Kolkata International Film Festival 2025

The 31st Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), themed “Where Cinema Connects The World,” will be held from 6 to 13 November 2025, bringing together filmmakers, artists, and cinephiles from around the globe. The city is set to transform into a cinematic hub, with screenings, retrospectives, and tributes celebrating both Indian and international cinema.

Inaugural Event and City’s Cinematic Spirit

A grand opening ceremony at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium will mark the beginning of the festival. Ahead of the event, a press meet featuring renowned actors Prasenjit Chatterjee, Koel Mollick, and June Malia highlighted Kolkata’s enduring passion for cinema. Prasenjit recalled how movie halls once brought people together, while Koel described KIFF as “a festival that extends the city’s festive season beyond Durga Puja and Kali Puja.”

Festival Highlights and Opening Film

The festival will open with a special screening of the Bengali classic “Saptapadi” (1961), symbolising Kolkata’s deep-rooted love for its cinematic heritage. This year’s Focus Country is Poland, with 19 films showcasing Polish cinema’s diversity. The “Unheard India” section will screen eight rare language films from across India, representing the linguistic and cultural richness of the nation.

Tributes and Centenary Honours

A major highlight is the Centenary Tribute to legendary filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak, celebrating his contributions to world cinema. Additional tributes will honour international greats Richard Burton and Robert Redford, along with Indian filmmakers Raja Mitra, Shashi Anand, and Arun Roy.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The 31st Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) will be held from 6–13 November 2025.
• Festival theme: “Where Cinema Connects The World.”
• Focus Country: Poland, featuring 19 films.
• Centenary Tribute dedicated to Ritwik Ghatak.

Competitions and Global Participation

KIFF 2025 will feature multiple competition categories, including the International Competition, Indian Panorama, Bengali Panorama, and Indian Short Films. Over 39 countries will participate with a mix of features, shorts, and documentaries. Blending nostalgia, innovation, and artistic excellence, KIFF continues to uphold Kolkata’s legacy as India’s cultural and cinematic capital.