The 2nd Bharat-Bangladesh Film Festival concluded yesterday after a three-day celebration of cinema from India and Bangladesh. This festival has been organised by the Bidhannagar Film Society of West Bengal in collaboration with the Fazlul Haque Mani Smriti Sansad, the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) of Kolkata, and the eastern section of the Federation of Film Society.
The festival commenced on June 21 at the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre in Bidhannagar, Kolkata, with the inauguration by acclaimed filmmaker Goutam Ghose. His film "Shankhachil," a collaborative effort between India and Bangladesh, set the stage for a series of screenings that showcased six films from both countries.
Throughout the festival, audiences were treated to a diverse selection of films including Bangladeshi director Afzal Hossain's "Mawa Theke Hawa" and Kolkata's own Debdut Ghosh's "Aador." Today's screenings featured West Bengal filmmaker Sarmistha Maiti's "Kalkokkho" and Bangladeshi director Muhammad Qayyum's "Kura Pokkhir Shunne Ura" ("The Golden Wings of Watercocks").
In his inaugural address, Goutam Ghose underscored the significance of Bengali cinema in enhancing cultural understanding between India and Bangladesh. The event also featured captivating musical performances by artists from renowned institutions, adding a cultural dimension to the festival. Ritesh Basak, editor of Bidhannagar Film Society, and other dignitaries lauded the festival's success in promoting cross-border cultural exchange through the powerful medium of cinema. The closing ceremony marked a poignant end to an event that brought together filmmakers, artists, and enthusiasts from both nations, celebrating their shared heritage and love for cinematic artistry.
