Chennai International Film Festival from Dec 15

The Chennai International Film Festival (CIFF) scheduled from Dec. 15-23 promises more than 130 films from 43 countries. Members of the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation and celebrity actors, including Revathy, Suhasini and Khusboo briefed the media at a press meet held on Dec.7.

'The inaugural function on Dec.15 will open at Woodlands Theatre with a cultural progam showcasing the history of Tamil Cinema, presented by Venky,' said Suhasini Maniratnam. This will be followed by the opening film, 'Soul Kitchen,' directed by Fateh Akin (Germany).'

There will be five shows daily at Woodlands, Woodlands Symphony and South Indian Film Chamber and four shows at Inox. There are twelve Tamil films in the competition category. Also twelve films constitute the Indian Panorama including noted director Aparna Sen's 'Iti Mrinali,' and Malayalam director Ranjith's, 'Palerimanikyam oru Pathira Kolapathakathinte Katha.'

A retrospective on Bernado Bertolucci includes 'The Last Emperor,' (winner of six Oscars), Little Buddha and Stealing Beauty. Films focusing on Turkey, Canada and Netherlands will also be screened. On the fest, actor director Revathy said, 'We are looking at presenting a good festival with not just good films but also an interaction with directors and actors.' According to the press release, foreign delegates expected include Birol Unel (of Soul Kitchen), Julia Aleandra Szeplaki (A Day in Orange) and Kasper Munk (Hold Me tight). The Indian delegates include Aparna Sen, Rituparno Hosh and Dr. Biju.

The closing film is Alejandro Gonzalez Innarritu's Biutiful. Four awards will be given away for Best Film, Second Best Film, Best Director and a special Jury award. 'This special jury award can be given to an actor, technician or art director,' said Revathy.

The awards designed by noted sculptor Nandagopal will be the emblem of CIFF in the years to come. Check out www.chennaifilmfest.org for more details.