A week-long Russian Film Festival “Memory of the Great Warâ€, dedicated to the 64th anniversary of the Victory over Fascism in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945), and jointly organized by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) and Film Trust India, was inaugurated by Eminent Film-Maker, Painter and Designer Mr. Muzaffar Ali, by lighting the traditional lamp at 24, Ferozeshah Road, here, yesterday.
Starting with the inaugural film “Ballad of a Soldier†(1959-Directed by G. Chuhrai), the other films to be screened on the succeeding days are “Destiny of a Man†(1959-Directed by S. Bondarchuk), “They Fought for Their Motherland†(1975-directed by S. Bondarchuk), “Torpedo Bombers†(1983-Directed by S. Aranovich) and “The Star†(2002-Directed by N. Lebedev).
Opening the Film Festival, Mr. Muzaffar Ali said that the Russian films rightly chosen for the festival virtually reflect the horrors of the Great Patriotic War and the supreme sacrifices and sufferings of the heroic people and army of the Soviet Union. Underlining the unique potential of the audio-visual medium, he noted that the film, which is capable of conveying a strong and powerful message, can change the society, people, country and the world in terms of the impact it can leave on its viewers.
Earlier, welcoming the elite gathering, Mrs. Maria B. Pavlova, Deputy Director, RCSC, said that the victory over fascism in the Great Patriotic War was a significant historical and political turning point changing the destiny of several countries across the world. In this context, she pointed out that the evil of fascism, which was defeated in the war more than six decades ago has today resurfaced in the form of terrorism, which has no boundaries. Russia and India share a common resolve to fight the menace of international terrorism, she said, adding that Russia together with India can make important contribution to peace and stability in the world and can play a major role in the construction of a new international architecture of peace and security. Mrs. Maria Pavlova concluded saying that for all honest people the victory remains a bright and sacred day. She also said that the festival, being organized within the framework of the Year of India in Russia and the Year of Youth in Russia, assumed special dimension.
Mr. Sibal Chatterjee, Veteran Journalist, dwelt at length upon the traumatic and nightmarish phase of the Great Patriot War (World War II), adding that the films to be shown in the festival demonstrate it in the right earnest.
Mr. Anwar Jamal, President, Film Trust India, explaining the activities of the organization, thanked the RCSC for its gesture in bringing forth classics by celebrated Russian film-makers in the best interest of Indian viewers. He added it was appropriate for this particular genre of films being screened to mark the great victory over fascism.
Mr. U. Radhakrishnan, Coordinator, Film Trust India, who conducted the proceeding, proposed a vote of thanks.
