55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was declared open in the scenic coasts of Goa

Goa:20/11/2In 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 today evening. Colourful cultural programs showcasing the 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 55^th version of IFFI commenced with the screening of renowned Australian filmmaker Michael Gracey’s feature film ‘Better Man’.

Some of the brightest stars of the 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 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 to all the festival delegates to Goa, said Dr. Sawant

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.

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 to ensure 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.

“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 closer to each other and solve a lot of problems in the world, and so we have to continue organizing film festivals, opined the renowned filmmaker.

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 in ending Columbia’s civil war was unveiled by Producer Shri Mahavir Jain, on the occasion.

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.

Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant and Festival Director Shekhar Kapoor felicitated 55^th 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.

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 55^th 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.