<span style="color: #222222;">The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) film festival will begin today in Mumbai with the world premiere of the Tamil film &quot;Appatha&quot;. The film is directed by Padma awardee and National Award-winning filmmaker Priyadarshan. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur and Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi will grace the opening ceremony. Renowned actor Hema Malini, Director Priyadarshan, and Actor Urvashi will also be present on the occasion. The SCO Film Festival is being organized to mark India’s Presidency at SCO.<br />”<br />”A total of 57 Films from SCO countries will be showcased during the 5-day event. While 14 feature films will be screened in the Competition Section, &nbsp;the Non-Competition section will showcase 43 films.<br />”<br />”The Marathi film ‘Godavari’ directed by Nikhil Mahajan and Gujarati Film ‘The Last Film Show’ directed by Pan Nalin has been nominated for the competition section. The non-competitive sections will feature Indian films like Sardar Udham, RRR, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Toolsidas Junior, a short film Jugalbandi and five restored classics including Shatranj ke Khiladi. For better understanding, all films will have English subtitles. Apart from screenings, the festival will also offer master classes, in-conversation sessions, country, and state pavilions, photo and poster exhibitions, handicrafts stalls, and many more events.&nbsp;</span><br />