Spotlight on French cinema at 30th Kolkata Film Festival
The festival will light up 20 venues across Kolkata, hosting a total of 290 shows
The Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), one of India’s most prestigious cinematic events, returns for its 30th edition from tomorrow. A vibrant celebration of storytelling through cinema, this year’s festival promises a diverse lineup of films from across the globe, with a special focus on French cinema.
In a press statement, the organisers say that France takes centre stage this year with a dedicated focus on its vibrant cinematic tradition. Renowned directors like Caroline Vignal, Celine Rouzet, and Elise Otzenberger are expected to present their latest works. The festival will also screen other classic French films as part of a tribute to French cinema, offering audiences a glimpse into the country’s rich cinematic heritage.
The statement adds that the festival, running from December 4-11, will showcase 175 films from different countries, including 127 feature films and 28 short and documentary films. The selection spans Indian and international works, ensuring a rich cinematic experience for audiences. From Bengali masterpieces to contemporary world cinema, the festival continues its tradition of blending the local with the global, offering something for every cinephile.
The festival’s international competition will see 14 films competing for the prestigious Royal Bengal Tiger Trophy in the Best Film and Best Director categories. Indian cinema will be equally celebrated, with 12 films vying for the Hiralal Sen Memorial Trophy, nine entries in the Asian Select (NETPAC) Award category, and seven films in the Bengali Panorama section.
A centenary tribute will honour cinematic legends like Tapan Sinha, Marlon Brando, and Mohammad Rafi. Sinha’s 1966 Bengali comedy Galpo Holeo Satti will be the inaugural film at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium, setting the tone for a week of cinematic brilliance.
The statement adds that continuing its tradition of empowering voices, KIFF places a spotlight on women filmmakers this year. Special interactive sessions will feature young filmmakers and women directors from France, creating a platform for cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.
Goutam Ghose
“On December 5, there will be a seminar on perception change in cinema with change in technology. The day after, there will be an interaction with Vidya Balan who had debuted in Gautam Halder’s Bhalo Theko, which fetched sound designer Anup Mukherjee the third of his four National Awards. The film will also be screened. Other seminars will be on Intolerance, global justice and the media, Explosion of shorts and documentaries in the digital era,” says Goutam Ghose, Chairman of the 30th KIFF.
The festival will light up 20 venues across Kolkata, hosting a total of 290 shows. From auditoriums to intimate spaces, the city will transform into a hub of cinematic celebration, drawing audiences from all walks of life.
The Kolkata International Film Festival, launched in 1995, has drawn its inspiration from legendary Bengali filmmakers such as Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak and Mrinal Sen. These stalwarts not only shaped Indian cinema but also left an indelible mark on world cinema. With such illustrious roots, KIFF gained international acclaim from its inception, becoming a beacon for the sophisticated and learned film fraternity.
The organisers add that it was under the leadership of West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, in 2011, that the festival truly became a celebration for the masses. Opening its doors to the public, KIFF transformed into a vibrant, inclusive event, touching the hearts of thousands of cinephiles. Since then, the festival has grown exponentially, blending its rich legacy with accessibility and ensuring that the magic of world cinema resonates with people from all walks of life, adds the statement.
