MUMBAI: The International Film Festival kicked off in Ahmedabad with Paresh Mokashi‘s film Harishchandrachi Factory as the first exhibit. The film was India‘s nomination to Oscars last year.

The event got underway with a dance performance, Suverna‘, choreographed by Kumudini Lakhia. It depicted the spirit of India‘s 50 years of celebration. The performance was followed by felicitation of Paresh Mokashi for his film.

“It‘s been a great experience for me to screen my film in Ahmedabad. I was overwhelmed to see the response that my film received and the appreciation and encouragement by audience has been the biggest award for me. It‘s an honour that Harishchandrachi Factory is the opening film of International Film Festival at Ahmedabad and it‘s a feeling of deja vu for me," Mokashi said.

The opening day event was attended by dignitaries like Ketan Mehta, Gopi Desai, Subrata Bhowmick, John Lee Jr and Tanishtha Chatterjee among others.

This year the Ahmedabad festival, which will showcase some of the best movies, will have a special screening of Aisha. The festival also includes short films and 20 award-winning films in the five days of its run.