The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), currently underway in Goa from November 20 to November 28, has been hailed as a milestone in the growth of India’s film industry. Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressed the media on the festival’s significance, noting the increasing importance of IFFI in shaping India’s creative sector.
“IFFI has become a very important milestone in the development of the film industry in India. We are focused on the creators’ economy and, with the integration of technology, India can play a major role in the evolving creators’ economy,” Vaishnaw said, welcoming delegates from across the world to the festival.
The Minister further emphasized India’s dynamic creative sector, highlighting its contribution to economic growth and the promotion of the country’s rich cultural heritage. He praised the innovative content emerging from India, which showcases diverse cultures, cuisines, heritage, and languages in creative ways. Vaishnaw also called on creators to harness cutting-edge technologies to craft global stories that reflect India’s unique identity.
The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, also spoke at the event, stressing that the festival is gaining new heights every year. “IFFI and Goa are well connected, and this festival has become a major event on the calendar. Every year, we upgrade our infrastructure to make it a world-class experience for our guests,” Sawant said, noting that the 2024 edition of IFFI had received a record 1,676 submissions from 101 countries, underscoring the festival’s growing international stature.
This year, IFFI will present over 180 international films from 81 countries, including 16 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 43 Asian premieres, and 109 Indian premieres. The festival will also feature celebrated and award-winning films from the global circuit, with a special focus on the theme, “Young Filmmakers: The Future is Now,” which emphasizes the importance of emerging voices in shaping the future of world cinema.
Australia has been designated as the Country of Focus at IFFI 2024, showcasing a dedicated film package and a collaboration with India through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Screen Australia and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). The festival will open with the Australian film Better Man by Michael Gracey, which offers a captivating glimpse into the life of British pop star Robbie Williams.
The prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to celebrated Australian director Philip Noyce. Known for his exceptional storytelling and films like Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, Salt, and The Bone Collector, Noyce’s work has had a lasting impact on cinema.
The Best Feature Film Debut Director award will see 5 international and 2 Indian films compete for the coveted Silver Peacock and a cash prize of 10 lakh rupees. The Best Web Series (OTT) Award, which received 46 entries this year compared to 32 last year, will also be announced at the closing ceremony, with the winner receiving a cash prize and certificate.
In line with its commitment to diversity and inclusion, IFFI 2024 will feature 47 films directed by women and 66 works by young and debut filmmakers. The Women in Cinema section will highlight emerging talent and celebrate the contributions of female filmmakers to the industry.
In addition to the screenings, IFFI 2024 will host the first-ever IFFiesta, an entertainment extravaganza featuring a blend of film, music, dance, food, art, and interactive experiences, enriching the cultural vibrancy of the festival. On November 22, a Carnival Parade celebrating the “Journey of Indian Cinema” will be held as part of IFFiesta, adding to the festive atmosphere in Goa.
(With inputs from ANI)