The 30th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) kicked off on Tuesday at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, Bengali superstar Dev, former cricketer and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, among others.
Several prominent figures from the Bengali film and television industries, including some who have been critical of CM Banerjee, attended the festival's opening ceremony. The inaugural film would be Tapan Sinha’s Golpo Holeo Sotyi, commemorating the legendary director’s birth centenary.
The event was also attended by Argentine film director Pablo Cesar and Nicolas Facino, the director of Alliance Française du Bengale, the official French language and cultural centre in Kolkata recognised by the French embassy.
Dona Ganguly, renowned Odissi dancer and Sourav Ganguly’s wife, led a performance on a song written by the chief minister, which celebrates traditions from across India, to begin the inauguration of the 30th edition of the film festival.
Away from her usual high-octane political spirit, CM Banerjee appeared in a lighter mood today. She was seen humming and singing and even grew emotional while discussing Bengali cinema on stage.
She stressed on the importance of giving prominence to Bengali films alongside foreign films. She highlighted Bengal’s abundant talent and suggested that collaboration between Indian and international artists would expand creative opportunities and significantly benefit Indian cinema.
While speaking at the ceremony, CM Banerjee remembered Tapan Sinha, saying, “Today, I began a 26-day fast. Although I didn't know Tapan da at the time, he sent me a letter expressing his support and congratulating me on my movement. I still cherish that letter. I knew Tapan da like that.”
Meanwhile, KIFF chairman Gautam Ghose welcomed everyone to this year’s festival, stressing on the vital role of literature and art in fostering positivity during times of war and climate crises.
He said, “Cinema is a collective memory of time. In the coming days, we will relieve this memory through feature films short films and documentaries from various corners of the world. Alongside, numerous seminars, symposiums and discussions will enrich our understanding.”
