Glittering start to KIFF2023!
Anshula Dey | Kolkata
In a glittering spectacle, the 29th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) inaugurated its cinematic extravaganza at the prestigious Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata.
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| The glittering opening ceremony of Kolkata International Film Festival |
The star-studded event boasted the presence of distinguished personalities, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Bollywood luminaries Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Shatrughan Sinha, Sonakshi Sinha, cricket icon Sourav Ganguly, and acclaimed filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.
However, conspicuous by his absence this year was the ever-present Shah Rukh Khan, a regular at KIFF. Notably, the Bollywood icon relinquished his role as the West Bengal brand ambassador earlier in the year, with Sourav Ganguly stepping into the esteemed position.
The cinematic celebration is set to captivate audiences until December 12, with Kolkata International Film Festival 2023 unfolding across 23 venues in the vibrant city. A staggering array of 219 films from 39 countries will grace the screens, encompassing 72 feature films, as well as 50 short films and documentaries.
The International Competition (Innovation in Moving Images) category will witness intense competition, with thirteen films contending for the coveted Golden Royal Bengal Trophies in both the Best Film and Best Director categories, offering substantial prize money of Rs 51 lakh and Rs 21 lakh, respectively.
A highlight on December 9 promises intellectual stimulation with the Satyajit Ray Memorial Lecture delivered by Laurence Kardish. Adding to the festival's allure, acclaimed actors Manoj Bajpayee and Sudhir Mishra will spearhead an insightful masterclass session, delving into the intricacies of acting and direction.
The cinematic panorama will further be enriched with the screening of Anurag Kashyap’s "Kennedy," featuring the dynamic duo of Sunny Leone and Rahul Bhat in lead roles.
As the festival unfolds, it promises an enchanting blend of cinematic excellence, intellectual discourse, and masterful insights into the world of acting and filmmaking.
