City mayor Shovan Cahtterjee today inaugurated first Kolkata International Wildlife & Environment film festival at Asuthosh Centenary hall inside Geological Survey of India complex. Out of 561 entries from 75 countries shortlisted 60 films which will be screened. Animation, documentary, feature film, short film and public service announcement are basic categories. Best films, best directors, best theme will be awarded by West Bengal governor Keshari Nath Tripahti on the concluding ceremony tomorrow. The inauguration ceremony was attended among others by many film personalities, including eminent elephant specialist, Queen of the Elephant Parbati Barua. The inaugural film of festival was The Olive Tree at the Border directed by Sholeh Zahraei & Kamil Saldun from Cyprus. The 7 minute short film talks about unique Nature of Cyprus and reflects several divisions of the country. In this film a man who is dedicated to save Mother Nature of Cyprus travels beyond the border of his country. DESHAM, a non-governmental organization works on Nature and Environment ground is bringing this film festival unique in nature. We cant believe that this festival is happening from scratch to receiving 561 entries from 75 countries. Yes we regret that this first ever Kolkata International Wildlife and Environment Film festival is only for two days, so we couldnt accommodate lot of films," said Aditya Lal Mukherjee, director, KIWEFF. UNI PC KK AJ SY NS1448 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0212-381457.Xml