Tag: CulturalDiversity

  • Jagran Film Festival returns to Delhi with 12th edition celebrating cinema

    Jagran Film Festival returns to Delhi with 12th edition celebrating cinema

    Mumbai: The 12th edition of the Jagran Film Festival (JFF), the world’s largest travelling film festival, is set to begin in Delhi from 5-8 December at Siri Fort Auditorium. Organised by the Jagran Prakashan Group and inaugurated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, this year’s festival promises an unparalleled celebration of cinematic excellence, cultural diversity, and storytelling.

    JFF 2024 features an extraordinary lineup of 292 films selected from an impressive pool of 4,787 submissions. Representing 111 countries and 78 languages, the festival highlights its commitment to making good cinema for everyone. Over the next 100 days, JFF will travel through 18 cities, including Prayagraj, Varanasi, Raipur, Ranchi, and Mumbai, ensuring that quality cinema reaches diverse audiences across India.

    The Delhi chapter will host renowned personalities like Pankaj Kapur, Manoj Bajpayee, Bhumi Pednekar, Taapsee Pannu, Mukesh Chhabra, and Bhuvan Bam. Directors such as Anil Prakash Joshi and Onir will also attend. The festival will showcase 102 remarkable films, spanning shorts, documentaries, and OTT content from 29 countries. Highlights include Kiran Rao’s Oscar entry “Laapataa Ladies” and Shashi Chandrakant Khandare’s Marathi film “Gypsy”.

    The festival will host 17 premieres, including five world premieres, seven Asia premieres, and five Indian premieres. Classics like Shyam Benegal’s Manthan will feature alongside panel discussions and workshops. Kapur will be honoured with a retrospective, and Bajpayee will discuss his journey in a special session. Aspiring actors can attend Mukesh Chhabra’s session on breaking into cinema, while Rahul Rawail and Sudhir Mishra will lead thought-provoking discussions on modern filmmaking.

    Jagran Prakashan Ltd, SVP, Basant Rathore emphasised JFF’s mission: “The Jagran Film Festival has become a cherished platform for celebrating the transformative power of cinema. This season, we are thrilled to showcase 102 films across 34 languages and 29 countries, ensuring quality cinema reaches Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. JFF remains committed to fostering meaningful conversations about the art of storytelling.”

  • IFFI 2024: A cinematic extravaganza celebrating art, culture, and innovation

    IFFI 2024: A cinematic extravaganza celebrating art, culture, and innovation

    Mumbai: The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has long been a beacon of cinematic excellence, and its 55th edition promises to be no exception. Scheduled from 20-28 November 2024 in the vibrant state of Goa, IFFI 2024 is poised to be a celebration of art, culture, and innovation, attracting cinema enthusiasts from around the globe. From a dazzling opening ceremony to a thrilling array of performances, premieres, and cultural events, this year’s festival sets a new standard for cinematic grandeur.  

    IFFIESTA, an electrifying celebration of art, music, and culture, will take centre stage at the Kala Academy, Panaji. This interactive experience will blend cinema with live performances, showcasing India’s unparalleled cultural diversity. Regional and traditional troupes from across the nation will light up the festival with their vibrant displays. The highlight, a grand parade themed “Celebrating the Joy of Cinema”, will feature local float designers and parade groups presenting breathtaking creativity.  

    IFFIESTA will also host an entertainment lineup featuring iconic artists such as Asees Kaur, Paradox, When Chai Met Toast, and The Yellow Diary, alongside emerging talents like Anumita Nadesan and DJ The Spindoctor. With food, music, and art in abundance, IFFIESTA will immerse attendees in the magic of Indian culture.  

    The festival will begin with a glittering opening ceremony on 20 November 2024 at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Goa. The Australian film “Better Man”, directed by Michael Gracy, will set the tone as the opening film, celebrating the life of British pop icon Robbie Williams.  

    Cinematic legends and film personalities, including Subhash Ghai, Bhumi Pednekar, and Randeep Hooda, will grace the red carpet alongside chief minister Pramod Sawant and union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Attendees will witness awe-inspiring cultural performances, a nostalgic Bollywood dance medley, and a poetic tribute to cinematic icons such as Raj Kapoor and Mohammed Rafi.  

    IFFI 2024 will focus on nurturing young filmmaking talent through the ‘Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ initiative, which has expanded to support 100 young filmmakers. A newly instituted Best Indian Debut Director Award will honour emerging creators with a Silver Peacock and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.  

    Masterclasses led by renowned personalities, including A.R. Rahman, Shabana Azmi, and international guests such as Philip Noyce, will offer invaluable insights to aspiring filmmakers.  

    This year’s festival will feature 180 international films from 81 countries, with 16 world premieres and 43 Asian premieres. The International Competition section includes 15 feature films vying for the coveted Golden Peacock and a Rs 40 lakh cash prize.  

    Australia, the Country of Focus, will showcase its cinematic brilliance through a dedicated film package. Philip Noyce, the acclaimed Australian director, will receive the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.  

    IFFI 2024 will be its most inclusive edition yet, featuring live Indian sign language interpretation and accessibility features at all venues. Eco-friendly practices will be implemented throughout the festival, emphasising sustainability.  

    With over 270 films, 25 masterclasses, and immersive cultural events, IFFI 2024 promises a week-long celebration of creativity, storytelling, and innovation. The festival will conclude on 28th November with an awards ceremony recognising cinematic excellence.  

    Save the dates and join the magic as IFFI 2024 redefines the essence of cinema.