A French Short Movie Night was organized at the French Film Festival Kolkata by The Alliance Française du Bengale in association with the Consulate General of France and in collaboration with Apeejay Real Estate.

28 Short Films from 9 pm on the 23rd to 6 am on the 24th were showcased at the Park Mansion.

The films, which include La Jetée, a groundbreaking science fiction short that has influenced generations of filmmakers, Mon P’tit Papa, a touching story about familial bonds, and The Last Frenchman, a moving meditation on cultural and personal identity in the modern world, were thoughtfully chosen to highlight a range of emotions and narratives. In addition to providing entertainment, these films and others encouraged spectator discussion and led to a shared process of enjoyment and discovery.

The French Short Movie Night was an invitation to interact with French culture and cinema in a setting that fostered an understanding of the arts and community enjoyment, rather than merely a chance to watch films. The occasion offered a forum for cross-cultural communication and exchanging ideas while highlighting Kolkata’s growing interest in foreign film.

Nicolas Facino, the director of Alliance Française said “The Short Film Night is a unique experience. During his visit, Anurag Kashyap told me he had seen over fifty-five films at a festival. This immersive experience aims to immerse the Bengali audience in the realm of French film”.

In addition to being a first for Kolkata, the French Short Movie Night also established a high bar for other cultural events in the city. It generated excitement for what will come next in Kolkata’s cultural journey and brought people together to celebrate French film.

Priyanka Dutta