Four Filipino films are among the spectacular roster of the 366 movies showcased at the 25th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) in Kolkata, India.
Gitarista (The Guitarist) by Jason Orfalas and Mindanao by Brillante Ma. Mendoza competed under the Asian Select (NETPAC Award) and the International Competition: Innovation in Moving Images sections, respectively. Gitarista stars Cedrick Juan, Noel Comia, Jr., and Anna Luna, while the Mendoza-directed film features Judy Ann Santos and Allen Dizon.
Continuing its run in various international festival circuits, Ang Hupa (The Halt) by Lav Diaz made it to the international scene again; this time, under the KIFF’s Maestro section. The film is top-billed by Joel Lamangan, Piolo Pascual, and Shaina Magdayao.
Completing the lineup for the Philippine entries for KIFF is Latay (Battered Husband) by Ralston Gonzales Jover, which screened under the Cinema International section and stars Allen Dizon, Lovi Poe, Snooky Serna, and Mariel De Leon.
The eight-day film festival was kicked off with a grand opening ceremony graced by big personalities and dignitaries in the industry. Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan inaugurated the KIFF at the Netaji Indoor Stadium last November 8.
Board of Control for Cricket in India President Sourav Ganguli expressed that KIFF is a celebration of cinema, and filmmakers get the opportunity to showcase their works at the festival.
The 25th Kolkata International Film Festival ran from Nov. 8 to 15.