New Delhi: Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit today formally inaugurated the 10th Osian Film Festival to give ten days of mega celluloid treat to the movie buffs in the national capital.

The Osians-Cinefan bestowed the Osian's lifetime achievement award on eminent director Mrinal Sen for his contributions to cinema and the Aruna Vasudev Lifetime Achievement Award for writing on cinema to Philippines versatile poet and writer Jose Pete F. Lacaba.

"I wish I have to make many more movies. I think I should do something more. I do not know whether I deserve this award. I receive this award with all dignity. Once again I am reborn," said Sen after receiving the coveted award.

The first day opened with Hong Kong director Johnnie Tos "Sparrows" and a tribute was paid to veteran Hindi film actor Shammi Kapoor.

Neville Tuli, founder chairman of Osians Connoisseurs, said, "It s been a long journey and starting from a small budget and it took 10 years that now we are showcasing more than to 200 Asian and arabic films in this film festival. People can expect ten exciting days ahead."

Around 200 feature and short fiction films from around 40 countries will be screened at this years Osian's-Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema.

Source : PTI