The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), is set to host the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa from 20^th to 28^th November 2024. Storytellers and cinema enthusiasts alike have a reason to rejoice as the 55^th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is all set to start with a vibrant line up and diverse programming, thereby promising an unforgettable celebration of global cinema.

The Curtain Raiser Press Conference of 55^th IFFI was held today in the presence of Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, Secretary, Ministry of I&B Sh. Sanjay Jaju, Special Secretary, Ministry of I&B Ms. Neerja Shekhar, Festival Director, IFFI Sh. Shekhar Kapur, Chairman, CBFC Sh. Prasoon Joshi, and senior officers of the Ministry.

During his address, Dr. L. Murugan, highlighted the festival’s prestigious role on the global stage. “IFFI has become a landmark event, not just for India but internationally, comparable to global festivals such as Cannes,” he stated. Dr. Murugan emphasized the unique initiatives introduced each year to enrich the festival experience and mentioned that this year’s edition has seen an overwhelming response for international film submissions, reflecting the festival’s expanding reach and impact.

To increase public engagement, the Ministry has organized promotional roadshows across major cities, including recent events in Mumbai and Chennai, with Hyderabad to follow. Dr. Murugan urged industry leaders to embrace the festival as their own, reflecting the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to position IFFI as a globally celebrated cinematic event and also urged people to join the festival at Goa.

Theme of IFFI 2024: ‘Young Filmmakers’ – “The Future is Now”

The theme of IFFI 2024 focuses on “Young Filmmakers,” as per the vision of Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw, recognizing their potential in shaping the future of creativity.

"India is rapidly emerging as the world’s largest filmmaking nation, embracing varied formats and perspectives. The new, emerging voices within our industry will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation," said Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting during his opening remarks today. He also said that IFFI 2024 has been designed for both filmmakers and cinema lovers and prioritizes the voices shaping the future, particularly emerging young filmmakers who are instrumental in shaping the nation’s cultural narrative.

The initiative of the Creative Minds of Tomorrow platform has been enhanced to support 100 young talents from 75 in the previous editions. 400 Young film students, from Film Schools across the country, are being facilitated by the Ministry to attend IFFI.

A new section and award of Best Debut Indian Director has been instituted, to recognize the young filmmaking talent across India. The masterclasses, panel discussions, film market and film packages have all been curated for the young creators. IFFI 2024 will also pay tribute to cinematic legends and willshowcase diverse perspectives through special sections and exhibitions, bringing a unique experience to audiences in Goa​

Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also highlighted the collaborative essence of the 55^th IFFI, describing it as a festival truly led by the industry and for the industry, with acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur serving as the Festival Director. Calling it historic, he mentioned, “For the first time in the history of the film festival, we have started the tradition of handing over the festival to the industry which is at the helm of this entire initiative.”

IFFI: Celebrating the Art of Storytelling

Festival Director Shekhar Kapur emphasized the pivotal role of storytelling in cinema, calling it the very heart of the cinematic experience.

“In a rapidly evolving world, preserving the craft of storytelling is more essential than ever,” he stated, underscoring that stories are what make cinema impactful. His message reflects the festival’s commitment to honoring and nurturing this timeless art form.

India: Country of restless dreams

Prasoon Joshi, Chairman of the CBFC, attributed India as a "Country of restless dreams" emphasizing the importance of giving storytellers a platform to share authentic voices from the ground up. He highlighted IFFI’s role in elevating such talent, bringing them to the global forefront and reiterated the theme of IFFI2024. “What remains unheard must be shared with the world,” he said while commending the Ministry's efforts in nurturing and supporting these emerging voices through Creative Minds of Tomorrow.

Key Highlights of IFFI 2024

1. Global Participation and Film Screenings

This year’s IFFI has received 1,676 submissions from 101 countries, a testament to the festival’s growing international standing. IFFI 2024 will present over 180+ international films from 81 countries, including 15 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 40 Asian premieres and 106 Indian premiers. As these are a selection of celebrated titles and award-winning films from the global circuit, this year’s festival is set to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

2. Australia to be the Country of Focus

Australia will be the Country of Focus for IFFI 2024, with a dedicated package of Australian films and a strong presence at the festival. Highlights include a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Screen Australia & NFDC, for participation by leading Australian filmmakers in the festival and the Film Bazaar, and a showcase by AusFilm, promoting Australia’s unique filming locations & co-productions.

