The 30th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) is all set to dazzle cinema enthusiasts with a grand celebration from December 4 to December 11, 2024. Featuring a carefully curated selection of 175 films from 29 countries, this year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable cultural extravaganza. With a theme song conceptualized by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and sung by Nachiketa Chakraborty, the festival blends tradition, innovation, and cinematic brilliance.
Grand Opening: Honoring the Legacy of Tapan Sinha
The festival will kick off with an opening ceremony at the Dhanadhanya Auditorium, where legendary filmmaker Tapan Sinha’s classic “Golpo Holeo Shotti” will be screened at 5:30 PM. This marks the commemoration of the director’s birth centenary, further elevating the grandeur of the event.
At a press conference held on Friday at Rabindra Sadan, Minister Arup Biswas, along with several prominent personalities, shared the details of this year’s event. Among them were Indranil Sen, Minister of State for Information and Cultural Affairs and a noted singer; Gautam Ghosh, Festival Chairman and acclaimed filmmaker; Birbaha Hansda, Minister of State for Forests; Shantanu Basu, KIFF Secretary; and actor Arjun Chakraborty.
A Diverse Line-Up of Films
This year’s festival boasts a vibrant selection of films, including:
- 127 Feature Films
- 48 Short Films
In the competitive section, 42 feature films, 30 short films, and documentaries have been nominated. Beyond the competition, an additional 103 films will be showcased, providing a diverse cinematic experience to audiences.
Spotlight on France: Focus Country of the Year
France, known for its illustrious film heritage, is the focus country of KIFF 2024. A special segment will feature iconic French directors and their masterpieces, offering a glimpse into the brilliance of French cinema.
Paying Tribute to Legends
The 30th edition of KIFF includes a “Centenary Homage” and “Special Tributes” to honor legends who have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
Centenary Homage Includes:
- Tapan Sinha
- Marlon Brando
- Marcello Mastroianni
- Harisadhan Dasgupta
- Arundhati Devi
- Akkineni Nageswara Rao
- Bansi Chandragupta
- Mohammed Rafi
- Talat Mahmood
- Madan Mohan
Special Tributes Will Be Paid To:
- Kumar Shahani
- Alain Delon
- Anup Kumar Mukhopadhyay
- Gautam Halder
- Utpalendu Chakrabarty
- Manoj Mitra
These segments not only celebrate the artistic contributions of these stalwarts but also reflect on their lasting influence on global cinema.
Venues Across Kolkata
The screenings will be held across multiple venues in Kolkata, ensuring accessibility for cinema lovers. Major venues include:
- Nandan
- Rabindra Sadan
- Sisir Mancha
- Nazrul Tirtha
- Quest Mall
- South City
- Metro Cinema
- Star Theatre
- Globe Cinema
- Rabindra Okakura Bhavan
Additionally, the Ekta Mancha at Nandan will host daily cine-talks, fostering discussions and insights into the art and craft of filmmaking.
Thematic Enrichment: Mamata Banerjee’s Vision
Under the stewardship of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, KIFF has evolved into a premier international film festival. Indranil Sen highlighted how Banerjee’s leadership has enhanced the festival’s stature. This year, her vision is embodied in the theme song performed by Nachiketa Chakraborty, capturing the essence of Kolkata’s cultural and cinematic spirit.
Promoting Regional and Marginalized Cinema
Minister Birbaha Hansda expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and KIFF organizers for giving a platform to regional and marginalized cinema. This initiative ensures that voices from all corners of society find representation on the global stage.
A Nostalgic Milestone for Gautam Ghosh
Festival Chairman Gautam Ghosh reflected on the 30-year journey of KIFF, emphasizing how it has grown in scale, quality, and impact over the years. From its humble beginnings, the festival has now become a global platform for filmmakers and audiences alike.
Special Cine Experiences
Cinephiles attending the festival can look forward to unique experiences, including retrospectives, panel discussions, and workshops. These events aim to deepen the appreciation of cinema as an art form and provide insights into the filmmaking process.
Closing Ceremony: A Grand Finale
The festival will conclude on December 11 with a grand closing ceremony at Rabindra Sadan, marking the end of eight days filled with cinematic brilliance and cultural exchange.
Why KIFF Matters
The Kolkata International Film Festival is not just about film screenings—it is a celebration of stories, cultures, and the shared human experience. By bringing together filmmakers and audiences from across the globe, KIFF continues to strengthen Kolkata’s position as a hub for cultural and artistic exchange.