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Tag: IFFI

  • LTIMindtree, IFFI script India’s first AI film fest

    LTIMindtree, IFFI script India’s first AI film fest

    MUMBAI: Cinema is getting a digital rewrite. LTIMindtree has partnered with the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to launch India’s first-ever AI Film Festival and Hackathon, set to take place during IFFI 2025 in Goa from November 20 to 28.

    The initiative, powered by LTIMindtree’s Blueverse Craftstudio, aims to explore how artificial intelligence can reshape the way stories are written, filmed, and experienced. From AI-generated films to creative tech experiments, the festival promises to be a melting pot of imagination and innovation.

    Speaking about the initiative, festival director of IFFI and jury chair of the IFFI AI film festival Shekhar Kapur said, “Cinema has always reflected the power of human imagination. Today, AI gives us a new lens that expands our ability to dream, design, and express.”

    Adding to that, LTIMindtree executive vice president and global head of interactive services Sujay Sen said, “The future of storytelling lies at the confluence of human creativity and AI. We’re proud to help bring that future to life.”

    NFDC managing director Prakash Magdum noted that this partnership extends IFFI’s legacy of celebrating emerging voices and technologies into “the world of AI: responsibly, inclusively, and with global collaboration.”

    The event will feature an AI film showcase, a 48-hour hackathon, and workshops on creative technology, offering filmmakers, developers, and dreamers alike a front-row seat to the next big evolution in storytelling.

    As cinema meets code in Goa, IFFI 2025 might just prove that the next great filmmaker could be part human, part algorithm.

     

  • SonyLiv’s & Indian Magic Eye’s Lampan triumphs at IFFI 2024

    SonyLiv’s & Indian Magic Eye’s Lampan triumphs at IFFI 2024

    MUMBAI: There were five of them in contention, but Marathi series Lampan finally bagged the best OTT series award (we at Indiantelevision.com refuse to use the term web series for reasons best known to all) at the International Film Festival of India in Goa on 28 November 2024. Produced by Shrirang Godbole and Hrishikesh Deshpande of Indian Magic Eye, the series airs on SonyLiv.

    The best series award was received by the jubilant team of Lampan including a beaming SonyLiv programming commissioner and head of content Saugata Muherjee, Shrirang Godbole, and its cast and crew.  The award also entails a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh which is to be shared between the producers and SonyLiv.

    A jury consisting of Madhur Bhandarkar, Krishna Hebbale, Harish Shankar and Rupali Ganguly went through a difficult process of adjudicating the winner amongst the five finalists which included: Kotta Factory (TVF, Netflix), Kaala Paani (Posham Pa Pictures, Netflix), Ayali (Estrella Stories, Zee5), Jubliee (Andolan Films with Reliance and Phantom Studios, Amazon Prime Video).

    However, Lampan (set in rural India)  which  explores the emotional and social struggles of a young boy navigating his identity within the complex dynamics of his community came out on top for its remarkable storytelling, high production values, and exceptional performances.

    The series directed by Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari is  based on stories written by Prakash Narayan Sant. It stars Chandrakant Kulkarni, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Mihir Godbole, Kadambari Kadam, Pushkaraj Chirputkar and  Avani Bhave. The writer of the show is Chinmay Kelkar. 
     

  • IFFI 2024: Gullu wins big in 48-hour short filmmaking challenge

    IFFI 2024: Gullu wins big in 48-hour short filmmaking challenge

    tireless yet unforgettable hours – this was the scene at Maquinez Palace today during the closing ceremony of Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT), held in the Fifty fifth International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
    CMOT has emerged as a leading platform for discovering and nurturing India’s most promising young filmmakers. This year marked a significant milestone, with the program expanding to include 100 young talents across 13 filmmaking disciplines, a notable increase from the 75 participants and 10 crafts featured in previous editions. The initiative garnered an overwhelming response, receiving nearly 1,070 entries from across India, showcasing their talents in 13 film-related trades.

    A highlight of the event was the 48-Hour filmmaking challenge where participants, divided into five teams of 20 members each, created short films centred around the theme “Relationships in the Age of Technology”. The challenge took place from 21-23 November,  across 12 locations within a four-kilometer radius of Panjim, which tested the team’s creativity and resilience.

