France to Feature Prominently at 30th Kolkata International Film Festival

The 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) is set to showcase a diverse range of films from 41 countries, with a special emphasis on French cinema. Scheduled from December 4 to 11, 2024, the festival will feature 175 films, including contemporary works by French women filmmakers, classic French films, and a variety of international and Indian cinema. This year’s festival promises a rich mix of screenings, interactive sessions, and seminars, including appearances from prominent figures like Vidya Balan and R Balki.

Dates & Scope

• The festival will take place from December 4 to 11, 2024.
• 175 films from 41 countries will be showcased, including 127 feature films, 28 short and documentary films, and a selection of Indian and Bengali films.

Focus on French Cinema

• Special focus on contemporary French women filmmakers, including Caroline Vignal, Celine Rouzet, and Elise Otzenberger.
• Screening of classic French films as part of the tribute to French cinema.

Key Events and Speakers

• Vidya Balan will participate in an interaction session with Sangeeta Dutta.
• R Balki will deliver the Satyajit Ray Memorial Lecture.
• Focus on interactive sessions with young filmmakers and women directors from France.

Festival Venues and Shows

• The festival will be held across 20 venues in Kolkata.
• A total of 290 shows will be conducted.

Logo and Theme

• The KIFF 2024 logo and theme song were unveiled by State Minister Aroop Biswas, Minister and Co-Chief Advisor Indranil Sen, and the festival Chairman, Goutam Ghosh.

Impact of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Vision

• Since 2011, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, KIFF has expanded to multiple venues across the city.
• The CM’s vision has positioned West Bengal as a cultural gateway in India.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	France to Feature Prominently at 30th Kolkata International Film Festival
Festival Dates	December 4-11, 2024
Focus Country	France (with a spotlight on contemporary French women filmmakers)
Films Screened	175 films from 41 countries, including 127 feature films, 28 shorts & docs
Notable Films	Classic French films, Indian language films, Bengali Panorama films
Key Speakers	Vidya Balan (interaction with Sangeeta Dutta), R Balki (Satyajit Ray Memorial Lecture)
Interactive Sessions	Focus on women filmmakers from France and young filmmakers
Festival Venues	20 venues across Kolkata
Total Shows	290 shows
Theme & Logo Unveiling	Unveiled by Aroop Biswas, Indranil Sen, Goutam Ghosh
Impact of Mamata Banerjee’s Vision	Expansion to multiple venues, making West Bengal a cultural gateway