The French Film Festival in Kolkata has, in just two editions, become a vibrant celebration of cinema and cultural exchange. The inaugural edition in 2024 (16–24 February) offered audiences a curated blend of contemporary French cinema, animation, New Wave classics, Indian films featured at Cannes, and short films. Building on that success, the 2025 edition (22 February–1 March) expanded to feature more than 80 films across six thematic sections — from French classics and contemporary gems to Indian masterpieces and mountain cinema. With star-studded opening and closing ceremonies, the festival truly brought Kolkata alive with the spirit of Indo-French collaboration.

For me, this journey has been personal as well as professional. With my dear friend Nicolas Facino, Director of Alliance Française du Bengale, together we brought the French Film Festival in Kolkata to life twice — filled with grace, passion, and success. Nicolas’s fierce passion sometimes led us into arguments, but we always found harmony in the end, and that made the journey even more meaningful.

As I look back, I feel proud to have contributed to creating a bridge between cultures, celebrating cinema, and strengthening the bond between France and Bengal. These two editions will remain milestones in my life, etched with joy, learning, and unforgettable companionship.