Kuumba: A Way of Life Celebrates Cinema in Kolkata

Cinema has always been more than entertainment. It is memory, rebellion, poetry, politics, emotion, and above all, connection. In a city lik...

Cinema has always been more than entertainment. It is memory, rebellion, poetry, politics, emotion, and above all, connection. In a city like Kolkata, where conversations on art spill from coffee houses into theatre halls and film clubs, the need for meaningful cinematic gatherings has always been deeply felt. Recognising this cultural necessity, Kuumba – A Way of Life recently hosted a remarkable event dedicated to celebrating cinema and nurturing film appreciation among passionate cinephiles and emerging filmmakers.

 

The initiative was envisioned by Deepa Shah of Kuumba, who realised that while Kolkata continues to produce lovers of meaningful cinema, there are very few intimate and intellectually stimulating platforms where cinema connoisseurs can gather, discuss, debate, and showcase independent works. In an age dominated by fleeting digital content and algorithm-driven viewing habits, Kuumba’s event on Sunday 24th May 2026, sought to revive the collective experience of watching and engaging with cinema as an art form.

 

The evening turned into a vibrant confluence of filmmakers, performers, critics, media professionals, and young enthusiasts who believe that cinema still possesses the power to provoke thought and inspire social reflection. The atmosphere carried the warmth of an adda while simultaneously maintaining the seriousness of a curated artistic exchange.

 

Among the distinguished guests present was Ruby Samuel, a noted media personality from Chennai, whose presence added a national dimension to the gathering. Her interaction with young filmmakers and audiences highlighted the importance of inter-city artistic collaborations and the growing need to bridge cinematic conversations across India. She spoke passionately about regional storytelling and how independent cinema continues to challenge mainstream narratives with honesty and courage.

 

The event was further elevated by the presence of internationally acclaimed mime artist Suvendu Sir, whose contribution to the world of performance art has inspired generations. His attendance symbolised the seamless relationship between cinema, theatre, and mime — reminding everyone present that visual storytelling transcends language. His observations on silence as a dramatic tool in both mime and cinema left a profound impact on the audience.

 

An important technical and curatorial aspect of the evening was managed brilliantly by Zahid Hussain and Shivani, who handled the projection of iconic scenes from legendary films such as 'Sholay' and 'The Godfather'. These screenings were not merely nostalgic inclusions but carefully chosen cinematic references that sparked discussions on character construction, visual grammar, masculinity, morality, and power in storytelling. Watching these timeless scenes collectively once again reinforced why cinema halls and community screenings continue to hold emotional and intellectual value.

 

Another noteworthy contribution came from Tulika Shankar of Go To Scale, who prepared an informative and engaging link tree for the event. In today’s digitally interconnected world, accessibility to artistic resources and networking opportunities is essential. The thoughtfully curated digital material enabled attendees to explore the participating filmmakers, their works, and future collaborations with ease. Tulika’s contribution reflected how technology, when used creatively, can strengthen artistic communities rather than isolate them.

 

One of the highlights of the evening was the screening of filmmaker Sanjay Mishra’s film 'After Hours'. The film received rave reviews from viewers for its layered storytelling and atmospheric treatment. Audiences were particularly captivated by the performance of Komal Dey, whose screen presence proved irresistible. Her nuanced portrayal brought emotional complexity and vulnerability to the narrative, making her one of the most talked-about performers of the evening. The leading man, acclaimed theatre personality Tathagata Chowdhury was praised for his sinister act in the film. Simultaneously, Pratik Majumder earned widespread appreciation for the screenplay, which many viewers described as compelling, sharp, and emotionally resonant. The film demonstrated how independent cinema can balance artistic ambition with audience engagement.

 

Another powerful cinematic moment arrived with the screening of Anisa Mukherjee Ganguli’s film 'Kivaad: The Door'. The film received thunderous applause and emerged as one of the standout presentations of the event. Rich in symbolism and emotional depth, the narrative resonated strongly with audiences who appreciated its courage, visual language, and thematic intensity. The applause that followed was not merely appreciation but recognition of cinema’s ability to touch deeply personal and collective anxieties.

 

The event also featured the screening of 'Fat or The Reluctant Butcher', a film that generated significant appreciation from the audience.  This film of Tathagata Chowdhury stands out for its unusual title, layered themes, and thought-provoking treatment. Audience members engaged enthusiastically with its social undertones and darkly reflective humour, proving once again that unconventional storytelling continues to find eager viewers when offered the right platform.

 

Celebrated filmmaker Sudeshna Roy warmly welcomed the concept behind Kuumba’s initiative. She acknowledged the urgent need for platforms that encourage independent voices and provide filmmakers with opportunities to interact directly with audiences. Her support added immense credibility and encouragement to the event, particularly for young creators attempting to navigate an increasingly competitive cinematic landscape.

 

Young filmmaker Dona Roy also expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, describing such gatherings as much-needed avenues for emerging filmmakers. In an industry where newcomers often struggle to find visibility, mentorship, and constructive feedback, platforms like Kuumba become vital cultural spaces. Her words reflected the sentiments of many aspiring filmmakers present at the venue who seek artistic communities rather than merely commercial opportunities.

 

What made the event truly memorable was its spirit of inclusivity and collaboration. It was not structured as a glamorous red-carpet spectacle but as an honest celebration of cinema in all its forms. Conversations flowed freely between established artists and newcomers. There was curiosity instead of hierarchy, discussion instead of superficial networking, and passion instead of pretension.

 

The evening ended with the poster launch of film maker Sanjay Mishra’s new film ‘Aavishkar-The Discovery’. Present were the producers of the film, Bindiya Majumdar and Payal Mishra also. The poster was launched by the youngest team member Ravit Mishra, who is also the cinematographer of the film. The framed posters were handed over to the leading artists Anuja Jain and Soham Gupta by the chief guest of the evening, Sudeshna Roy.

 

Kuumba – A Way of Life succeeded in creating an atmosphere where cinema was not treated as content to consume quickly, but as an experience to absorb, question, and celebrate collectively. At a time when meaningful cultural gatherings are becoming increasingly rare, this event reminded Kolkata why it still remains one of India’s most emotionally and intellectually vibrant artistic capitals.

 

By bringing together filmmakers, performers, media professionals, and audiences under one roof, Kuumba has initiated something far more significant than a single event. It has revived the possibility of a cinematic community rooted in dialogue, appreciation, and artistic courage. If the energy and response witnessed during this gathering are any indication, Kuumba’s celebration of cinema may well evolve into an important cultural movement for the city’s film lovers and storytellers.

 

In celebrating cinema, Kuumba ultimately celebrated humanity itself — its stories, silences, contradictions, dreams, and resilience. It was a pleasure to mastermind the event and conduct the proceedings.