The 30th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) kicks off on December 4, featuring 175 films from 29 countries, with France as the focus country. The lineup includes 42 feature films, 30 shorts and documentaries in competition, and 103 non-competitive films, showcasing across 20 venues from December 5-11.
This year’s French selection boasts 21 films, including contemporary works by women directors, French classics, shorts and documentaries. Notable screenings include the 1923 silent film La Souriante Madame Beudet by Germaine Dulac.
The festival will also pay tribute to legendary figures like Tapan Sinha, Marlon Brando and Sergei Parajanov, with screenings of their classics. Special tributes will be paid to Kumar Shahani, Alain Delon and others.
The inaugural film, Galpo Holeo Satti (1966) directed by Tapan Sinha, will be screened on December 4 at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium. Some films will be projected from original celluloid, including works by director Utpalendu Chakraborty. The “Unheard India” category will feature films in regional languages like Garhwali, Konkani and Tulu.
