KIFF: Bengali Panorama section welcomes fresh filmmakers

The 29th Kolkata International Film Festival is starting soon and the films of its Bengali Panorama Section came out on Wednesday. A bunch of new director’s films are part of the section. Mon Patanga, Bonobibi, Bijayar Pore, Abar Asibo Fire, Matripokkho, and Anath are the films to be shown. Two of Swastika Mukherjee's films, Matripokkho and Bijayar Pore, are on the list.

Also read: Exclusive! KIFF: Will Anjan Dutt’s Mrinal Sen tribute be premiered at the festival? 

This year is the birth centenary of legendary filmmaker Mrinal Sen. OTTplay was the first to report that Anjan Dutta’s tribute film to Mrinal Sen, Ekhon Chalchitra will be screened at the festival. In fact, Anjan, who used to share a strong camaraderie with Sen, made his debut with his film Chalchitra and then acted in several Mrinal Sen's films like Kharij. He paid homage to his mentor and played Mrinal Sen in the movie.

Also read: KIFF: Actress Swastika Mukherjee congratulates new directors 

Rana Sarkar’s Bonobibi stars Parno Mittrah and Dibyendu Bhattacharya. The film is directed by Rajdip Ghosh and deals with the widow para of Sundarban. Bijayar Pore is the first film directed by Abhijit Das. The film stars Dipankar Dey, Swastika Mukherjee, Mamata Shankar, and Mir.

Mon Patanga is produced by Anjan Basu. It is directed by National Award winners Sarmistha Maiti and Rajdeep Pal, their venture after Kalkokkho. It deals with inter-faith romance and the life of the pavement dwellers in Kolkata.

Matripokkho is directed by Rajesh Roy and deals with motherhood.

Debapratim Dasgupta directed Abar Asibo Fire which tells the story of a young boy coming back to his country and falling in love with it. It stars Ritobroto Mukherjee, Santilal Mukherjee, Mir, etc.

Anath is directed by Anisul and sends the message of communal harmony.

This year, the festival will start on December 5 and will run till December 12. Australia is likely to be the country in focus.