Joseph, actor-director-playwright Rajat Kapoor, and film scholar Dr. Sandhya Mohan to reflect on the artistic legacy and cinematic journey of Shaji N. Karun.
04
KEYNOTES
Keynotes & Jury Interactions
Filmmakers Haobam Paban Kumar and Sunanda Bhat shared their perspectives through keynote sessions, offering insights into filmmaking, storytelling, and contemporary cinema. Jury and sub-jury recognition ceremonies further highlighted the contribution of professionals involved in evaluating the festival’s official selections.
05
AWARDS
Recognising Cinematic Excellence
The festival honoured outstanding contributions through Special Appreciation Awards, Official Selection Awards, Special Jury Appreciation Awards, and the Best Short Film Award. Participants also received certificates and mementos in recognition of their participation.
06
CULTURE
Cultural Exchange
Cultural programmes throughout the festival added another dimension to the cinematic experience, bringing together artistic expression and cinema in a shared celebration of creativity and cultural diversity.
07
LEGACY
Celebrating Legacy
The festival also honoured distinguished cinematic voices including Adoor Gopalakrishnan, T. V. Chandran, Rajat Kapoor, and Kamal, recognising their enduring contributions to Indian cinema.
08
INITIATIVES
Beyond the Festival
The 2nd LKISFF also used the occasion to introduce new cinematic and industry initiatives, including the unveiling of the LK International Tribal Short Film Festival logo, the launch of the All India Short Movie Makers Association website, and the first-look poster of an upcoming short film.