Experimental film is an important type of cinematic expression that originated from Europe in the 20th century.Unlike mainstream narrative cinema, which is part of a film industry whose primary aim is to make a profit, experimental cinema has different goals. Sometimes the goal is simply to experiment with the form of cinema to see how far it can be pushed. Sometimes the goal is to give representation to cultures and lifestyles often missing from mainstream cinema. Sometimes the goal is to make a political statement and share it as widely as possible.
The Third Edition of the Emami Art Experimental Film Festival – EAEFF24 kicked off yesterday. Astrid Wege, Director, Goethe Institute, Max Mueller Bhavan, Kolkata,Damian Christinger, Curator of Switzerland Section, EAEFF 24, Nicole Bachmann, Swiss Artist & Poet,Solomon Nagler, Canadian Experimental Filmmaker, Alexandre Larose, French-Canadian Experimental Filmmaker and Richa Agarwal, chairperson, Kolkata Centre for Creativity & CEO, Emami Art were present at the inauguration ceremony.
The festival showcases the works of some of the internationally acclaimed artists and filmmakers alongside recent critical films from India selected via an Open Call. Through the extensive year-long programming, EAEFF celebrates innovative practices and critical interventions through screenings, workshops, masterclasses, and performance screenings. The festival adopts an expanded format bringing together various moving image practices across forms, mediums, and geographies. This film festival is conceptualised by Ushmita Sahu, Director, Emami Art.
Ushmita Sahu says, “Since its inception in 2021, the Emami Art Experimental Film Festival (EAEFF) has become a crucial platform for experimental filmmaking and moving image practices in South Asia. It nurtures emerging filmmakers and amplifies marginalized voices by showcasing innovative artistic practices. EAEFF fosters critical dialogue and reflection, encouraging a deeper understanding of diverse socio-political contexts. The festival not only challenges mainstream narratives but also celebrates the rich tapestry of contemporary moving images, making it a significant force in the evolving landscape of global experimental cinema. The festival will be screening more than 50 plus films across five curated sections (international), official selections and award winners from an All-India Open Call. This year the festival is supported by several prestigious international organisations such as Canada Council for the Arts, Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, Coventry Biennial, UK, Embassy of Switzerland in India & Bhutan, Goethe Institut Max Mueller Bhavan Kolkata andAG KurzFilm German Short Film Association. “
