Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne to open KIFF

If all goes well, Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne will open 25th Kolkata International Film Festival, starting November 8. A fantasy-musical film written and directed by Satyajit Ray, Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne (1969) is based on a story by Ray’s grandfather, Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury. Even though the festival authorities are trying their best to bring focus back on celluloid, a digitally restored version of the film will be screened at KIFF.Said a KIFF official, who refused to be named, “Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne was the first choice as the opening film. There were some concerns regarding the print of the film, but a decision has been taken to screen the digitally restored version.” Purnima Dutta, producer of the film, said she is happy about the turn of events. “The KIFF officials have taken a no objection certificate from me via email. This is the 50th year of the film and I am elated that a lot of Kolkatans will be able to watch the cult movie again on the big screen. Last year too, they had sought permission from me, but the film couldn’t be shown at the last minute because the format was not compatible. This year, they are doing everything themselves,” she said. The other films in the running were Mackenna’s Gold and The Wild Bunch. A 1969 American western film directed by J Lee Thompson, Mackenna’s Gold features Gregory Peck, Omar Sharif, Telly Savalas, Ted Cassidy, Camilla Sparv and Julie Newmar in lead roles. The Wild Bunch is yet another 1969 American film directed by Sam Peckinpah and stars William Holden, Robert Ryan, Ernest Borgnine, Edmond O'Brien, Ben Johnson and Warren Oates.