Saikat Kumar Basu
The inaugural ceremony of the 1st Edition of the French Film Festival Kolkata will be adorned with the esteemed presence of actor Anil Kapoor, director Anurag Kashyap, Actor-Musician- Filmmaker Anjan Dutt and acclaimed actress Rituparna Sengupta,
while the closing ceremony will be graced by His Excellency Ambassador of France in India, Thierry Mathou, along with Sudhir Mishra, Goutam Ghosh, and the talented Indian actress Mia Maelzar, known for her role in the Blockbuster French film ‘La Tresse’ directed by Laetitia Colombani.
Event Overview: Date: February 16-24, 2024
Venue: Nandan, West Bengal Film Centre, Kolkata Festival Section Highlights:
French New Wave. “The French New Wave,” a featured segment of the French Film Festival Kolkata 2024, dedicated to the influential works of Godard, Truffaut, Varda, and more. Undoubtedly, La Nouvelle Vague has significantly transformed global cinema and the creative realm at large.
Introducing “New French Cinema”, one of the sections of the French Film Festival Kolkata 2024, focusing on contemporary French films, including animation, literature adaptations, original screenplays, and more. These films explore the modern conflicts and triumphs within French and francophone society.
Indian Filmmakers featured in Cannes Film Festival Step onto the global stage with a journey through the selection of Indian cinema, presented at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. The cinematic brilliance of Indian filmmakers, starting from the stalwart, Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Goutam Ghose, Sandip Ray, to Buddhadeb Dasgupta and Anurag Kashyap has left an indelible mark, attracting audiences worldwide. Section dedicated to Young Audience France has a rich tradition of animation, with a long history of producing groundbreaking animated films that have left an indelible mark on the global film industry.
The French Film Festival in Kolkata provides a unique opportunity for audiences to experience the magic of French animation and to appreciate the creativity and artistry of filmmakers who continue to push the boundaries of the medium. Through its selection of animated films, the festival not only entertains but also inspires, fostering a love for cinema and storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries. 42 screenings featuring 28 full-length films. Following the screenings each evening during the Film Festival, there will be panel discussions on various film sections featuring specialists, eminent filmmakers, and actor from film fraternity of Bengal and beyond.
This cinematic celebration is tailored to appeal to a broad and diverse audience, catering to the discerning tastes of the elite class and the vibrant energy of young adults. With a curated selection that caters to cinephiles across the spectrum, the festival aspires to draw attendees who appreciate the richness of global cinema.
The French Film Festival Kolkata is a convergence for industry leaders, actors, directors, and influencers who shape the narrative of cinema. With a collective vision of inclusivity, the festival aims to engage attendees over eight days, creating a shared experience that transcends boundaries and celebrates the universal language of films.
Recognizing the unique tastes of the Indian audience, the festival proudly presents French cinema, known for its diversity in cinematic brilliance. From high-quality animation films targeting young audiences to renowned recent French releases like “Three Musketeers Part II: Milady ” and “Jungle Bunch,” having their national premieres at the festival,there is something for everyone.
This collaborative initiative is designed to be inclusive, aiming to engage a diverse audience. The festival’s thoughtfully curated program is family-friendly, showcasing timeless classics from Bengali Parallel Cinema and the French New Wave, as well as recent films acclaimed at the Cannes Film Festival over the past decade. A special focus will be on a program dedicated to short films and French women filmmakers, adding a dynamic and contemporary dimension to the cinematic experience.
The closing ceremony will feature a highlight from France, the blockbuster film “La tresse” by Laetitia Colombani. This cinematic gem, adapted from a French novel with an Indian origin story, has attracted audiences in France, amassing an impressive one million viewers among recent productions. The narrative centers around the compelling journey of women’s empowerment and the courageous fight against discrimination.
(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)
