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#IFFIWood, 19 November 2024

The 55^th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is all set to take place from 20^th to 28^th November 2024 in the picturesque state of Goa. This year’s festival promises to be a cinematic extravaganza, showcasing diverse narratives, innovative voices, and fostering cultural exchange.

Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister Goa while addressing the media in the Curtain Raiser Press Conference in Goa informed that that Goa is all set to host the 55^th edition of IFFI and is ready to welcome the delegates to the grand festival of films. He informed that 180 international films from 81 countries will be screened during the festival. For all the delegates, free transport facilities will be arranged to facilitate the travel across the festival venues. There will be a special segment on Goan Films in which 14 films will be screened, celebrating local talent and culture, said Shri Sawant. ‘Sky Lantern’ competition will be showcased on the route of IFFI parade, and cash rewards will be given to the participants. IFFI parade is being organized on 22^nd November from ESG office venue to Kala Academy, Shri Sawant informed.

Addressing the media, Ms. Delialah Lobo, Vice Chairman of Entertainment Society of Goa said that all efforts are being made to make the festival eco-friendly and accessible to people from all walks of life. 

Shri Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Managing Director, NFDC said that 6500 delegates have been registered this year marking an increase of 25 percent over last year. To make the festival more accessible to the film lovers, 6 more screens and 45 percent more screening theatres will be made available this year. The festival will be graced by renowned personalities from Film Industry, Said Shri Kumar. Shri Kumar also mentioned that NFDC is making all out efforts under the leadership of Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw to ensure that the festival reaches new heights this year in terms of people’s participation and quality of overall experience. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan has been continuously reviewing the preparations for the festival. The festival attempts to bring together all stakeholders through co-ordinated action and timely execution of various tasks under the able guidance of Secretary I&B, said Shri Kumar.

Shri Kumar also informed that a press tour will be organized to acquaint journalists with all the verticals of Film business with an in-depth understanding of various aspects of the film industry.

Ms. Vrunda Desai, Joint secretary of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Ms. Smita Vats Sharma, Director General, PIB, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; and senior officials from PIB and ESG.

In the Conference, the Key Highlights of IFFI 2024 were briefed to the Media. The same may be read below:

• IFFI 2024 focuses on young filmmakers and has received a record 1032 entries in CMOT section as compared to 550 received in last year.
• Under the visionary guidance of the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, IFFI 2024 places a spotlight on young filmmakers. The “Creative Minds of Tomorrow” initiative has been expanded to support 100 young talents (up from 75 in previous edition), with young film students from across the country invited to participate. 
• A new Best Debut Indian Director Award has been introduced to honor emerging talent, with curated masterclasses, panel discussions, and film screenings designed for young creators. Additionally, the entertainment zone IFFiesta aims to foster youth engagement through music, dance, and interactive experiences.
• IFFI 2024 has received record 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 16 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 43 Asian premieres and 109 Indian premiers. With 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.
• Australia will be the Country of Focus, showcasing a dedicated film package and fostering collaboration with India through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Screen Australia and NFDC. The festival will be Opening with an Australian Film Better Man by Michael Gracey which offers a captivating glimpse into the life of the iconic British popstar Robbie Williams.
• The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to ‘Philip Noyce’, the celebrated and awarded Australian director, 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.
• International Competition Section will have15 feature films (12 International and 3 Indian) that will compete for the coveted Best Film Award, a Golden Peacock & cash prize of 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.
• In Best Feature Film Debut Director award category, 5 International and 2 Indian Films will compete for the coveted Silver Peacock, 10 lakh Indian rupees as cash prize and a certificate.
• International Jury will be headed by Shri Ashutosh Gowariker (Chairperson), acclaimed Indian Filmmaker and will also include Anthony Chen, a renowned Singaporean writer, director, and producer, Elizabeth Karlsen, respected UK producer, Fran Borgia, a distinguished producer based in Asia & Jill Bilcock, a renowned Australian film editor.
• 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).
• New Award “Best Indian Debut Director“has been instituted to recognize, young film making talent across the country which has been aligned with the theme of IFFI focused on ‘Young Filmmakers’. 5 films from a total submission of 102 films will compete for this award. The prize contains Certificate and Cash Prize of Rs. 5 lakhs to be given at closing ceremony.
• Best Web Series (OTT) Award 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.
• Centenary Celebrations: IFFI 2024 will pay tribute to Indian cinema legends such as Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Tapan Sinha, and Akkineni Nageswara Rao with special audio-visual performances in the opening & closing ceremonies, immersive exhibitions in IFFiesta, and a commemorative My Stamp series by India Post. 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 which includes Raj Kapoor’s Awara, Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s Devadasu (1953), Hum Dono by Mohammed Rafi and Harmonium by Tapan Sinha
• Four new international programming sections such as 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.  
• IFFI 2024 will also 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 underrepresented voices. The Women in Cinema section will highlight emerging talent and the significant contributions of female filmmakers.
• 6 additional Theatres will be available for Screenings which includes 4 Theatres of INOX Madgaon & 2 at INOX Ponda. 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.
• CMOT Initiative has received record-breaking participation with 1,032 entries this year, nearly double compared to 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.
• 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, Prasoon Joshi, 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.
• Film Bazaar 2024: South Asia’s Largest Film Market: The 18^th edition of Film Bazaar is set to be the largest yet, with 350+ film projects featured in the various verticals of the Film Market.  Shri Jerome Pillard, ex-Market Head of ‘Marche du Cannes’ has taken over as the Advisor of Film Bazaar. The Knowledge Series will include pitching sessions and workshops on film production, distribution, and international collaboration. 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 water front promenade and has witnessed overwhelming participation from various Countries & States, Film Industry, Tech & VFX Industry, etc. Several scaleups 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 the filmmakers can meet collaborators.
• ‘IFFiesta’ an Interactive Experience with Cultural Festivities: IFFI 2024 will host the 1st IFFiesta, an entertainment extravaganza, enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the festival, through the magic of film, music, dance, food, art, and interactive experiences. It will be powered by the District by Zomato, – a exclusive zone for curated live performance, food, and fun zone in IFFiesta. Entertainment Arena in and around Kala Academy will be focused for youth. It will have the immersive showcase of the 4 centennials along with the exhibition on the journey of Indian Cinema. A Carnival Parade around the ‘Journey of Indian Cinema’ would be organised as part of the IFFiesta on 22^nd November.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: In a move that is a first in IFFI's history, the 55th IFFI will be an Accessible event. In a bid to ensure that the film festival is accessible for all cinephiles, especially those with reduced mobility including Divyangjans, IFFI has named Svayam, a pioneering organization as the Accessibility Partner. IFFI 2024 is committed to inclusivity, with all venues made physically accessible, sensitizing volunteers about differently abled.  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 mobile applications, embodying the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” given by Hon’ble Prime Minister.

To read the Powerpoint presentation by MD, NFDC please click here

Read More – Creative Minds of Tomorrow Details:

• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2067309
• https://www.iffigoa.org/public/press_release/screening.pdf
• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2067309
• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2067101

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