The 31st Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) opened on Thursday at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium, Alipore, in Kolkata, marking the start of a week long showcase of global and Indian cinema.
The programme commenced on a patriotic note with the rendition of the song ‘Banglar Mati Banglar Jal’.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who inaugurated the event, advocated the state’s collaboration with foreign countries in film making, pointing to its rich heritage in movies. Welcoming guests from various countries, Banerjee said, “We ensure you have a smooth, pleasant experience.”
She stated that Poland is the partner nation in this edition of KIFF, in which 315 films from 39 countries would be screened.
While speaking about the universality of cinema, Banerjee said, “It connects humanity, peace, fraternity, friendship, education, culture, language, everything. And cinema has no boundary. World is one, and we are one. That is the main intention for this cinema.”
Chairman of the 31st KIFF Goutam Ghose highlighted the festival’s new “Beyond Borders” section, focusing on migration and displacement, and warned that digital filmmaking challenges festivals to curate quality. Announcing the new, relevant section for this year’s festival: “This year, we shined a spotlight on a new section of Beyond Borders, with films exploring themes of migration and displacement. One of the world’s urgent crises is on the subject of current headlines. Bold filmmakers are risking everything to document it. They deserve not only just applause but profound respect.”
Applauding the festival organisers for carving out the ‘Unheard India – Rare Language Films’ section in the KIFF, the CM said, “I am happy this festival is showcasing films made in languages like Bodo, Santhali, Konkoni etc. Without grassroot connections, you cannot develop and cinema that mirrors the life of ordinary people.”
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“And besides that, one thing I liked that Gautam Da has done, except the international cinema, national cinema, Bengali cinema, now we are giving main focus to Bengali cinema also… It’s an excellent task,” she added, reminding the audience of Bengal’s towering cinematic figures including Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen, Uttam Kumar, Soumitra Chatterjee, and Rituparno Ghosh.
Advocating the collaboration between West Bengal and foreign nations, the CM said, “Other countries must invest in Bengal. Which can become a joint venture. You share your views, and we will share our opinion. Let us work towards creating magic in cinema.”
CM Banerjee also stressed on the importance of nurturing grassroots talent, saying, “Without grassroots, we cannot develop and you have given priority and encouragement to the people whose language somebody may not understand, but their heart is very beautiful… That is the local encouragement will give them the world message that you are not alone. World is behind you, the world is with you.”
The CM announced the conferment of the highest civilian award instituted by her government, Banga Bibhushan award, to renowned singer Arati Mukherjee and actor-turned-politician Satrughan Sinha on the occasion.
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“We had never bestowed any honour on Arati di, who is our pride. She was associated with our golden era of music. We are also elated to honour Shatrughan ji, who has been associated with Bengal and has made immense contributions in the field of art,” CM Banerjee said.
After receiving the honour, Mukherjee said, “We must remember Mamata Banerjee for her work. No one comes even close to her.”
Expressing his delight, Sinha said, “I have been coming here for five years. I did not know that I would receive this honour.. I am surprised. I am proud to be honoured with the Banga Bibhushan.”
Veteran filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, director of the iconic movie “Sholay”, praised Bengali cinema, saying the city’s films blend art and commerce from Satyajit Ray onwards. “I have attended a lot of festivals, but it feels something different when you are in Calcutta, sorry Kolkata, and I would very much want to say that from Satyajit Ray on, what wonderful films we have seen from Bengal. They are such a beautiful blend of art and commerce,” Sippy said.
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Turning to Sippy, Banerjee said, “Ramesh ji has promised me that he will do something for Bengal. You will get every cooperation from our side.”
International director Sujoy Ghosh said Kolkata itself is an actor in his film “Kahaani” released in 2012. Thanking the Chief Minister, Ghosh stated, “Cinema in Kolkata is not just entertainment for us, it is our passion, memory, and identity. I urge people to keep coming back to cinema halls.”
Cricket icon Sourav Ganguly, who is also the brand ambassador of Bengal, referred to the “brilliant line-up of films from across the globe” to be screened in this festival being held from November 6-13.
The star studded evening featured filmmakers Sujoy Ghosh and Ramesh Sippy, actress Tillotama Shome, and a galaxy of Tollywood personalities including Prosenjit Chatterjee, Rituparna Sengupta, Soham Chakraborty, Paoli Dam, Koel Mallick and Dev. Parambrata Chattopadhyay and June Maliah hosted, and dancer Dona Ganguly performed with her troupe.
