JOIN USKolkata film festival opens
Inaugurating the 18th Kolkata International Film Festival, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday asked the entertainment industry to invest in West Bengal.
Speaking at the inaugural of the 18th International Kolkata Film festival, Banerjee said: “West Bengal has a rich cultural background and the entertainment industry in the state has the potentiality to flourish. The West Bengal government is keen to promote this industry and so we have decided to create three film cities in the state”.
Investment
“The state government is sincere in developing this industry. So I would like to say to all of you to come to our state and invest in this industry,” Banerjee said.
Actor Amitabh Bachchan inaugurated the film festival by lighting the ceremonial lamp in the presence of the chief minister, the state’s brand ambassador Shah Rukh Khan as well as actors Mithun Chakraborty, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma.
Speaking on the occasion, Bachchan said, “Kolkata is the cultural capital of the country and I started my career from this city only. I am also tied to this city through relation”.
Felicitation
Banerjee herself felicitated the guests of honour including Amitabh and Shah Rukh by draping them with an uttariya (scarf).
Line up
Around 189 movies, a heady mix of socio-communicational themes and popular entertainment from 60 countries is slated to be screened at the festival spread across 11 venues and having a budget of Rs 3 crore.
The opening movie of the fest will be Iranian director Asghar Farhidi’s “A Separation”.
The fest will conclude on November 17.
Didi plans three film cities
“West Bengal has a rich cultural background and the entertainment industry in the state has the potentiality to flourish. The West Bengal government is keen to promote this industry and so we have decided to create three film cities in the state.”