3. Opening Film: Better Man by Michael Gracey

The festival opens with the Asia premiere of Michael Gracey’s Better Man, an Australian film that offers a captivating glimpse into the life of the iconic British pop star Robbie Williams, portrayed as a chimpanzee by Jonno Davies in a groundbreaking motion-capture performance.

4. The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award: IFFI 2024 is to present the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award to Philip Noyce, the celebrated and awarded Australian director. He is known for his exceptional storytelling and mastery in creating suspenseful, culturally resonant films. Noyce's filmography includes iconic films like Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, Salt, The Saint, The Bone Collector and many more. His collaborations with celebrated actors like Harrison Ford, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Denzel Washington, and Michael Caine, underscore his lasting impact on cinema.

5. International Competition Section: 15 feature films (12 International + 3 Indian) have been shortlisted to compete for the coveted Best Film Award, a Golden Peacock & INR 40 lakhs. Apart from the Best Film, the jury will also determine winners in the best director, best actor (male), best actor (female), special jury prize category.
6. Best Feature Film Debut Director - 5 International + 2 Indian Films will compete in this section for the coveted Silver Peacock, INR 10 lakh as cash prize and a certificate.

7. International Jury – Mr. Ashutosh Gowariker (Chairperson), acclaimed Indian Filmmaker & Actor, Anthony Chen is a renowned Singaporean writer, director, and producer, Elizabeth Karlsen, respected UK producer, Fran Borgia is a distinguished producer based in Asia, and Jill Bilcock is a renowned Australian film editor.

8. Indian Panorama: Showcasing India’s Cinematic Diversity: The Indian Panorama section will showcase 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films representing India’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity. This segment includes the Opening Feature Film, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (Hindi), directed by Randeep Hooda, and the Opening Non-Feature Film, Ghar Jaisa Kuch (Ladakhi)

9. Best INDIAN Debut director - A New Award instituted to recognize, young film making talent across the country, aligned with the theme of IFFI focused on ‘Young Filmmakers.’ 5 films from a total submission of 102 films will compete for this award. Certificate and Cash Prize of Rs. 5 lakhs to the Director in the closing ceremony.

10. Best Web Series (OTT) Award: Best Web Series (OTT) Award category has received 46 entries this year compared to 32 last year. Certificates and a cash prize of 10 Lakhs will be given as prize money to the winning series, which will be announced in the closing ceremony.
11. Centenary Celebrations: IFFI 2024 will pay tribute to Indian cinema legends Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Tapan Sinha, and Akkineni Nageswara Rao with special audio-visual performances in the opening & closing ceremonies, and immersive exhibitions in IFFIesta.

As part of the tribute, a commemorative My Stamp series by India Post,  celebrating the contributions of these iconic figures in Indian cinema will also be released.

A classic film of each of these icons, restored by NFDC-NFAI under the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM) of the Government, will also be screened in IFFI.           

The Restored Classics to be screened in IFFI are –

•  Awara(1951) - Raj Kapoor
• Devadasu (1953)- Akkineni Nageswara Rao
• Hum Dono (1961) - Mohammed Rafi
• Harmonium (1975) - Tapan Sinha

