The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is set to begin with a grand opening ceremony at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Goa on Wednesday at 5 PM. The festival will kick off with the screening of Australian filmmaker Michael Gracey’s Better Man.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw, alongside Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan, will attend the premiere. Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant will welcome delegates to the coastal state, which has been hosting IFFI since 2004.
The opening ceremony, hosted by actors Abhishek Banerjee and Bhumi Pednekar, promises a spectacular evening of cultural performances and cinematic celebration. Esteemed filmmakers Subhash Ghai, Dinesh Vijan, Amar Kaushik, N.M. Suresh, and lyricist Prasoon Joshi are among the notable attendees. The event will also witness the presence of celebrated actors, including Nagarjuna, Nithya Menen, Vikrant Massey, Rakul Preet Singh, and Rajkummar Rao.
Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is also set to deliver an inspirational address, adding a unique touch to the evening.
IFFI 2024 is making history by introducing Indian Sign Language interpretation during the opening ceremony, ensuring that audiences with hearing disabilities can fully participate in the event.
This year, Australia takes center stage as the “Country of Focus,” with cultural performances by the Australian First Nations dance group Jannavi Dance Clan, promoting international cultural exchange. The ceremony will also highlight India’s rich heritage through performances showcasing its diverse traditions and spiritual essence.
The ceremony will feature “90s Rewind: Dance Explosion,” recreating the magic of iconic Bollywood hits, along with a poetic tribute, Timeless Souls. This segment will honor cinema legends Raj Kapoor, A. Nageswara Rao (ANR), and Mohammed Rafi through a blend of music, visuals, and poetry.