IMAGINE 90 HOURS of German cinema including seven mustwatch films by Oscar-winning Ger man film director Volker Schlondroff. And in case you wish to meet The Tin Drum director, a twoday master class (November 14 and 15) will give you an insight into the genius’ mind as he discusses adapting litera - ture and working with actors. All this and more awaits you this year at the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) that kicks off today.
The festival in its 25th year is being chaired for the first time by popular filmmaker Raj Chakraborty and will focus on German cinema with a total of 214 feature films from 76 countries and 152 short and documentary films across the globe. The short and documentary film section is being headed by actor Parambrata Chattopadhyay. “Short films and documentaries are often step - ping stones for first-time filmmakers and an increasing number of new film - makers are exploring this genre. We are showcasing 96 short films and 57 docu - mentaries this time,” says the actor.
Reminiscing about their days of watching films together in the past years of KIFF, Raj says, “I used to be a regular at the KIFF from its third edi - tion when I used to roam around look - ing for tickets to watch good films. Parambrata and I have shared a good bond since then and I would take sug - gestions from him as to which films are a must-watch,” adding that he is thrilled to see as many as 2,490 films registering for the festival this year.
Apart from catching up on some note - worthy films from countries including Spain, France, Brazil, and Turkey, one can also go for the offbeat ones arriving from Syria, Uruguay, Kyrgyzstan, and - Guatemala, besides other participat - ing countries. For film connoisseurs who miss 35mm celluloid magic, KIFF has 10 films that have been reintro - duced in that format. Among them, there are two German films, six Italian films, and two Indian films.
Besides, 3D films are making an entry this year at the festival and special screenings of two children’s films will be held at the designated festival venues. Apart from this, one can expect an homage to doy - ens of the film world including pathbreaking filmmakers like Mrinal Sen, Girish Karnad and Chinmoy Roy. Centenary tributes have also been organised for veterans including Manna Dey, Jahar Roy, Arabinda Mukherjee, Gillo Pontecarvo and oth - ers, including meet-ups with Andie Macdowell and Volker Schlondroff.