Gulf Times

Doha, Mar 22: ARTS define human perfection and cinema does it in a very good way, an internationally acclaimed Indian film director has said.

Inaugurating the 14th Doha Bank Asian film Festival at the Doha Cinema yesterday, Girish Kasaravalli  said the 90’s belonged to Asian cinema. “The decade saw the production of very important movies that reflected many aspects of life in the Asian countries.”

Many diplomats and other dignitaries were present at the opening ceremony.
The seven-day film festival is being organised jointly by Pravasi and the Indian embassy and the Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution Company. Doha Bank is the title sponsor.

Addressing the audience on the opening day, Doha Bank CEO  R Seetharaman said cultural convergence was a basis of international integration.

Special adviser to the National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage (NCCAH) Moosa Zainal Moosa  wished the Pravasi film festival would become part of the annual Doha Cultural Festival in future.
Filipino Ambassador Isaias Begonia hoped there would be more such festivals to showcase the rich Asian culture.
Charge d’affaires at the Indian embassy, Harish Arora, said ignorance was the root cause of all strife and films were a good means for removing ignorance.

The films will be shown daily at 8.30pm. Admittance to all the films is free but regulated through passes. These may be collected from Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) or from Pravasi members.  Details may be obtained by calling 5862848 or 5519754.