KOLKATA — The 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF)
was inaugurated on Wednesday, with France as the theme country, showcasing
several films that highlight the European nation's rich cultural and cinematic
heritage.
The grand event will continue till December 11, featuring
an exciting mix of films from across the globe, celebrating cinematic
brilliance.
The opening ceremony was a star-studded affair, with
several prominent personalities from the world of cinema and politics in
attendance.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with
other dignitaries, inaugurated the event, marking the beginning of the festival
that has become a significant cultural event for the metropolis.
“I welcome everyone to this film festival. I don't
interfere in the selection process, but had requested KIFF chairman Goutam
Ghosh to have a good package of landmark Bengali films along with a rich
bouquet of foreign movies. I am happy the organisers listened to my request,"
she said.
Describing the KIFF as a bridge connecting international
movies, Hindi and Bengali films, she asserted that cinema means there are no
boundaries, it only unites people.
"As human beings, we are one despite having
differences in race, creed, caste and religion and cinema talks about that
universal language of humanity," Banerjee said.
"The language of cinema remains the same everywhere
and is understood by everyone," she said.
She said France being the focus country this year, 21
films from the European country will be screened at the 30th KIFF, with various
themes, cultures and artistic expressions.
Also present at the ceremony were several luminaries from
the Indian film industry, including eminent director Goutam Ghosh, who is also
the chairman of the festival.
“This year’s festival brings together iconic classics and
contemporary masterpieces that reflect the diversity and power of
storytelling,” Ghosh said.
The festival opened with the screening of ‘Galpo Holeo
Shotti’ (Truth Seems Like Fiction), the 1966 classic by Tapan Sinha, at the
Dhanadhanya auditorium.
Referring to tributes paid to several stalwarts,
including Tapan Sinha, in their centenary years, the chief minister said,
"Bengal is proud to have filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak,
Tapan Sinha and Rituparno Ghosh, among others, who made us proud across the
world.”
“I had started a fast for 26 days on this date years back
(in 2007). Tapan Sinha had sent me a letter wishing me success," she
recalled, while also dwelling on her association with Rituparno Ghosh.
Calling upon visiting foreign dignitaries to enjoy the
warmth and hospitality of the city, she said, "We have a rich talent pool
of skilled artists and technicians. Please make use of our resources in your
productions. We will work together.”
Banerjee also expressed happiness over former cricketer
Sourav Ganguly attending the inauguration programme for the third year.
"Sourav is Bengal’s brand ambassador. He is the
pride of the world. I am honoured by his presence," she said.
Regretting the absence of superstar Amitabh Bachchan, a
regular invitee to earlier editions of the KIFF till 2022, Banerjee said
"Amit ji told me due to his age it would be difficult for him to come
regularly, and we respect his decision.”
“However, Shatrughan Sinha is here, one of the Bollywood
icons for years. I am so happy that he has agreed to be present,” she said,
pointing towards Sinha, also a Trinamool Congress MP.
This year’s edition promises to be a visual feast for
film enthusiasts, with 175 films from 21 countries nominated in various
categories.
Out of these, 42 feature films, 30 short films and 25
documentaries have made it to the competition section.
The non-competition section this year features 103 films,
offering a chance for the audience to explore a wide range of genres and
cinematic styles.
For the first time in recent years, there are no entries
from the neighbouring country, as confirmed by KIFF chairman Goutam Ghosh.
“It is unfortunate that we will miss Bangladeshi films at
this year’s festival, but it continues to be an inclusive platform for cinema
from all over the world,” Ghosh had earlier told PTI.
The festival will take place across several iconic venues
in Kolkata, including Nandan, Rabindra Sadan and the Science City auditorium.
This year’s event will also feature discussions,
workshops and master classes with filmmakers and actors, allowing attendees to
engage with the cinematic world on a deeper level.