    ,
    This year, the winners of the 48-hour Filmmaking Challenge at CMOT were
             1.        Best Film: Gullu
                        Best Film (Runners-up): We Hear the Same Music
             2.       Best Director: Arshaly Jose (Gullu)
             3.       Best Script: Adhiraj Bose (Lovepix Subscription)
             4.       Best Actress: Vishakha Nair (Lovepix Subscription)
             5.       Best Actor: Pushpendra Kumar (Gullu)

    Arshaly Jose, who won the best director award, expressed her gratitude, saying,: “This achievement belongs to my entire team. The script was the true hero of our film, and the moment I read it, I knew we had something special. Working with this exceptional team has been an unforgettable experience.”

    The young talents were mentored by the previous year’s CMOT alumni who were invited as CMOT Champions – Chidananda Naik, Akhil Lotlikar, Subarna Dash, Akshita Vohra and Krishna Dusane. 

     Information and broadcasting  ministry secretary Sanjay Jaju said:  “To produce such exemplary films within 48 hours under immense pressure is an achievement in itself. Every participant here is a winner.” He further emphasized: “This year, we have dedicated IFFI to legends- of the past and of the future, represented by the youth of our country. Initiatives like CMOT, Film Bazaar, and the Red Carpet provide a gateway for aspiring filmmakers to realize their dreams.” 

    Actor Amit Sadh, also present at the ceremony, praised IFFI for bringing the film industry’s opportunities directly to young filmmakers and actors from across the nation. The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Neerja Sekhar, special secretary of the ministry of information and broadcasting; Prithul Kumar, joint secretary of broadcasting and MD, NFDC; Vrunda Desai, joint secretary of films,  and Apurva Chandra, former secretary of the ministry of I&B. Acclaimed writer and grand jury Member Samrat Chakraborty also attended the event. 

    As the winners were announced amidst an enthusiastic crowd, Shorts International founder & CEO Carter Pilcher lauded the participants, remarking, “the quality and content of the films produced this year are brilliant and outstanding.”

    Organised in collaboration with UK-based network Shorts International, the 48-hour filmmaking challenge offered a unique opportunity for young filmmakers to test their creativity, storytelling skills and teamwork under intense time constraints. Shorts TV also took on the task of the entire pre-production, production and post production of these films at CMOT. 

  • Prasar Bharati launches OTT Waves at IFFI Goa

    Prasar Bharati launches OTT Waves at IFFI Goa

    MUMBAI: It’s hoping to make waves amongst streaming consumers and viewers of its linear TV network. State-owned pubcaster Prasar Bharati  today announced the launch of its own OTT platform branded Waves, offering a broad spectrum of entertainment and news content at the opening ceremony of the International Film Festival of India in Goa. 

    Available for android and iOs devices, it offers around 70  live channels including  B4U Bhojpuri, B4U Music, B4U Kadak, B4U Movies, GNT, Indian Today, ABP News, Divya, Republic, Republic Bharat, News Nation, Pitaara, News 24, PTC Punjabi Gold, PTC Punjabi, Times Now Navbharat, News 18 India, 9XM, NDTV India, TV9 Bharatvarsh, E24, News 24, Dabang, 9X Jalwa, 9X Jakhaas, 9X Tashan, Aaj Tak, Sanskar, Satsang, Raj TV, USPL, ABZY Movies, ABZY Dhaakad, Mayaboli, Masti, and NewsX. This apart, close to 34 of its own channels are available for viewing. 

    Waves also has a slew of original programmes from DD National including Fauji 2, an agricultural reality show Khet Khet May, Swarajya, Cybercrime, Rang mein Rang Ganga,  among other shows. A new version of Ramayan  from the house of Sagar is slated to launch soon. Old DD shows of the eighties and nineties, and others from PTC Punjabi complete the package on offer. 

