Press Information Bureau

November 18, 2023 Bollywood

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

IFFI Annual Cinematic Extravaganza – Home to the Best of World and Indian Cinema Begins on November 20

Hollywood actor and producer Michael Douglas will attend the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFI 54.

More than 270 films will be presented in 4 places of the festival

IFFI 54 receives 2,926 entries from 105 countries; 3 times more international submissions than last year

32 entries received in 10 languages from 15 OTT platforms for Best Web Series (OTT) Award

Documentary Editing section featuring documentaries from around the world that will be screened at IFFI this year.

Restored Classics section featuring 7 world premiere NFDC-NFAI world class restorations under the National Film Heritage Mission presented at the 54th IFFI.

Posted: November 18, 2023, 5:50 PM PIB in Mumbai

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is one of the world’s 14 largest and most prestigious ‘International Competition Feature Film Festivals’ accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers (FIAPF), the international body that governs film festivals worldwide. . International film festivals such as Cannes, Berlin and Venice are other famous festivals accredited by FIAPF in this category. The annual cinematic extravaganza has over the years been home to the best of world and Indian cinema from the Indian film industry as well as from around the world as delegates, guests and speakers said Shri. Prithul Kumar, MD NFDC and Joint Secretary Films, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He spoke at the ’54 Curtain Raiser press conference^e International Film Festival of India here in Panaji today. The press conference was also attended by Mrs. Delila M. Lobo, Vice Chairperson, ESG, Ms. Ankita Mishra, Executive Director, ESG, Ms. Monidepa Mukherjee Director General, PIB, West Zone and Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gauri, Director General, PIB.

Commenting on this year’s edition of the festival, Sri Prithul Kumar said, “One of the highlights of IFFI is the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award (SRLTA), which presents excellence in world cinema. Michael Douglas, the Hollywood actor and producer who is currently one of the biggest international figures in world cinema, will be there at IFFI to receive this prestigious award, along with his wife and renowned actress, Catherine Zeta-Jones.”

During the festival, more than 270 films will be screened at 4 venues – INOX Panjim, Maquinez Palace, INOX Porvorim, Z Square Samrat Ashok. 54’s “International Section”.^e IFFI will have 198 films, even 18 more than 53^rd IFFI. It will have 13 world premieres, 18 international premieres, 62 Asian premieres and 89 Indian premieres. This year, IFFI received a record number of 2,926 works from 105 countries, which is 3 times more than last year. The Indian Panorama section will feature 25 feature and 20 non-fiction films from India. In the feature section, the opening film is the Malayalam film ‘Aattam’ and in the non-fiction section, it is ‘Andro Dreams’ from Manipur.

Talking about the new initiatives of this 54^e IFFI’s Sri Prithul Kumar said that the Best Web Series (OTT) award was introduced this year. Aims to recognize, encourage and respect thriving content on OTT platforms and its creators. Received 32 entries in 10 languages from 15 OTT platforms. The winning series will receive certificates and a cash prize of 10 GEL, which will be announced at the closing ceremony.

The Documentary Editing section, featuring a mosaic of compelling documentaries from around the world, was also introduced this year to mark India’s entry into the field of Oscars and also to highlight the growing importance of documentaries today.

Additionally, there is a Restored Classics section featuring 7 world premiere world class restorations done by NFDC-NFAI under the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM) from damaged celluloid reels of Indian classics. In addition, 3 international restored films will be presented in this section.

With over 20 ‘masterclasses’ and ‘in conversation’ sessions with prominent filmmakers, filmmakers and actors, IFFI promises to be an exciting week this year. The sessions will be held at the renovated and refurbished Kala Academy at Festival Mile, Panjim, Goa. Michael Douglas, Brendan Galvin, Brillante Mendoza, Sunny Deol, Rani Mukerji, Vidya Balan, John Goldwater, Vijay Sethupathi, Sara Ali Khan, Pankaj Tripathi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Kaikai Menon, Karan Johar, Madhur Bhandarkar, Manoj Botik Gopay Kapoor, Allud Aravind , Theodore Gluck, Gulshan Grover and others will participate in the sessions this year.

The gala premiere initiative that started last year will be expanded this year with 12 gala premieres and 2 exclusive web series premieres. These IFFI film premieres have their actors and talents walking the IFFI red carpet to promote their films.

217^e The edition of NFDC Film Bazaar will have scope of its verticals with VFX & Tech Pavilion, Documentary & Non-Fiction Projects/Films, ‘Knowledge Series’ and ‘Book to Box Office’ introduction. In total, this year more than 300 international film projects will be curated and screened on the 17th.^e The release of a film market for production, distribution or sale.

in the 54th^e This year’s edition of IFFI, 75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) candidates will also be given professional classes specially by film masters and a ‘talent camp’ will be organized for employment with more than 20 leading companies.

The festival will also have facilities in place to ensure that specially abled festival delegates can access all displays and other venues. Making the festival an inclusive and accessible way for everyone is a step towards inclusiveness.

IFFI is not only a showcase of cinematic excellence but also a celebration of cultural diversity. The IFFI Cine-mela initiative will be a spectacular addition to the cinematic festivities where IFFI attendees and even others such as locals and tourists who are not registered at IFFI can also enjoy exciting activities celebrating the magic of cinema, art, culture, crafts and food. . The exhibition was organized by the Central Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, which will allow film lovers to experience films through interactive screenings. Entry is free for all. Open air screenings will also be held for the public at three locations along with initiatives like Caravans, Shigmotsav, Goa Carnival, Selfie Points, IFFI Merchandise and more to grow IFFI as one of India’s biggest cultural extravaganzas in the world.

In addition, NFDC and ESG are partnering with NID, Ahmedabad for the entire decoration and branding of the festival venues on 54^e IFFI.

Ms. Ankita Mishra, Executive Director, ESG briefed the audience about the various logistical arrangements made for the delegates as well as local persons for the smooth functioning of the 54th.^e Publication of IFFI. This includes parking arrangements for the opening ceremony, free transportation between festival sites and booking procedures for various screenings and sessions.

PIB West Zone Director General Ms. Monidepa Mukherjee briefed the media about the various facilities available to them. He also spoke about new initiatives undertaken by PIB for this edition of IFFI. This included organizing a film appreciation workshop for the media and introducing Konkani translation for all PIB IFFI releases.

Mrs. Delilah M. Lobo, ESG Vice-Chairman concluded the conference by saying that the best films from around the world will be showcased at IFFI and urged Goans to seize the opportunity at their doorstep.