NEW LOOK NANDAN GREETS THE EYE, AS...

Sixth Calcutta fest gets underway
The stage was set with Nandan, the Bengal government’s film centre which underwent renovation in time for the 6th Calcutta Film Festival (CFF), which opened on November 10, 2000. Recent trends in cinema the world over found a niche at the sixth Calcutta Film Festival followed by seminars and discussions in the company of prominent filmmakers bringing alive the Nandan-Rabindra Sadan-Sisir Manch complex.

Emphasis this year was placed on films from Europe and South America. Among the stalwarts who featured was Carlos Saura in Tango which appears to be a continuity of an aspect of life through the medium of dance in Blood Wedding and Carmen. Film buffs who eagerly joined long queues outside theatres to view a Godard film last year, were pleased that a retrospective of six of the master’s works figured in this festival.

From the Indian interest not only the best films made during the past one year was focussed, it also involved Indians taking part in foreign films — this section was called Film India Worldwide, a Calcutta invention that has set the trend in other Indian festivals as well. Chhabi Biswas whose birth centenary was celebrated last year featured in another retrospective to pay tribute to the veteran Bengali actor.

The 6th Calcutta Film Festival (CFF) also showcased an array of the old classics and the latest films from around the globe. This year’s Golden Peacock winner Karman will figure in the section called India Select. Rat Catcher from UK was another interesting entry directed by Lynne Ramsay who makes his debut as filmmaker. It comes to Calcutta after being acclaimed in different parts of Europe.

Estono comes from the better-known filmmaking countries in South America, like Brazil directed by Roy Guerra and representing the Cinema Novo that started in that country several decades back. A Fountain For Susan for example is one of the films from the new filmmaking countries such as Slovakia. Director Dusan Rapos hails from that country and his film is a romantic musical comedy also dealing with the problem of apartheid.

Also screened were Me You and Them (Brazil), best feature film at Karlovy Vary, along with five films from Iran as well as a new feature film by Paul Cox whose works film buffs look forward to at such annual festive events. A tribute to G Aravindan is included in the Indian Section with Vastuhara being screened which was largely shot in Calcutta.

A press conference was convened at Nandan Prior to the CFF festival where Buddhadeb Bhattacharia, the new chief minister, apprised members of the press of the events that took place at the 6th Calcutta Film Festival (CFF) 2000. At the inaugural function on November 10, were present Jyoti Basu, the outgoing chief minister, Mrinal Sen, Soumitra Chatterjee, filmmaker Tarun Majumdar and 13 foreign delegates from all over the world. Among these were Zanussi (Poland), Jean Claude Cria (France), Rickee Tognaze (Brazil), Louis Alberto (Korea) Alexander Brassierv (Russia).

A total of 12 auditoriums were booked for the screenings of 164 films representing 30 countries this year. The inaugural film being the contribution from Argentina Adventurers of God. The Indian Panorama included the films of Buddhadeb Dasgupta (Uttara), Nabyendu Chatterjee (Mansur Mia-r Ghodal), Mani Ratnam, Jairaj and 35 short films and documentaries. Also a number of childrens’ films were screened.

Besides screenings of films, the press and film delegates attended the daily Meet the press, Open Forums and Face to FAce at the Birla Planetarium hosted by BFJA and Cine Central. According to Buddhadeb Bhattacharya now the state’s chief minister, a sum of Rs 80 lakh went towards the financing of the film festival of which 75 per cent of the sales proceeds was raised to meet the crisis of flood victims and the remaining 25 per cent in aid of disabled technicians of the Tollygunge Film Industry.

Anit Mukerjea

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