Photo BS News Agency.
BS News Agency, Kolkata: Cinema is a universal language, one that transcends borders, unites hearts, and celebrates our shared humanity. It embodies the ideals of peace, fraternity, education, and culture, weaving together the diverse languages and emotions of the world into one harmonious narrative. With this spirit, every year, our Government of West Bengal, through its Information & Cultural Affairs Department, organises the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), a grand confluence of cinematic excellence and cultural exchange.
BS News Agency, Kolkata: Cinema is a universal language, one that transcends borders, unites hearts, and celebrates our shared humanity. It embodies the ideals of peace, fraternity, education, and culture, weaving together the diverse languages and emotions of the world into one harmonious narrative. With this spirit, every year, our Government of West Bengal, through its Information & Cultural Affairs Department, organises the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), a grand confluence of cinematic excellence and cultural exchange.
Today, at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium, I had the privilege of inaugurating the 31st edition of KIFF, graced by eminent dignitaries, celebrated filmmakers, actors, and artists from across the globe. This year, 215 films, including 185 feature films and 30 short and documentary films, from 39 countries will be screened across 20 venues. The festival showcases 18 Indian language films, including Bengali, and 30 films in foreign languages. We are honoured to have Poland as our Focus Country this year, deepening the cultural bond between our nations.
I take immense pride in sharing that KIFF continues to offer the highest prize money among all film festivals in India. This year’s festival also features special screenings and centenary tributes to legendary artists such as David Samuel Peckinpah, Raj Khosla, Santosh Dutta, Richard Burton, and Salil Chowdhury, alongside special honours for Shyam Benegal, David Lynch, Arun Roy, Raja Mitra, and Shashi Anand.
It was my honour to confer the Banga Bibhushan Award upon legendary singer Smt. Arati Mukhopadhyay and iconic actor Shri Shatrughan Sinha for their outstanding contributions to the world of music and cinema. I am particularly pleased to note the inclusion of films in rare Indian languages, Konkani, Haryanvi, Bodo, Kokborok, Tulu, Areba, Tiwa, and Santhali, reminding us that our cultural roots are the foundation of all progress. KIFF continues to stand as a global platform for art, creativity, and the free exchange of ideas, a festival that not only celebrates cinema but also nurtures the timeless values that define humanity itself.