The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, SCO, Film Festival to be held in Mumbai from Jan 27 to 31

The opening ceremony will be held at Jamshed Bhabha Theatre of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, NCPA, Mumbai on 27th January. Veteran director Priyadarshan’s Tamil film ‘Appatha’, which also marks the 700th film of lead actor Urvashi, will be the opening film of the festival.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai today (January 24), Joint Secretary (Films), Mr. Prithul Kumar said that the festival aims to build cinematic partnerships and act as a bridge between the cultures of various countries in the SCO. It may be noted that Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a multilateral organisation comprising eight countries, namely India, China, Pakistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

A total of 57 Films from member countries, including 14 from the competition section, will be showcased at the Festival. The screenings will take place at the Films Division Complex at Peddar Road and NFDC Theater at Worli.

The Marathi film ‘Godavari’ directed by Nikhil Mahajan and Gujarati Film ‘The Last Film Show’ directed by Pan Nalin have been nominated for the competition section. Meanwhile, the non-competitive sections will feature Indian films like Sardar Udham, RRR, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Toolsidas Junior, a short film Jugalbandi and five restored classics including Shatranj ke Khiladi.

Apart from screenings, the festival will also offer master classes, in-conversation sessions, country and state pavilions, photo and poster exhibitions, handicrafts stalls and many more events.

Online Delegate Registrations can be done via the portal sco.nfdcindia.com, while spot registration will also be available at the Films Division Complex.