Will 215 Films Be Showcased at the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival?
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Synopsis
Get ready for the cinematic extravaganza at the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival, featuring 215 films from 39 countries. The festival opens on November 6 with the iconic 'Saptapadi'. Join us as we celebrate global cinema and pay tribute to legendary filmmakers.
Key Takeaways
- 215 films from 39 countries will be showcased.
- The festival opens on November 6 with 'Saptapadi'.
- It celebrates the centenary of notable filmmakers.
- Screenings include films in 18 Indian and 30 foreign languages.
- Veteran filmmaker Ramesh Sippy will deliver a special lecture.
Kolkata, Oct 28 (NationPress) A total of 215 films from 39 countries will be showcased at the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), taking place across 20 venues throughout the city.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with prominent figures from both the Bengali film industry and Bollywood, will officially open the festival on November 6 at an auditorium in Kolkata.
The festival will kick off with the screening of the Bengali classic 'Saptapadi' (1961), featuring Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen, shortly after the inauguration.
A press conference was conducted on Tuesday at Nandan to unveil the schedule and further details regarding the film festival.
Attendees included Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee, state ministers Aroop Biswas and Indranil Sen, as well as director Haranath Chakraborty and actors Koel Mallick and June Mallia.
This year's festival will feature 215 films chosen from 39 countries, encompassing 185 full-length films and 30 short films.
Films will be presented in 18 Indian languages and 30 foreign languages, including dialects such as Konkani, Boro, Tulu, and Santali.
The festival will honor the centenary of renowned filmmakers, actors, and music directors like Ritwik Ghatak, Guru Dutt, Santosh Dutt, Raj Khosla, Salil Chowdhury, and Richard Burton.
Special tributes will be paid to the works of Shyam Benegal, David Lynch, Arun Roy, Raja Mitra, and Shashi Anand.
Veteran filmmaker Ramesh Sippy will present the ‘Satyajit Ray Memorial Lecture’ to commemorate 50 years of ‘Sholay’.
Additionally, 15 contemporary foreign films will make their debut at this festival, alongside several works by Ritwik Ghatak in celebration of his centenary.
The restored version of Satyajit Ray's (Aranyer Din Raatri) will be screened at Nandan on November 8, and the festival will conclude on November 13.
Point of View
Bringing together diverse voices from around the globe. This year's focus on centenary tributes highlights the rich history of filmmaking while paving the way for contemporary narratives. The festival reflects our commitment to arts and culture, encouraging dialogue and appreciation among audiences.
NationPress
28/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Kolkata International Film Festival start?
The festival begins on November 6, 2023.
How many films will be screened?
A total of 215 films from 39 countries will be showcased.
Where will the festival take place?
The festival will take place across 20 venues in Kolkata.
What is the inaugural film for this year's festival?
The inaugural film is the Bengali classic 'Saptapadi' (1961).
When does the festival conclude?
The festival will conclude on November 13, 2023.
