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Press Release The inauguration of the first Indian Film Festival in Kuwait took place in the evening of April 2 in the Shaab Cinema Hall under the auspices and in the esteemed presence of His Excellency Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Minister of Information of the State of Kuwait. The inaugural function was also graced by several Kuwaiti dignitaries including His Excellency Sheikh Thamer Ali Al-Sabah, Acting Chief of the National Security Council, His Excellency Mr. Mohammad Abu Al-Hassan, Adviser to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, His Excellency Mr. Mohammad Ali Al-Kandari, Under Secretary, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, other senior Government officials of the State of Kuwait, diplomats, eminent Kuwaiti businessmen, prominent members of the Indian community and media persons. Commending the initiative of the Indian Embassy in Kuwait to further strengthen the cultural linkages and people to people contact between the two friendly countries, the Minister in his inaugural address conveyed his greetings to the Indian community in Kuwait. The Minister spoke about the historical and deep rooted relations between India and Kuwait particularly in the field of culture and information. He stated that he was extremely happy to be present on this occasion. The Minister said that both countries should look into the possibilities of organizing more of such events to make the masses aware about each other’s culture. The Minister said that since an Indian Film Festival was being held in Kuwait, it was time for a Kuwaiti event to be held in India and added that he had plans to see it happen in 2008 itself. The inaugural ceremony was opened by Ambassador of India to Kuwait, His Excellency Mr. M. Ganapathi who welcomed the Minister and thanked him for sparing his valuable time to participate and inaugurate the Film Festival. He also welcomed the top echelons of Kuwaiti society present at Shaab Cinema to witness the opening of the Indian Film Festival. In his address he said that during the visit of His Highness the Amir to India in June 2006 a Cultural Exchange Programme for 2006-08 was signed. He noted that the Film Festival will help promote cultural exchanges between the two countries. He revealed that many more such festivals in the field of culture were under consideration of the Embassy of India in Kuwait. Events in the economic area were also being planned. He conveyed his gratitude to the Kuwaiti leadership for their continued care and benevolence being shown on the Indian community in Kuwait and allowing them to make it their home. Following the address, the traditional lamp was lit by the five film stars of the “Chak de India” team who specially visited Kuwait to participate in the inaugural function. The artistes include Ms. Vidya Malavade, Ms. Shilpa Shukla, Ms. Chitrashi Rawat, Ms. Arya Menon and Ms. Shubhi Mehta. The five cine stars were presented with a traditional Kuwaiti Dhow by the Chief Guest His Excellency the Minister of Information to commemorate the Film Festival. The five cine stars also spoke on their experience of the film during which they recounted memorable moments and their experience during the shooting with Shahrukh Khan in particular as well as those following the success of the film. The Embassy also honoured the sponsors of the Festival with a special Plaque acknowledging their contribution and expressing deep appreciation of their support for the Film Festival. The Plaques were given away by His Excellency the Minister of Information to Mr. Saulat Ali Khan, a prominent businessman, the Kuwait National Cinema Company, Kuwait Indo Trading Company (KITCO) and Crowne Plaza Hotel. Jazeera Airways was also complimented for the special courtesies it had extended to the cine stars for their travel to and from Kuwait. The Ambassador of India, in the presence of the sponsors of the Film Festival, presented the distinguished Chief Guest, His Excellency the Minister of Information with a marble replica of the famous Taj Mahal of India, one of the seven wonders of the world. The inaugural ceremony was followed by the screening of the recent successful Hindi film “Chak De India”. The film was enjoyed by all present. As part of the film Festival, three films, viz. “Chak De India”, “Veer Zaara”, and “Black”, will be screened in Granada Cinema in Khaitan on April 3, 4 & 5 respectively. The show timings will be 1800 hrs everyday. All three films have Arabic sub-titles. The entry to the Film Festival is strictly by invitation. |
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