    A catalogue of Hindi movies including Traffic Signal, Aarakshan, Khakee, Vodka Diaries, Phir Hera Pheri are available for viewing.  The international film slate appears to be worth watching: The Goes Wrong Show, The Monkey King, Mr Johnson, and The Hunger Games. But both the Hindi and international films are powered by  LionsgatePlay and are priced at Rs 399 per quarter. If viewers are not open to paying, they can consume a range of regional films which are dubbed in Hindi and can be watched for free. 

    Waves also has tabs offering live events, movies, shows, live TV, religious programming, archival documentaries, live radio, games, nostalgia, a shopping area linked to the open network for digital commerce, ebooks, a podcast and a creators’ corner.  

    The Waves app is available in three subscription offers. The first, a platinum annual subscription allows access to four devices simultaneously and is priced at 999 per annum while a diamond subscription has a sticker price of Rs 350 per annum for two devices. The gold pack which supposedly allows access to all content on Waves does not have a price tag attached in the subscription area.  

    In August, Prasar Bharati invited TV channels to join the platform, introducing a revenue-sharing model. Under this initiative, participating broadcasters receive 65 per cent of the ad revenue, while Prasar Bharati retains 35 per cent. Waves is offering t in SD, HD, and 4K, initially supporting 10 million concurrent users with scalability to 100 million.

  • Prime Video announces line-up for 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

    Prime Video announces line-up for 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

    Mumbai : Prime Video returned to the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) for its 55th edition, with a line-up of exclusive premieres, performances and more. Demonstrating its continued to promoting excellence in cinematic arts and appreciation for diverse storytelling, Prime Video’s presence at the iconic IFFI will be marked with several high-octane events. These include:

    World Premiere of Unscripted Telugu Original Series—The Rana Daggubati Show: 21 November

    Showcasing the first episode of the highly anticipated unscripted Telugu Original series—The Rana Daggubati Show at the festival, Prime Video will treat the attendees with a glimpse into the world of Rana Daggubati and his guests as they indulge in entertaining conversations and engaging activities that bring out a never-seen-before side of his guests. The premiere will be attended by none other than Rana Daggubati himself, along with Sonal Kabi, Director & Head – Marketing, Prime Video, India. Following the special screening, Rana will spill the beans on his exciting line-up of guests in the upcoming series and will engage in a tete-e-tete with the audience. Created and hosted by Rana Daggubati and executive produced by him under the banner of Spirit Media, the eight-episode series will feature a dazzling line-up of guests, including Dulquer Salmaan, Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, Nani, Rishab Shetty, Siddhu Jonnalagadda with Sreeleela, S.S. Rajamouli with Ram Gopal Varma, and many more prominent celebrities. Brimming with unfiltered conversations and unexplored facets of celebrities, The Rana Daggubati Show presents a refreshing take on the celebrity talk show format, as Rana and his guests unmask their fun side and reveal insights into their personal lives that are unknown to their fans and unheard of by the world while partaking in exciting activities and passionate hobbies that go beyond the silver screen. The Rana Daggubati Show will premiere exclusively on Prime Video starting November 23 in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide, with new episodes dropping every Saturday.

    Asia Premiere of Internationally Acclaimed Original Movie The Mehta Boys: 25 November

    The Mehta Boys will make its Asia debut at IFFI on 25 November. The movie will take the audience on a heartfelt exploration of the complex and often turbulent bond between a father and son, who are compelled to spend 48 hours together under challenging circumstances. The Mehta Boys stole the spotlight at the 15th Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF) with the exclusive world premiere on the Opening Night on September 20th. The movie was honoured with the prestigious Best Feature Film award. The Mehta Boys marks Boman Irani’s directorial debut, has received this accolade for its compelling storytelling and heartfelt performances, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike. The premiere will be attended by the film’s cast, including actor, writer, director, and producer Boman Irani, along with writer Alexander Dinelaris Jr., actors Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry and Puja Sarup and producer Danesh Irani.

    Musical Performance by Bandish Bandits Season 2 Team at the Closing Ceremony: 28 November

    Known for celebrating India’s cultural diversity through powerful storytelling, Prime Video will present at IFFI’s closing ceremony, a vibrant Jugalbandi performance featuring the highly talented team of its upcoming musical drama Bandish Bandits Season 2. Audiences will enjoy both soulful and energetic compositions performed live by musicians Nikita Gandhi, Digvijay Singh Pariyar and Mame Khan. The event will also be attended by the lead cast Ritwik Bhowmik and Shreya Chaudhary, Producer Amritpal Singh Bindra, Director Anand Tiwari, and Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals, Prime Video, India. The live music performance will be followed by an exciting show reveal.

