December 21, 2010 (Sampurn Wire): The eighth edition of the Chennai International Film Festival which started in the capital city on the 15th of December promises to bring before the audience the best of world cinema. And therefore great personalities of South Indian cinema graced the red carpet to be a part of the inaugural day of the Chennai International Film Festival organized at the Woodlands Theater in Chennai. According to reports in the media, more than 125 films produced by 43 countries around the world will be showcased in various theaters across Chennai till the 23rd of this month when the festival draws to an end.

The media in India has reported that this is the first time in the history of the Chennai International Film Festival that 26 Indian films will be screened, 12 of which will be productions from Kollywood. Among the high and mighty from the Tamil film industry who were present at the inauguration ceremony of the Chennai International Film Festival were directors Shankar and Balachander, actor and director Sundar C, politician and actor Sarathkumar, TV and film actress Radikaa, and actors Jeyaram, Vikram and Madhavan. Filmmaker Mani Ratnam was also present at the screening of French film Vital Signs.

Apart from the Woodlands Theater, the Woodlands Symphony, the Chennai INOX theatre and the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce auditorium will also host the films to b screened at the fest.

-- Sampurn Wire