Randhir Kapoor, Bappi Lahiri, Neville Tuli and others at Russian Film Days inauguration

18 Nov 2015 1:07 AM IST

This event will bring both Contemporary and Classic Russian Cinema along

Randhir Kapoor, Bappi Lahiri, Neville Tuli and others at Russian Film Days inauguration

Randhir Kapoor and SMM Ausaja

The inauguration of Russian Film Days, held at Osianama in Liberty Cinema, was a star-studded affair. Along with Russian celebrities, Randhir Kapoor, Dino Morea, Bappi Lahiri, Neville Tuli, film historian SMM Ausaja, Shibani Kashyap, Neelima Azim, Ishaan Khattar, Dillzan Wadia, Raina Agni, Renu Chaudhary, Lezlie Tripathi among many others were present at the do.

Fostering this tradition of cultural relationships the Russian National Fund of the Copyright Holder’s Support along with the Filmmakers Union of the Russian Federation in partnership with Osianama, India’s pioneering cultural institution, is organizing the Russian Film Days Festival at the iconic Liberty cinema in the capital city of Indian Cinema – Mumbai.

This event will bring both Contemporary and Classic Russian Cinema along with helping to foster Indo-Russian cinematic partnerships. The Contemporary Film section will be marked by two World Premieres with the Opening Film “Without Borders”, and the Closing Film “The Teacher” which will be ahead of the Russian release scheduled for November 26.

The forum agenda of the Russian Film Days Festival also includes meetings of actors and film directors with the audience, visits to Indian film studios, press-conferences and round tables, as well as social and business events.

“We really hope the art of cinema will become a connecting link between the peoples of Russia and India and to help us better understand each other. The Russian Film Days is a starting point for the revival of cultural and business cooperation traditions between our countries”, Maria Lemesheva stated with confidence.

And it is hard to quarrel with this statement as also with the sentiments of Neville Tuli, Chairman of Osianama, who added: “The Indian Russian links have been deep and genuine, with the Soviet cinematic heritage, one of the greatest in the world, and a force of much inspiration during past decades. This relationship now needs to be strengthened and brought onto new platforms so as to rebuild with the changing values, technologies and priorities, but with a clear love and respect and continuity with our cultural heritage and shared histories.”

Sarfaraz Alam, President Indian Film Festival. Russia, adds “The Festivals are good to keep the relation on and show case some quality films to each other. We can see the growing demand and love for the films in both the countries. The second step is to start distributing films in a big way.”

Alexey Sterukov - Vice Consul Gen of Russia, actor Egor Koreshkov, Bappi Lahiri and film historian SMM Ausaja