The Kolkata French Film Festival
Who was the Chief Guest at the Inaugural Ceremony of the Kolkata French Film Festival?
About the Inaugural Function
The inaugural edition of the Kolkata French Film Festival was launched at Nandan on Friday, organized jointly by the West Bengal Government and the Alliance Francaise du Bengale, the festival will continue till February 24. The festival is divided into four sections: French New Wave, French Contemporary Films, Films for Young Audiences and Indian Filmmakers featured in the Cannes Film Festival. The festival will screen 42 movies, including 28 full length films.
As the curtain rose on the first edition of the French Film Festival in Kolkata, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s cultural landscape. With Anil Kapoor’s star power and the collective enthusiasm of the attendees, the festival promised to be a resounding success, paving the way for future collaborations and cultural exchanges between India and France.
Who was the Chief Guest?
During the inaugural function of nine-day Kolkata French Film Festival, Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, who was the chief guest, took back his early days in Kolkata, expressing his affection to the city where he started his acting journey. He was presented a picture by the French Counsel General Nicolas Facino reminiscent of his first film shooting experience and praised the contribution of Director & Cinematographer Nimay Ghosh. He said Kolkata means a lot to him. “Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya” was his first film where he started his career, shot in 1980.
Anil Kapoor expressed his gratitude for being a part of the festival and emphasized the importance of promoting cross-cultural understanding through cinema. He eventually praised the efforts of the organizers in bringing together filmmakers and cinephiles from different parts of the world fostering a sense of unity amidst diversity.
Which other renowned dignitaries were present?
Actor and Chief Guest Anil Kapoor, director Anurag Kashyap, actor musician filmmaker Anjan Dutt, and actress Rituparna Sengupta was present at the inauguration. France’s ambassador in India Thierry Mathou, directors Sudhir Mishra and Goutam Ghosh and Indian actress Mia Maeizar, known for her role in blockbuster French film “La Tresse” directed by Laetitia Colombani, was also present at the ceremony.
What did French Consul General Say?
French Counsel General Nicolas Facino said it is always exciting to start a new and ambitious project and apart from screening movies for all kinds of tastes, FFFK will pay a deserved tribute to prominent filmmakers and actors from West Bengal and the rest of India.
What did honorable Chief Minister Mamata Bannerjee Say?
Chief Minister Smt. Mamata Banerjee said the festival marks the convergence of cultures through the medium of cinema, making a significant chapter in the ever-growing relationship between Bengal and France. The deep-rooted cultural ties with France, transcends geographical boundaries and continental differences and there is no doubt that the festival through the vibrant celebration of the shared artistic spirits will have a significant impact in bringing the two countries even closer to each other.