    In addition to the above, Prime Video will also participate in the Knowledge Series at NFDC’s Film Bazaar at IFFI:

    Panel Discussion on Greenlighting Your Project: Strategies for Film & Series Creators: 22 November

    Prime Video India director – Content Licensing Manish Menghani will participate in this highly insightful panel session that will also feature industry leaders including Jyoti Deshpande, CEO of Viacom18, filmmaker Nikhil Advani, and Shobha Sant, CEO of Creativeland Studios, with filmmaker Richie Mehta moderating the discussion. Together, they will guide creators through the process of getting their projects greenlit, and offer expert insights into content development.

    Besides this, Prime Video director & head – SVOD, Shilangi Mukherji will address the audience at a special event at IFFI.

  • 15 Films to Compete for Golden Peacock at IFFI 2024

    15 Films to Compete for Golden Peacock at IFFI 2024

    MUMBAI: Fifteen films, showcasing powerful storytelling from around the globe, are set to compete for the coveted Golden Peacock at the Fifty fifth International Film Festival 2024 to be held in Goa next week.  This year’s line-up features a mix of 12 international and three Indian films, each selected for its unique perspective, voice and artistry.

    Presenting the best of global and Indian cinema, each of these films offers a unique take on human values, culture and the art of storytelling.

    The  Golden Peacock Jury is  led this year by Indian filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker and includes award-winning Singaporean director Anthony Chen, British-American producer Elizabeth Karlsen, Spanish producer Fran Borgia, and legendary Australian Film editor Jill Bilcock. Together, the jury will adjudicate winners in categories including best film, best director, best actor (male), best actor (female) and the special jury prize. The winning film will take home a prize of Rs 40 lakh along with one of the festival’s top honours.

    Here’s a glimpse of the remarkable nominations:
     
    1. Fear & Trembling (Iran)

    Two of Iran’s most respected women filmmakers, Manijeh Hekmat and Faeze Azizkhani, present a poignant tale about Manzar, an older woman grappling with fear and loneliness in a rapidly changing world in their film Fear and Trembling.
    This Iranian film is a world premiere in this year’s IFFI. It reflects on personal transformation amid societal shifts and depicts the challenges faced by women in the modern-day Iran. 
     
    2. Gulizar (Turkey)

    In her debut feature, Turkish writer-director Belkis Bayrak delves into the life of Gulizar, a young woman battling trauma and the societal expectations in her quest for independence. 
    Garnering attention across the festival circuit, the film has already premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival 2024 as well as the San Sebastián International Film Festival, 2024. 
     
    3. Holy Cow (France)

    French filmmaker Louise Courvoisier’s debut feature Holy Cow is a delightful coming-of-age comedy-drama that follows 18-year-old Totone, whose carefree life is turned upside down as he takes on responsibility for his younger sister. The film won the prestigious youth award in the  Cannes Film Festival, 2024.

    This charming film set in the mountainous region of the Juca in the western French Alps, portrays the turbulence of growing up and the responsibilities of adulthood faced by the main protagonist. 
     
    4. I am Nevenka (Spain)

    I Am Nevenka by Goya Award-winning director Iciar Bollaín is a bold story of a woman fighting society’s injustice in her own way. The film won the Euskadi Basque Country 2030 Agenda Award, at the San Sebastian International Film Festival held in 2024. 
    The film dramatizes the case of Nevenka Fernández, a member of the Ponferrada City Council, who in 2001 became the first woman in Spain to win a court case on sexual harassment against a high-ranking politician. 
    Inspired by true events, it chronicles the fight for justice and explores the larger societal and cultural implications of harassment and gender equality in Spain. 
     
