KOLKATA, Aug. 4 -- The cinebuffs of the city are set for a double "international" treat this week. We are talking about two film festivals, Thai and Mexican, which will be held in different parts of Kolkata this weekend. While the Mexican film festival will be held on August 7-8 at Nandan III from 5 pm onwards, the Thai Film Festival will take place from August 7-9 at Cinepolis, Acropolis Mall. Titled Siam Symphony: A Cinematic Journey through Time & Scenery and organised in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Thai festival will present seven free public screenings.

The Mexican film festival pays tribute to eminent director Nicolas Echevarria on the occasion of his 79th birthday and Mexican Cinema Day in August. Cine Central Calcutta, in association with the Embassy of Mexico, Cultural Section, New Delhi, has organised the festival, which will screen six popular films of the Mexican filmmaker and cinematographer.

His 1991 film 'Cabeza de Vaca', which entered the 41st Berlin International Film Festival, is part of the festival alongside 'Maria Sabina, mujer espiritu', a testimony on the rites and techniques of the renowned healer Maria Sabina, priestess of the hallucinogenic mushroom. Echevarria, who directed over 20 films since 1973, has profoundly explored the cultural, historical, and spiritual origins that shape Mexican identity through his cinematic outings.

Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata is back with the Thai film festival. The two-day festival brings together seven stories that celebrate Thailand's landscapes, heritage, emotions and people.

The festival lineup includes 'Love Destiny', the acclaimed historical romance that will inaugurate the festival; romantic drama 'Low Season'; 'Panyi I Sea You', an uplifting story of dreams, friendship and community; 'Human Resource', a thought-provoking drama exploring human relationships; 'Gohan... Go Home', a heartfelt family film celebrating love, belonging and self-discovery; 'Timeline: The Letter of Memory', an emotional romance that beautifully explores love, memories and destiny; and 'The Overture', an award-winning cinematic classic.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.