KIFF: Mamata Banerjee praises Shabana Azmi for her views on unity and diversity

Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) concluded in style on Friday after a week-long celebration involving cinema, stars and much more. Shabana Azmi was one of star attractions at closing event. veteran actor expressed her thoughts on art and cinema as an instrument of social change, and principles of Constitution on plurasim, composite culture and freedom of expression. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee too concurred with Azmi’s thoughts on unity and diversity and importance of preserving freedom of expression and Constitution’s democratic values. 

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In her dress on concluding day of KIFF, Shabana Azmi said, "I was raised in a family, which believed art should be used as an instrument of social change. I believe cinema has this ability and that can be possible if artists can be given freedom of expression. Cinema is such a medium, which has power to open a window from where we learn about or cultures. Cinema is focal point of such diversity." " purpose of art is also to provoke and start conversations, on any subject considered taboo by society. Any effort to curb freedom of expression will be resisted most vigorously," Arth actor said. 

“Today we speak about pluralism and composite culture, it is something India has always celebrated. Today, we hear word inclusiveness from world leers. We, in India, kw that Indian Constitution guarantees this inclusiveness. India celebrates its diversity and its inclusiveness,” Azmi was quoted as saying. She ded, “re is need for freedom of expression in our country. Art should be given freedom of expression. Cinema has ability to create a climate of sensitivity. 

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A documentary on Shabana Azmi’s far, late poet Kaifi Azmi was screened at KIFF this year. She recited one of his Urdu poems to back up her opinion. "Roughly translated it means - you wil be greeted with storms when you make attempts to suffocate protest," she said. 

Praising Shabana Azmi, CM Mamata Banerjee concurred, “I do appreciate Shabana ji for her expression about unity and diversity, which is our country’s origin and freedom of expression. We used to love it. I must say that in today’s time, we need freedom of speech and expression. We used to love it because without freedom of expression body has right to speak or work. So, ways it is very much required and we feel that in future too, with help of all citizens of this country, we will uphold our Constitution, our constitutional and democratic rights.” 

She continued, “Cinema is mirror to society, any step to curb freedom of expression must be resisted.” CM also stated that her government h always supported freedom of artists. "Kolkata is sweetest part of world, where people belonging to every cast, creed and religion live toger. Kolkata is place of humanity," Banerjee said.

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Winners

Guatemalan movie La Llorona ( Weeping Woman) directed by Jayro Bustamante won award for Best Film in Invation in Moving Ims (international competition) category. Shabana Azmi presented Royal Bengal Golden Tiger Trophy and a cash prize of Rs 51 lakh to winners. Vaclav Marhoul received  Best Director award for Navarbene Ptace ( Painted Bird) in same category. Shpia E s (Aga’s House) got a special jury award in same category.  In Indian category, Ananth Mahevan’s Mai Ghat Crime Number 103-2005 (Crime Number 103-2005) won Hiralal Sen Memorial award for Best Film. Indrasish Acharya received Best Director award in same category for his movie Parcel. itya Kripalani’s movie Goddess and Hero bagged   NETPAC award. 

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