Have you ever wondered what make the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) one of the most engaging cultural events in the India? This year’s 30th KIFF is packed with powerful moments you don’t want to miss! Running from December 4 to 11, this festival will showcase top films from around the globe. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the All most of this event.
Top 5 Reasons You’ll Love KIFF 2024
Find Great Films: Watch 175 films, including 127 feature films and 28 documentaries.
Learn from Experts: Meet big names like R. Balki and Vidya Balan.
Enjoy French Cinema: See movies from talented French filmmakers, including women directors.
Visit Cool Venues: Watch films at 20 theaters and halls across Kolkata.
Celebrate Artists: Pay tribute to legends like Tapan Sinha and Marlon Brando.
KIFF 2024 Film Categories and Awards
| Category | Number of Films | Award/Prize |
| International Competition | 14 | Royal Bengal Tiger Trophy |
| Indian Languages Competition | 12 | Hiralal Sen Memorial Trophy |
| Asian Select (NETPAC) Award | 9 | NETPAC Award |
| Bengali Panorama | 7 | – |
| French Cinema Focus | Various | – |
What’s Special About KIFF 2024?
1. Dates and Places
The festival will run from December 4 to 11, 2024, at these well-known places:
- Nandan I, II, III
- Sisir Mancha
- Rabindra Sadan
- Nazrul Tirtha
Three popular Kolkata cinemas—Navina, New Empire, and Ajanta Cinema—will also host shows.
2. Focus on French Movies
This year, there is a big focus on French cinema, with a spotlight on women directors. Classic French films will also be shown, making it a great chance to see some of the best movies from France.
Must-See Events
Satyajit Ray Memorial Lecture
- When: December 6
- What It’s About: Bollywood director R. Balki will give a special talk to share what he has learned about movies.
Chat with Vidya Balan
- When: December 6
- Why It’s Fun: A chance to hear from this amazing actress and ask her questions.
Panel Talk: Movies and the World
- When: December 7
- What You’ll Learn: How movies can help us understand global issues and make the world better.
Celebrating Famous Artists
KIFF 2024 will honor many famous names:
- Tapan Sinha: A Bengali filmmaker who made classic movies.
- Marlon Brando: A Hollywood legend.
- Marcello Mastroianni: A famous Italian actor.
- Mohammad Rafi and Talat Mahmood: Two great Indian singers.
The festival will also remember filmmakers who passed away this year, like Manoj Mitra and Kumar Shahani.
Movies Competing for Awards
The festival will hand out big awards like the Royal Bengal Tiger Trophy and the Hiralal Sen Memorial Trophy. Here’s a quick look at some of the competitions:
KIFF 2024 promises not only a rich selection of films but also engaging interactive sessions and discussions. Here are the key highlights:
- Satyajit Ray Memorial Lecture: Bollywood director R Balki will deliver the prestigious Satyajit Ray Memorial Lecture on December 6.
- Vidya Balan Interaction: Renowned actress Vidya Balan will engage with the audience on December 6.
- Panel Discussions: One of the major panel discussions will focus on “Intolerance, Global Justice and the Media” scheduled for December 7.
Festival Venues and Screening Locations
KIFF 2024 will take place across 20 venues in Kolkata. Some of the prominent venues include:
- Nandan I, II, III
- Sisir Mancha
- Rabindra Sadan
- Nazrul Tirtha
- Radha Studio
Additionally, three cineplexes in Kolkata – Navina, New Empire, and Ajanta Cinema – will host movie screenings during the festival.
How Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Made KIFF Bigger
Since 2011, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has worked hard to make KIFF a big event. Under her leadership, the festival has grown into a major celebration of films from India and around the world. Today, it is one of the top film festivals in the country.
The festival will also pay tribute to legendary figures in the film industry. Tapan Sinha, the renowned Bengali filmmaker, will be honored with a centenary tribute, along with tributes to:
- Marlon Brando
- Marcello Mastroianni
- Mohammad Rafi
- Talat Mahmood
- Madan Mohan
A special tribute section will also remember filmmakers Manoj Mitra, Kumar Sahani, and Utpalendu Chakraborty, who passed away this year.
Which Movie Categories and Awards at KIFF 2024
KIFF 2024 will feature a range of films competing for prestigious awards:
- International Competition: This section will be showcase 14 films for the coveted Royal Bengal Tiger Trophy, awarded in the Best Film and Best Director categories.
- Indian Languages Competition: A total of 12 films will compete for the Hiralal Sen Memorial Trophy and Award.
- Asian Select (NETPAC) Award: 9 films will be featured in this category.
- Bengali Panorama: Seven Bengali films will be screened as part of this special section.
Impact of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Vision
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, KIFF has grown significantly over the years. Since 2011, the festival has expanded to multiple venues across the city, making Kolkata a hub for cultural and cinematic exchanges. The festival’s continued success highlights the vision of West Bengal’s government to position the state as a cultural gateway in India.
Summary
- Dates: December 4 to 11, 2024
- Films: 175 films from 41 countries
- Focus: French Cinema, including works by female French filmmakers
- Key Guests: R Balki (Satyajit Ray Memorial Lecture), Vidya Balan (Audience Interaction)
- Special Tributes: Tapan Sinha, Marlon Brando, Marcello Mastroianni, Mohammad Rafi, and others
- Key Awards: Royal Bengal Tiger Trophy, Hiralal Sen Memorial Trophy, NETPAC Award
- Venues: Nandan I, II, III, Sisir Mancha, Rabindra Sadan, Nazrul Tirtha, Radha Studio, plus cineplexes Navina, New Empire, and Ajanta Cinema.
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FAQs for People Also Ask
KIFF 2024 will focus on French cinema, with special attention to contemporary works by French women filmmakers.
The festival will take place from December 4 to 11, 2024.
KIFF will be held across 20 venues in Kolkata, including Nandan, Sisir Mancha, and Radha Studio
R Balki will deliver the Satyajit Ray Memorial Lecture, and Vidya Balan will interact with the audience.
175 films from 41 countries will be showcased, including feature films, shorts, and documentaries.
The Royal Bengal Tiger Trophy, Hiralal Sen Memorial Trophy, and NETPAC Award will be among the prestigious awards at KIFF.
Under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, KIFF has expanded to multiple venues, making Kolkata a key cultural center in India