In the luminous presence of much-admired film personalities and passionate cine-enthusiasts, the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was declared open in the scenic coasts of Goa on 20th Nov evening. Colourful cultural programmes showcasing cultural synergy and diversity of India enthused all, and made a grand start to nine days of celebrating creativity and cinematic brilliance. Ending the long wait of cinephiles across the world, the 55th version of IFFI commenced with the screening of renowned Australian filmmaker Michael Gracey’s feature film ‘Better Man’.

Some of the brightest stars of cine-world were felicitated in the presence of cinema-worshippers in the gala opening ceremony, which was hosted by popular film personalities Abhishek Banerjee and Bhumi Pednekar. Film stalwarts Subhash Ghai, Chidanand Naik, Boman Irani, R K Selvamani, Jaideep Ahlawat, Jayam Ravi, Ishari Ganesh, R. Sarath Kumar, Pranita Subhash, Jackky Bhagnani, Rakul Preet Singh, Randeep Hooda and Rajkummar Rao were felicitated for their immense contributions to cinema.

Following Indian traditions, the film festival was ceremonially inaugurated by watering of a coconut sapling by the Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant in the presence of dignitaries like Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Secretary Information & Broadcasting Shri Sanjay Jaju, Spiritual Guru, Shri Sri Ravi Shankar Festival Director Shri Shekhar Kapur, Chairman CBFC Shri Prasoon Joshi and Chairman Prasar Bharati Shri Naveneet Kumar Sehgal among others.

On the occasion, Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant said that Goa and IFFI are literally synonymous. “When you think of IFFI, you remember Goa, and when you think of Goa, you remember IFFI”. Dr. Sawant, on behalf of all Goans, extended a warm welcome all the festival delegates to Goa, said Dr. Sawant

“India can play a major role in shaping the creators’ economy”

In a video message, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said that IFFI has become a significant milestone in the development of the Indian film industry. I & B Minister stated that there is much focus on developing the content creators’ economy, which is vibrant and rapidly growing. “People are coming up with innovative content that showcases India’s diverse cultures, cuisines, rich heritage, and gems of Indian literature and languages in interesting and creative ways”, he said. India can play a major role in shaping the creators’ economy with the integration of technology and development of a robust curators’ ecosystem, he added.

Shri Vaishnaw also expressed hope about emergence of new partnerships and fresh ideas from IFFI. He is also hopeful about the new initiatives through which some of the young creators will receive mentorship and guidance. “The ideas shared during this event will help shape the direction of the industry in the coming years”, he said.

“IFFI tries to promote Indian Cinema and takes various initiatives for it”

Through a video message, Union MoS for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan said that, IFFI tries to promote Indian Cinema and takes various initiatives for ensuring the same. He also conveyed that the Government of India is trying to support the film industry in curbing film-piracy. Further, the single-window system of film facilitation started by I & B Ministry has made obtaining clearances for film-shooting easier. This initiative coupled with various subsidies has added to the Ease of Doing Business for film makers. Dr. Murugan mentioned that the Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) initiative started in IFFI, where hundred young creative individuals will have the opportunity to be mentored by film stalwarts and get benefitted from their interaction with them. The MoS also stated that IFFI, one of world’s biggest film festivals, received more than 1000 entries. Dr. L. Murugan also said, IFFI feels honoured to give this year’s Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award to noted Australian film-maker Phillip Noyce.

“The aim of the film festival should be to bring people closer and tell each other’s stories”

“Let’s tell each other our stories,” urged film stalwart and Festival Director Shri Shekhar Kapur. He said, “Within a nation and nations and communities in a polarized world, the only way to talk to each other is by telling our stories.” This will bring us close to each other and solve a lot of problems in the world, and so we have to continue organising film festivals, opined the renowned film maker. India has the biggest film industry and is the greatest content makers and content consumers of the world, he further said. IFFI Festival Director Shri Shekhar Kapur urged to celebrate not just film makers, but also audiences in this film festival.

“The whole world is a story-telling platform”

Spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was also present amongst the dignitaries. On the occasion, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, “Every life is like a film. I meet with people and listen to their stories. The whole world is a story-telling platform.” He also said, in Indian mythology, gods are connected with forms of entertainment like Lord Shiva believed to be playing the damru, Goddess Saraswati playing the veena, Lord Krishna playing flute and so on. Indian culture is intertwined with entertainment which helps us to lead a happy life. The first look of the film on the pivotal role played by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on ending Columbia’s civil war was unveiled by Producer Shri Mahavir Jain, on the occasion.

Unveiling of special stamp on four legends of Indian Cinema – Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Mohammed Rafi

IFFI this year will pay homage to the extraordinary legacy of Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), and Mohammed Rafi through a series of tributes, screenings, and interactive events, providing the delegates a closer look at the contributions of these legendary film personalities to the world of cinema. A special stamp on these four stalwarts of Indian cinema was unveiled by Information & Broadcasting Secretary Shri Sanjay Jaju, along with Special Secretary, I&B, Ms. Neerja Sekhar; Chief Post Master General (CPMG), Maharashtra Postal Circle, Shri Amitabh Singh; MD, NFDC, Shri Prithul Kumar; Joint Secretary (Films), Ms. Vrunda Manohar Desai; Festival Director, Shri Shekhar Kapur; Son of legendary actor Akkineni Nageswar Rao Shri Nagarjuna; and Ms. Firdaus Rafi, Daughter-in-law of legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi. Speaking on the occasion, I & B Secretary Shri Sanjay Jaju said, “It’s a great feeling that IFFI is celebrating four legends of Indian cinema this year!”

“IFFI is celebrating Indian cinema goers and Indian cinema makers”

Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant and Festival Director Shekhar Kapoor felicitated 55th IFFI’s International Competition Jury members – Ashutosh Gowariker (Chairman), Anthony Chen, Elizabeth Karlsen, Fran Borgia, and Jill Bilcock.

The Jury for the newly introduced ‘Best Debut Indian Film’ Category was also mentioned which includes Santhosh Sivan (Jury Chairperson), M.V. Raghu, Suneel Puranik, Sekhar Das and Vinit Kanojia.

Indian Panorama Feature Films Jury includes Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi (Jury Chairperson), Manoj Joshi, Sushmita Mukherjee, Himansu Sekhar Khatua, Oinam Gautam, Ashuu Trikha, S.M. Patil, Neelabh Kaul, Susant Misra, Arun Kumar Bose, Ratnottama Sengupta, Sameer Hanchate and Priya Krishnaswamy. Indian Panaroma Non-Feature films Jury includes Subbaiah Nallamuthu (Jury Chairperson), Rajni Acharya, Ronel Haobam, Usha Deshpande, Vandana Kohli, Mithunchandra Chaudhari and Shalini Shah.

Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant launches Prasar Bharati’s ‘WAVES OTT’

Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant also launched Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform called ‘WAVES OTT’, at the opening ceremony of IFFI. This platform offers a rich mix of classic content and contemporary programming. With a library featuring timeless shows like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktimaan, and Hum Log, the platform appeals to audiences looking for cultural and emotional connections with India’s past. Aligning with the Young Film Maker’s theme of IFFI ‘24; Roll No.52, a student graduation film from Annapurna Film and Media Studio by Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni will be screened at Waves.

The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) with its ‘Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ initiative embraces the potential of young filmmakers through its theme, ‘Young Filmmakers: The Future is Now.’

Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Information & Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju, CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi, Prasar Bharti Chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal, MLA Siolim constituency, Goa & Vice Chairman, ESG, Delilah Lobo and Entertainment -Jio Star CEO Kevin Vaz were also present on the occasion.

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