    5. Panopticon (Georgia-USA)

    In Panopticon, Georgian-American director George Sikharulidze’s gripping debut feature, a young Georgian teen confronts questions of identity, morality, and self as he navigates his life. The film won the Ecumenical Jury – Special Mention, at Karlovy Vary 2024. 
    A poignant coming-of-age story, the film examines the challenges of growing up in a contemporary post-Soviet Georgian society. 
     
    6. Pierce (Singapore)

    Former national fencer and rising filmmaker of Singapore, Nelicia Low’s Pierce received the best director award at Karlovy Vary International Festival this year.
    A psychological thriller, the film delves into the complexities of family and sibling rivalry. Set in the high-stakes world of competitive fencing, the film follows two brothers as they struggle to balance their ambition. 
     
    7. Red Path (Tunisia)

    Prolific Tunisian theatre and cinema director and producer Lotfi Achour’s latest feature Red Path tells the story of Achraf, a young shepherd, as he navigates trauma, tradition, and personal loss in a hauntingly beautiful landscape. The film premiered at the prestigious Locarno International Film Festival in 2024. 
     
    8. Shepherds (Canada-France)

    One of the leading figures of the new Quebec cinema, Sophie Deraspea’s Shepherds is a visually stunning film on self-reinvention and the harsh realities of rural life.
    The film is her latest feature which won the Best Canadian Feature Film Award in the Toronto International Film Festival, 2024. 
    The film follows a Canadian copywriter who, seeking solace and a fresh start, moves to the French Alps to live life as a shepherd. But as he confronts the isolation and hardship of his new life, he must grapple with his past. Deraspe’s masterful direction compels the viewers to explore the ideas of human resilience and strength of character. 
     
    9. The New Year That Never Came (Romania)

    Award-winning Romanian writer and director Bogdan Mure?anu’s The New Year That Never Came takes viewers through the lives of six individuals during Romania’s 1989 revolution. The film won the Orizzonti Award for Best Film, and Special Mention: Authors Under 40 Award in the Venice International Film Festival, 2024. 
    A historical drama with a deeply personal story, Muresanu’s film weaves together political upheaval and human stories of resistance, loss and hope.  
     
    10. Toxic (Lithuania)

    In her debut feature film, Lithuanian filmmaker and screenwriter Saule Bliuvaite delivers a raw and haunting coming-of-age story of friendship amidst toxicity.  
    Toxic explores the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and self-destruction, as the filmmaker delves into the darker side of youth, winning critical acclaim for its portrayal of emotional turmoil and the pressures of growing up.

    The film won the Golden Leopard, Swatch First Feature Award, and Ecumenical Jury Prize at the 77th Locarno International Film Festival, 2024.
     
    11. Waves (Czech Republic)

    Czech actor, scriptwriter and director Jiri Madl’s Waves is his third feature film, and has been selected as the Czech Republic’s official entry for best international feature film at the ninety seventh Academy Awards.
    The film is a powerful historical drama set during the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. The film revolves around a group of journalists risking everything to report the truth as their country’s freedom is in danger. 
     
    12. Who Do I Belong To (Tunisia-Canada)

    Who Do I Belong To, is noted Tunisian-Canadian filmmaker Meryam Joobeur’s debut feature. This is a high-octane yet poignant drama about a broken family. The film tells the story of a Tunisian woman, who is caught between her maternal love and her search for the truth when her son returns home from war and unleashes a darkness throughout their village. 
    The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival 2024. The film weaves a complex narrative of maternal love and personal sacrifice. Joobeur’s work has already garnered praise for its emotional depth and strong performances. 
     
    13. The Goat Life (India)

    In The Goat Life, national award-winning Malayalam film director Blessy tells the true story of an Indian migrant worker struggling to survive in the harsh desert of Saudi Arabia. 
    The film is an adaptation of the  best-selling Malayalam novel Aadujeevitham by the author, Benyamin, which is based on the real-life story of Najeeb, a Malayali immigrant labourer in the gulf.
    This gripping drama explores the themes of migration, survival and the human spirit amidst the adversities of life.
     
