RIYADH, 21 September — An Indian film festival featuring mainly award-winning films by all-time great director Satyajit Ray was inaugurated here on Thursday evening at the Indian Embassy auditorium.
A large number of people, including several diplomats, were present at the ceremony to mark the first film festival organized by India in Saudi Arabia.
Several films especially films of universal interest directed by Ray will be screened during the four-day festival, said Indian Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad, in his inaugural address.
Ray’s four masterpieces — "Pather Panchali," "Aparajito," "Apur Sansar" and "Charulata" — will be shown during the festival beginning Sept. 24. Others to be screened include big-banner movies produced this year. These will be screened especially for Saudi audience.
The festival is part of India’s efforts to promote cultural relations with the Kingdom. Also lined up for early next month is a fashion show featuring Indian costumes and styles, said Sunita Mainee Ahmed, the ambassador’s wife who is organizing the show.
An annual poetry session (Mushaira) is on the cards before Ramadan. The Indian Council of Cultural Relations is also expected to participate in the Kingdom’s annual Janadariya festival.