Mumbai: Bollywood seems to have found its French connection. Indian actors and filmmakers are now getting ready to welcome the first-ever French film festival in India.

The festival kicks off on January 27 at Fun Republic cinemas in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi and Chennai.

The French government will also confer Shah Rukh Khan with the "Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters" for his contribution to Indian cinema at the inaugural ceremony.

“Whether it is Hollywood or Indian cinema, we all look up to French cinema as students because they are the pioneers of cinema,” says filmmaker Subhash Ghai.

Agrees Head, film office, French Embassy, Mohamed Bendjebbour, “We want Indian audiences to appreciate French cinema.”

The festival opens with the world premiere of Asterix at the Olympic Games followed by a string of other French films including The Stone Council, The Science of Sleep and Caramel.

This not only a chance for movie buffs to get to watch some great French cinema but will also give both Indian and French filmmakers a platform to exchange ideas. If you still want a reason to visit this one, grapevine has it that Monica Belluci may drop by for a hush-hush visit.