The inaugural ceremony began with the traditional Tamil anthem and the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. Rev. Harris welcomed the gathering and spelt forth the rationale of ISFFI, highlighting the relevance and power of short films in the current scenario. Mr. Abirami Ramanathan was in his generous self, assuring the short film makers that their movies could find a free screening in the theatre when committed to a social cause and assured them that short films of social nature could also be marketed by him. Filmmaker SS Stanley was in his enthusiastic self, speaking of the glorious future of the short film makers and the numerous opportunities that are offered to them. He recalled his affinity to ISFFI from 2007, and marveled at the growth of DBICA in the recent years. Director Prabhu Solomon appreciated the platform provided to showcase short films. The accessibility and usability of technology today has opened new vistas, which he said were not available in his days. He invited the viewers, to dream and create on issues relevant to daily life and make their creations people oriented. Director Ram averred that today the broadcast and new media have started using short films with the same formula of a feature film at short length, and commented, that it was not the style proper to short film. He exhorted the short film makers to create content that is life based, natural, genuine and is true to the experience of oneself. The first day of the screening featured 26 short films from countries like Spain, Germany, Ubzekistan, Poland, Italy, Iran, Russia, India and New Zealand. A number of film makers were there to share their views about their creations and interacted with the audience. The first day screening concluded on a very optimistic note, with a youthful and blissful fervor visible on the faces of the viewers.