British Council Scotland in partnership with Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) and the Scottish Government will be bringing West Bengal to Edinburgh at the Paradise Movie Hall, for a three day Bengali cinema extravaganza, curated by Mark Cousins, film author and former Director of Edinburgh International Film Festival.

For three days St John's Church Hall in the heart of Edinburgh will be transformed into a magical forest cinema, screening seven classic Bengali films by Satyajit Ray, Devi; Days and nights in the forest, Ritwik Ghatak, The cloud capped star, A river called Titas, Tapan Sinha, Nirjan Irjan saikate, Wheel chair and Anup Singh, The name of the river.

Curator Mark Cousins said: 'We’re showing West Bengali films in a little forest cinema because the creative heart of Indian cinema is in West Bengal. By turning a small Scottish church hall into a magical space, we're trying to re-capture the wonder of movie-going when you are a kid.’

Also attending the Festival for a unique in-person onstage interview is the first lady of Bengali Cinema, the legendary actress, Sharmila Tagore. In addition to her career, Sharmila will be discussing her passion for West Bengali film culture; her work as Chair of India’s Board of Film Certification and her role as an UN Goodwill Ambassador.

'We’re totally thrilled because she is a legend and her career is unique. She can tell us first hand about Indian cinema’s Chekhov, Satyajit Ray, and the great Tapan Sinha. She can open a window on the world of Bengali films. In our wee makeshift Paradise Movie Hall. How great is that? This is what film festivals are for.'

The Bengali Film Festival at the EIFF is part of a year-long programme of events aimed at strengthening ties between Scotland and India. As part of our Scotland-Kolkata Connections 2009 project the West Bengali films will be touring Scotland in the autumn.

The Bengali Film Festival will take place at St John's Church Hall, Edinburgh from the 18-20 June. Tickets for all screenings are available from the EIFF ticket office.

For more information on the Bengali film festival contact alison.jeffrey@britishcouncil.org.