30th Kolkata International Film Festival Kicks Off with France as the Theme Country
The 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) was launched on December 4, 2024, with France as the theme country, highlighting its rich cultural and cinematic history. The festival, which runs until December 11, offers a captivating selection of 2,459 films from around the world, celebrating diverse filmmaking styles.
The grand opening ceremony, attended by prominent figures from cinema and politics, was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She welcomed guests and emphasized the importance of showcasing Bengali cinema alongside international films. “I urge the organizers to feature more of our own Bengali films,” she stated.
The festival, chaired by renowned director Goutam Ghosh, began with a screening of the classic 1966 film Galpo Holeo Shotti by Tapan Sinha. The competition section features 42 feature films, 30 short films, and 25 documentaries, while 103 non-competition films provide additional opportunities for audiences to explore different genres and styles.
This year, with France as the focal point, KIFF offers an exclusive opportunity to experience the best of French cinema. However, for the first time in years, there are no Bangladeshi films, which Ghosh lamented, stating that the festival remains an inclusive platform for global cinema.
Held at iconic venues like Nandan, Rabindra Sadan, and Science City Auditorium, the event also includes workshops, masterclasses, and discussions for film enthusiasts to interact with filmmakers.
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