12. New Curated Sections and International Programming: IFFI 2024 introduces four new international programming sections: Rising Stars (celebrating emerging directors), Mission Life (spotlighting eco-conscious cinema), Australia: Country of Focus, and Treaty Country Package, featuring curated selections from the British Film Institute. These segments enrich the diversity of IFFI’s offerings, allowing audiences to explore stories of resilience, innovation, and artistic evolution.
13. Women and Young Emerging Voices in Cinema: IFFI 2024 continues to champion diversity and inclusion with 47 films directed by women and 66 works by young and debut filmmakers, reflecting the festival’s commitment to amplifying under-represented voices. The Women in Cinema section will highlight emerging talent and the significant contributions of female filmmakers.
14. 6 additional Theaters for Screenings: 4 Theaters of INOX Madgaon & 2 at INOX Ponda have been added this year for festival screenings. More than 270 films will be showcased during the festival at 5 venues – INOX Panjim (4), Maquinez Palace(1), INOX Porvorim (4), INOX Madgaon(4), INOX Ponda (2) & Z Square Samrat Ashok (2). Additionally, 5 Picture Time inflatable theatres are being put across Goa for film screenings.
15. “Creative Minds of Tomorrow” Initiative Expands: The Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) initiative sees record-breaking participation with 1,032 entries this year, nearly double that of 2023. This program fosters young talent across 13 filmmaking crafts, and for the first time, 100 participants will be selected, offering a unique platform for aspiring filmmakers.
16. Masterclasses, Panels, and Industry Engagement: Film aficionados can look forward to 25+ masterclasses and panel discussions at the Kala Academy, led by industry luminaries such as AR Rahman, Shabana Azmi, Mani Ratnam, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and international guests like Philip Noyce and John Seale. Attendees will gain insights into sound design, acting in the digital age, and the future of filmmaking.

17. Film Bazaar 2024, South Asia’s Largest Film Market: The 18th edition of Film Bazaar is set to be the largest yet, with 350+ film projects featured in the various verticals of the Film Market. The Knowledge Series will include pitching sessions and workshops on film production, distribution, and international collaboration. Film Bazaar is held alongside IFFI, where ideas come to life, stories find voices, and dreams take shape. This is where cinema's future meets its present. Since its inception in 2007, Film Bazaar has become South Asia’s largest and most essential film market.

This year, the Pavilions & Exhibitions will be set along the waterfront promenade and promises overwhelming participation from various Countries & States, Film Industry, Tech & VFX Industry, etc. Several scale-ups are being done through partnership with FICCI, to help ensure better industry participation in the Pavilions. Open ‘Buyers-Sellers’ Meet will also be organized in this year’s Film Bazaar, where filmmakers can meet collaborators.

18. ‘IFFIesta’ - Interactive Experiences and Cultural Festivities: This year, IFFI will host the 1^st IFFIesta, an entertainment extravaganza set to bring communities together through the magic of film, music, dance, food, art, and interactive experiences. It will offer curated dining and musical showcases for festival-goers, enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the festival. Entertainment Arena in and around Kala Academy will be focused for youth. Performances are also being organized through partnerships from Zomato. A Carnival Parade around the ‘Journey of Indian Cinema’ would be organized as part of the Fiesta on 22^nd Nov., 2024.

19. Accessibility and Inclusivity: In a move that is a first in IFFI's history, the 55^th IFFI will be an Accessible IFFI. In a bid to ensure that the film festival is accessible for all cinephiles, especially those with reduced mobility including Divyangjan, IFFI has named Svayam, a pioneering organization as the Accessibility Partner. IFFI 2024 is committed to inclusivity, with all venues made physically accessible, sensitizing the volunteers about the needs of Divyangjan. The films, programs & events in IFFI are being equipped with accessibility features such as audio descriptions & sign language interpretation, ensuring accessibility through the use of applications, embodying the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” given by the Prime Minister of India.
20. Branding & Décor of Festival Venues – NFDC & ESG have partnered with NID, Ahmedabad for a ‘unified’ décor and branding across all the Festival Venues.

This year, IFFI promises a rich cinematic experience, blending innovation with cultural legacy, and drawing audiences from around the world to celebrate the spirit of filmmaking.

For more details on delegate registration, program schedules, and updates, visit iffigoa.org.

About IFFI

IFFI is one of the World’s 14 biggest and most prestigious ‘International Competition Feature Film Festivals’ that is accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers’ Association (FIAPF), the international body governing film festivals globally. International Film Festivals such as Cannes, Berlin & Venice are such other reputed festivals, accredited by FIAPF under this category.

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Dharmendra Tewari/Rajith Chandran/Kshitij Singha