Behind the Scenes of F5IFF’24: The Village That Built a Festival

At the heart of this support stood the National Library of India (NLI), which emerged as a foundational partner of the festival. Breaking away from bureaucratic hesitations and administrative conventions, NLI extended not just its prestigious auditorium as the main venue, but also generously opened up its guest house for visiting filmmakers, jury members, performers, and organisers. “We can never repay the indebtedness we have to NLI,” said Sourav De, the festival director. The generosity came despite early reservations. It was through the personal intervention of Prof. Ajay Pratap Singh, Director General of NLI, and Siva Prasad Senapati, Principal Information and Library Officer, that the festival cleared logistical and procedural hurdles smoothly. Their vision transformed a space of scholarship into one of storytelling.

Equally encouraging was the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB), which stepped in as an associate partner without hesitation. “Since the objective is awareness about environment and climate change, we must be part of the endeavour in our own way,” remarked Dr. Kalyan Rudra, WBPCB Chairman and noted river scientist. The Board contributed a documentary on its environmental initiatives, which was specially screened during the festival. Posters highlighting WBPCB’s efforts in combating pollution were also displayed across the venue, helping to blend cinematic experience with ecological consciousness.

In a delightful artistic twist, Virasat Art Publications surprised festivalgoers with an impromptu exhibition of The Hindustan Files. The series was an instant hit, with copies flying off the shelves. Many attendees were disappointed when the artwork was quickly sold out. “We were delighted to be part of a film festival with a cause,” said Ganesh Pratap Singh, acclaimed art collector-restorer and the face behind Virasat Art.

Floral elegance at F5IFF’24 came courtesy of Mad Florist, who generously provided beautiful bouquets for dignitaries and performers. “They gave us all the floral tributes we needed, and people appreciated it,” noted De. The bouquets became a quiet but fragrant symbol of the festival’s warmth and hospitality.

One of the pillars of support was SwitchON Foundation, whose contributions ranged from manpower and awards to invaluable logistical assistance. “The cause is great, and it’s a privilege for us to be associated with it,” said Vinay Jaju, Managing Director of SwitchON Foundation. Their presence was deeply felt in every corner of the event, from backstage coordination to on-stage honours. Climate Trends, a Delhi-based think tank, also lent its expertise by becoming the knowledge partner, ensuring that F5IFF stayed anchored in environmental relevance.

The festival also found an enthusiastic writing partner in Linc Pens, with CEO Deepak Jalan readily stepping in. "He did not think twice," said De, noting how Linc supplied all the pens needed for the festival's logistical and creative documentation.

When it came to feeding minds and bellies alike, Wow Momo took on the responsibility of being the food partner, ensuring that the long festival days remained fuelled with delicious sustenance. Meanwhile, RG Cellular brought smiles as the gift partner, offering unique and appreciated mementoes to award recipients.

What began as a small, idealistic vision to celebrate cinema and climate consciousness found its footing through a network of institutions and individuals who believed in the cause. F5IFF’24 didn’t just showcase films—it built a community. And that community, united by goodwill, generosity, and shared purpose, ensured the festival was not just a debut — but a triumph.

The Fest5 International Film Festival (F5IFF) is a dynamic platform that unites filmmakers, artists, and film enthusiasts to exchange ideas, share creativity, and celebrate the magic of cinema. Here's what you need to know about the festival:

Festival Focus 2025: The festival's focus for 2025 is on saving our heritage, environment, and raising awareness about climate change, with a special segment dedicated to Bibliophilia, celebrating the love for books.

Dates and Venue:

The festival is scheduled to take place from September 5-8, 2025, Kolkata

Submission Deadlines:

July 15, 2025: Submission deadline for films

August 3, 2025: Notification date for selected films