The 30th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) is set to commence on December 4, offering a cinematic feast with 175 films from 29 countries. This year, France takes the spotlight as the festival’s focus country, promising a rich showcase of French cinema.

The festival lineup includes 42 feature-length films, 30 short films and documentaries in competitive categories, and 103 non-competitive entries. Screenings will be held at 20 venues across Kolkata from December 5 to December 11.

Highlights of the Festival
The logo and theme song for this year’s KIFF were unveiled on Friday at an event held at Rabindra Sadan. The ceremony was attended by notable personalities, including KIFF chairman Gautam Ghose, Minister Aroop Biswas, Indranil Sen, Birbaha Hansda, and Nicolas Facino, director of Alliance Française du Bengale.

This year’s festival will pay homage to the legendary filmmaker Tapan Sinha on his birth anniversary, with his celebrated film Golpo Holeo Sotyi likely to open the festival. Additionally, tributes will be paid to the birth centenaries of cultural icons Marlon Brando, Marcello Mastroianni, and Mohammad Rafi.

A special segment focusing on contemporary French women filmmakers will add to the festival's appeal.

Changes and Special Guests
The 30th KIFF is expected to see a shift in its usual grandeur, with some prominent superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan absent this year. However, the festival will still shine with the presence of Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar as chief guests. Vidya Balan is also expected to attend on December 5.

The opening ceremony, traditionally held at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, has been relocated to the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium.

A Message from the Chairman
Speaking about the festival, KIFF chairman Gautam Ghose said, “It’s true that the number of people going to the theatre to watch Bengali films has decreased. But the footfall in the festival will not reduce. Even though OTTs have taken over, directors have not stopped making films for the big screen.”

He further emphasized, “In the AI era, the entire filmmaking process will change. Before that happens, I request the audience to experience different kinds of films in this year’s festival.”