Known for his iconic film Sholay, director Ramesh Sippy has been felicitated with this prestigious honour with the Asian Culture Award as the 20th Third Eye Asian Film Festival begins.
The 20th Third Eye Asian Film Festival, organized in collaboration with Asian Foundation, Department of Culture, Government of Maharashtra and Filmcity, has begun and the festival was inaugurated by Dr. Avinash Dhakane, MD of Maharashtra Film Stage and Culture Development Corporation (MFSCDC). On this occasion, festival President Kiran Shantaram, Chaitanya Shantaram, director Dr. Jabbar Patel, Jury member Smita Tambe, Dnyanesh Zoting and other dignitaries were present. On this occasion, ‘Asian Culture Award was conferred upon Veteran Producer Director Mr. Ramesh Sippy and Satyajit Ray Memorial Award was conferred upon Film Society movement activist Subhash Desai .
‘I can never get away from the fact that cinema is my world and theater is my home’. Veteran director Ramesh Sippy said ‘ I am indebted to the Asian Film Foundation for honouring me with the ‘Asian Culture’ award and I humbly accept this award’.
Dr. Avinash Dhakane, managing director of Chitranagari, expressed the opinion that the aim of this festival is to bring world class film to the present generation and also to introduce different cultures of art to the young generation of today. He also emphasized that it is necessary for everyone to work together to promote different art forms while adopting new technologies.
Festival Director Santosh Pathare in his welcome speech informed the gathering regarding the films to be screened in the Film Festival. Festival President Kiran Shantaram proposed the vote of thanks.
The Indonesian film ‘Andragogy directed by Wregas Bhanutejs was the Opening Film. Films from various Asian countries will be screened during the seven-day festival which will last till January 18. Many quality artworks will be seen by the fans during this festival.
