Cuban documentary filmmaker David Bim's journey to the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) was a tale of perseverance. Initially blocked by visa complications, Bim missed the main festival events. However, determination paid off. He finally landed in Kolkata last week to personally receive the Golden Royal Bengal Tiger Award for Best Film in the International Competition (Innovation in Moving Images) for his poignant documentary, ‘To the West, in Zapatta'. The film, an intimate portrait of family life during the pandemic, also secured the FIPRESCI award in the same category.
A Belated But Heartfelt Celebration
The award ceremony took place on December 27. Bim was presented with the honour by Pradip Sarkar, joint director of information and KIFF festival coordinator, and Suprina Blon, additional director of films. "My visa arrived a day before the festival was due to end. I was disappointed as I could not attend KIFF. But I am pleased to travel now," Bim shared with TOI. His visit, though delayed, was packed with profound cultural and personal significance.
Describing Kolkata as "alive," Bim felt an immediate connection. "The warmth felt familiar. Kolkata's streets are perpetually in motion, rich with small, telling details," he observed. He linked this sensory experience to his craft, noting, "I am particularly attuned to this sense of movement as, for me, cinema is the art of time." While stating he would need more time to conceptualize a project set in the city, his visit ignited a strong desire to eventually make a film here.
Homage to Ray and Real Kolkata
For Bim, a profound moment was receiving his award at Nandan, with a portrait of the legendary Satyajit Ray in the background. The Cuban director revealed he had kept Ray's iconic Apu trilogy as a constant companion during the filming of his award-winning documentary. He expressed a heartfelt wish to visit Ray's residence, underscoring the deep cinematic inspiration he draws from the Indian maestro.
Bim's exploration of Kolkata was intentionally off the beaten track. Curated by his friend Uttam Mukhopadhyay, based in Arijona, and Uttam's Sydney-based sister Sutopa Parrab, the itinerary skipped typical tourist spots. While they visited Kumartuli, sweet shops, and food joints, and made a trip to Santiniketan, the most striking destination was the street outside the Nimtala crematorium. "I believe cinema belongs to ordinary people. It is important for me to be in real places. Nothing is more real than standing in front of a crematorium. You see life in its rawest form when people confront death," Bim explained, highlighting his filmmaking philosophy.
Looking Forward: Masterclasses and More Awards
Bim extended his gratitude to the state for organizing a festival of KIFF's stature, calling it an "important step." "That is why I am here. I hope this marks the beginning of a meaningful exchange," he said. True to his word about fostering exchange, his schedule included a master class and a screening of his film at SRFTI (Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute) on the Monday following the award ceremony.
Following his Kolkata engagement, Bim's journey continues to New York City, where he has been nominated in the Spotlight category at the prestigious 2026 Cinema Eye Honors. His KIFF victory, therefore, is not just a recognition of his past work but a stepping stone in an increasingly acclaimed international career, beautifully bridged by his deep, albeit delayed, connection with Kolkata.
