Souvik Saha
The City of Joy is now aglow with the vibrant hues of French cinema as the Alliance Française du Bengale, in collaboration with Nandan, West Bengal Film Centre, proudly inaugurated the 1st Edition of the French Film Festival on February 16, 2024. This grand cinematic celebration, lasting for nine delightful days until February 24, promises to be a treat for cinephiles and enthusiasts alike.
The festival, tailored specifically for the Indian audience, boasts a diverse lineup that encapsulates the brilliance of French cinema. From high-quality animations catering to the younger audience to the national premieres of recent French releases like “Three Musketeers Part II: Milady” and “Jungle Bunch,” the festival ensures there is something for everyone.
The star-studded inaugural ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of renowned Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap, versatile actor-musician Rituparna Sengupta, and model-actress Richa Sharma. Their presence added a touch of glamour and excitement to the already glittering event.
A total of 60 screenings featuring 28 full-length films will be showcased during the festival. Each evening, after the screenings, attendees can participate in panel discussions on various film sections featuring specialists, eminent filmmakers, and actors from the film fraternity of Bengal and beyond. An intriguing highlight is the 9 hours of short film screenings scheduled on the night of February 23rd to the morning of February 24th (9:00 pm-6:00 am) at Park Mansions Courtyard.
The festival is organized into four distinct sections: French New Wave, French Contemporary Films, Films for Young Audience, and Indian Filmmakers featured in Cannes Film Festival. This carefully curated selection aims to provide a comprehensive view of the richness and diversity of French and Indian cinema.
Nicolas Facino, Director of Alliance française and the brain behind the festival, expressed his excitement, stating, “Cinema unites people, inspires, stirring our souls and igniting our imagination. In the dim-lit sanctuaries of theaters, we are transported to distant lands, where we walk alongside captivating characters and immerse ourselves in diverse cultures.”
Bollywood veteran Anil Kapoor, reflecting on his connection with Bengal, remarked, “I started my career here in Bengal way back in the 1980s. This is one of the best cinema destinations, and both France and Bengal have some of the best filmmakers.”
Actor Rituparna Sengupta, sharing her fondness for France, said, “France is my favorite place, and Paris is my favorite destination. We are connected by an emotional bond.”
As the festival unfolds over the next eight enchanting days, it promises to be a celebration of the rich cultural tapestry woven by the cinematic brilliance of both Bengal and France. In the vibrant city of Kolkata, where literature and cinema intertwine, the French Film Festival aims to celebrate the shared heritage and the latest productions of French and Indian cinema.
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