The 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), which began today has France as its theme country. Several films showcasing the rich cultural and cinematic heritage of the European nation were screened.

The grand inauguration was done by CM Mamata Banerjee in the presence of Sourav Ganguly, Dev, Shatrughan Sinha, Madhabi Mukherjee, Goutam Ghose, and other eminent guests.

The inaugural film was Galpo Holeo Satti, a film by director Tapan Sinha. It was screened at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium.

An amazing dance performance by Dona Ganguly and her troupe kept the audience mesmerized.

The focus country is France and 21 French films will be screened at the festival.

2459 films were submitted for participation in this film festival. 29 countries have participated in this film festival.

There are 20 venues where the films will be screened. The venues are Nandan I, Nandan II, Nandan III, Sisir Mancha, Rabindra Sadan, Nazrul Tirtha I, Navina, New Empire, Radha Studio, Ajanta Cinema, Rabindra Okakura Bhawan, Nazrul Tirtha II, Menoka Cinema, Star Theatre, South City, Quest Mall, Metro, Mani Square and Globe Cinema.

The number of films that will be screened is 175.

The centenary tribute will be given to Tapan Sinha, Marlon Brando, Marcello Mastroianni, Sergei Parajanov, Harisadhan Dasgupta, Arundhati Devi, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Banshi Chandra Gupta, Mohammad Rafi, Talat Mahmood and Madan Mohan.

The special tribute will be for Kumar Shahani, Alain Delon, Anup Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Gautam Halder, Utpalendu Chakraborty, and Manoj Mitra.

The festival will screen one film on 35 mm. The film is Debshishu by the late Utpalendu Chakraborty.

Cine adda will happen every evening at Ektara Mancha from 5^th to 11^th December.

The Satyajit Ray Memorial Lecture will be delivered by R. Balki on 6^th December at 4 pm at Sisir Mancha.

With a fascinating collection of films from throughout the globe, the stunning celebration of cinematic brilliance will continue until December 11.

Priyanka Dutta