The 15th Mumbai Film Festival opens in royal style

The 15th edition of Mumbai Film Festival opened with great grandeur yesterday at Liberty cinema. The who’s who of the film industry from Kamal Hassan, Tina Ambani and Ramesh Sippy to Frenchman Costa Gavras graced the occasion. The evening kick started with the lady emcee welcoming Srinivasan Narayanan, festival director of the 15th edition of the Mumbai Film Festival who introduced the festival with a short speech. “The Mumbai Film Festival has become an integral part of this city’s culture. For these eight days, the city breathes cinema. We are pleased that such distinguished personalities have accepted our invitation to partake in the 15th edition and join in celebrating the best of world Cinema” Next to come on stage was the man whom the entire industry swears by –Shyam Benegal, Chairman, MAMI. Keeping his speech short and to the point, Shyam said, “Without taking much time, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all our guests. I would also like to thank Mr and Mrs Ambani for their continued support to the Mumbai Film Festival.” It was good to see the dignitaries keeping their speeches short and crisp. Soon, it was time for the ceremonial lamp to be lit and commence the festival on an auspicious note. The special chief guest for the evening, the lovely Sonakshi Sinha did the honours along with Shyam Benegal and delegates from France. The evening then moved forward with the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award being bestowed on two living legends - French auteur Costa Gavras and Kamal Hassan. Costa who was honoured by Benegal was effusive in his praise and said, “I’m happy to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mumbai Film Festival. It is wonderful to see Indian cinema has a large local audience watching the films. I wish the Film Festival the best of luck and hope there are people who attend the various events.” Kamal, on the other hand, was his usual modest self while accepting the award from CM Prithviraj Chavan. “There never was a method to my acting. I simply had great teachers, some of whom are present here tonight. I respect them a lot. Festivals have also taught me a lot and I am humbled to have received this honour. I thank the Mumbai Film Festival for promoting talent such as myself,” said the legendary actor and also dedicated the award to his mentor Tamil filmmaker K Balachander. Extending is best wishes and speaking for the state, CM Prithviraj Chavan said, “Maharashtra supports and will continue to support this festival. I have been a huge fan of Mr. Gavras and Kamal Hassan. Mumbaikars are in for a great week ahead. My best wishes to the 15th edition of the Mumbai Film Festival and happy viewing.” Lee Daniel's historical fictional-drama The Butler starring Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey was the opening movie to be screened yesterday. The lack of subtitles made it difficult to understand the heavy lingo of the actors which slightly marred the viewing experience. Also, delegates this time were asked to choose the films that they wished to watch and register it online due to limited seating arrangements in the cinema hall. The Mumbai film festival which runs from 17th -24th October will see more than 200 films from 65 countries being screened. The festival will end with the screening of Bill Condon's The Fifth Estate.