53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India [ IFFI ] kicked off with a grand opening ceremony at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, in Panaji, Goa today, 20 November, 2022. Conducted jointly by the National Film Development Corporation and Entertainment Society of Goa, this edition of the film fiesta is showcasing a collection of 280 films from 79 countries. 25 features and 20 non-feature films will be showcased at the Indian Panorama section from a broad spectrum of entries.
Kindling the auspicious lamp for the nine day long avalanche of film excellence, Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth affairs & Sports, said that his vision is to make India the most sought after destination for film shoots and post production backed by the talent of our people and innovation of our industry leaders. “My vision for IFFI is not limited to one event, but what IFFI should be when India celebrates its 100th year of Independence once we transition from Amrit Mahotsav to Amrit Kaal! We aim to make India a powerhouse of content creation, especially regional cinema by scaling up regional festivals,” he elaborated.
Shri Thakur said that 53rd IFFI is all set to be a melting pot of myriad vibrant cultures and spectacle of cinematic excellence. “IFFI presents unique opportunities and incredible possibilities for young and established filmmakers to network, pitch, collaborate and experience the best from the world of cinema. Cinema captures and chisels the conflux of a country’s rich culture, legacy, heritage, hopes and dreams, aspirations, ambitions and most importantly the collective conscience of its people at any given time in history”, he added.
Tracing back the memory lane of Asia’s oldest film festival, Anurag Thakur said that the concept of IFFI is rooted in its theme of ‘Vasudeva Kutumbakam’, which embodies the essence of peaceful co-existence where the world is one family. “India’s rising global role and Presidency of the G20, revolves around this theme of the ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ under the able leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi”, he added.
For the first time gala premieres of Indian, global cinema, and OTTs will be held at IFFI, including the premiere of the fourth season of globally accalaimed series Fauda, which features some of the biggest Israeli stars in the world today. I would also like to share that the next season of this show will also be launched at IFFI”, the Minister said.
Country of Focus to honour our steadfast relationship with France
Highlighting the Country of Focus session at IFFI, the Minister said this year marks 75 years of India – France relationship, marked by a meeting between the leaders of the two nations- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and President Emmanuel Macron, and India was the Country of Honour at Festival De Cannes this year. “Continuing the spirit of India’s ‘Country of Honour’ at Marche De Films at the 75th Cannes Film Festival, I am delighted to welcome France as the ‘Country of Focus’ at the 53rd edition of IFFI.” Thakur said.
Celebrated Spanish film Director Carlos Saura has been honoured with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement award at the gala opening ceremony of 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa today, 20 November, 2022.
The Spanish Director is being honoured with the award as a befitting accolade for his immense contribution towards the international cinema. His daughter Anna Saura accepted the award on behalf of the eminent filmmaker at the opening ceremony IFFI 53.
IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Award for 2022 goes to megastar and actor-producer Chiranjeevi Konidela. The announcement has been made by the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur, at the grand opening of the 53rd edition of IFFI, the International Film Festival of India, in Goa today
Chief Secretary of Government of Goa, Puneet Kumar Goel, Managing Director of National Film Development Corporation Ravinder Bhakar, and other dignitaries also participated in the inaugural ceremony. Cine celebrities like Ajay Devgn ,Suniel Shetty, Manoj Bajapayee, Paresh Rawal,Screen Writer Vijendra Prasad, Aparshakti Kuruna, Mrunal Takhur, Varun Dhawan, Catherine Teresa, Sara Ali Khan, Karthik Aryan and Amritha Khanvilkar also graced the opening ceremony..
Ajay KR
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