Clarification on "Chokher Bali"
ÂChokher Bali" was chosen by the organizers of the 2nd International Film Festival to be screened at the inaugural ceremony attended by the Hon'ble Prime Minister. The film's director Rituparno Ghosh, producer and some artists were also cordially invited to attend the festival. But despite our repeated requests, the film was not sent to us in advance. We received it only on the night before screening, whereas all other films from Calcutta had been sent to us about two weeks before. The Osmany Memorial Hall, the venue for the inaugural ceremony, was not fitted with the requisite equipment for screening this type of film. Our technicians tried their utmost to adjust but could not do so due to paucity of time. The situation was duly explained to Mr Ghosh and also to the audience with deep regret. However, sensing disappointment of the audience some came out with the suggestion to show the film on with a VCD copy, but we decided against it after ascertaining objection of Mr Ghosh. Another renowned and enjoyable Bengali Indian film was screened instead, by the same projector at the stipulated time.
However, Mr Ghosh prior to his departure permitted the Festival to screen his film, but not more than three times. The Producer and Acting Indian High Commissioner were witness to it. It was, therefore, disappointing for us to be informed of the withdrawal of the film later from the Festival. One may also note that all the 115 or so films being exhibited at the Festival are 35 mm films, except for 4 VCDs sent and authorized by the producers themselves, besides the Betacam films brought by the Iranian delegation for exhibition.
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