    14. Article 370 (India)

    Article 370, directed by the national award-winning filmmaker Aditya Suhas Jambhale, is a tense political thriller set against the backdrop of India’s tumultuous constitutional changes.  
    The story delves deep into the intricacies of Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. The film masterfully portrays the socio-political landscape of the region. The director expertly weaves a narrative of struggles of power and personal sacrifice in the film. 
     
    15. Raavsaheb (India)

    Raavsaheb is a much-anticipated Marathi crime thriller film directed by national award-winning filmmaker Nikhil Mahajan. This film is a world premiere in this year’s IFFI. Nikhil Mahajan’s crime thriller centres on the man-animal conflict in tribal lands and a quest for justice. The film is a gripping tale set in the tribal lands of India.

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  • India can be the post-production hub of the world: I&B minister Anurag Thakur

    India can be the post-production hub of the world: I&B minister Anurag Thakur

    Mumbai: “International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has become a platform for film directors from all over the world to showcase their work. I am sure that India will become a hub for co-production, post-production, film shooting, content, and also for the technology partners,” said the union minister for information & broadcasting and youth affairs & sports Anurag Thakur, during the inauguration ceremony of the 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India at Panaji, Goa.

    Thakur added that his vision is to make India the most sought-after destination for film shoots and post-production, backed by the talent of our people and the innovation of our industry leaders.

    The minister went on to say that his vision for IFFI isn’t limited to a single event, but rather what IFFI should be when India celebrates its 100th year of independence, when we switch from Amrit Mahotsav to Amrit Kaal. “We aim to make India a powerhouse of content creation, especially regional cinema, by scaling up regional festivals. India can be the post-production hub of the world by leveraging the immense tech talent amongst our skilled youth,” he added.

    “For the first time, gala premieres of Indian, global, and OTT films will be held at IFFI, including the premiere of the fourth season of the globally acclaimed series Fauda, which features some of the biggest Israeli stars in the world today. I would also like to share that the next season of this show will also be launched at IFFI,” Thakur added.

    The minister further congratulated celebrated Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saura for winning the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award this year. He also announced that the Indian Film Personality of the Year award will be conferred to South Indian actor Chiranjeevi.

    While sharing the achievements, Thakur pinpointed the importance of the Film Bazaar, which is being organised on the sidelines of IFFI. “For the first time, IFFI has augmented the scope of the ‘Film Bazaar’ by introducing ‘Country Pavilions,’” he added.

  • 53rd IFFI: 12 international and 3 India films to compete for Golden Peacock Award

    53rd IFFI: 12 international and 3 India films to compete for Golden Peacock Award

    Mumbai: The 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India is all set to begin from 20 to 28 November in Goa. During the festival, 15 films will compete for the coveted Golden Peacock at IFFI. The entertainment-packed line-up comprises 12 international and three Indian films that represent emerging trends in the aesthetics and politics of art.

    Since the very first Golden Peacock was awarded in the third edition of IFFI, the prize has been among the most sought-after film awards in Asia.

    The jury tasked with the impossible job of picking a winner this year comprises of Israeli writer and film director Nadav Lapid, American producer Jinko Gotoh, French film editor Pascale Chavance, French documentary filmmaker, film critic, and journalist Javier Angulo Barturen, and India’s very own film director Sudipto Sen.

    The 12 international films include Perfect Number, Red Shoes, A Minor, No End, Mediterranean Fever, When the waves are gone, I have Electric Dreams, Cold as Marble, The Line, Seven Dogs, Maariya: The Ocean Angel, and Nezouh.

    And in the thick of the competition this year, the three Indian movies that are running for this prominent award are The Kashmir Files, The Storyteller, and Kurangu Pedal.

  • IFFI invites media delegates to register for its 53rd edition

    IFFI invites media delegates to register for its 53rd edition

    Mumbai: The 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), has invited media delegates to be a part of the festival. The festival, which will be held in Goa from 20 – 28 November will showcase contemporary and classic films from India and around the globe.

    At IFFI, the awaiting media delegates are filmmakers, actors, technicians, critics, academicians, not to mention fellow film enthusiasts. All of them will congregate in the tourist state of Goa to immerse themselves in an ocean of cinematic celebration and inspiration.

    IFFI said that it will celebrate the joy of cinema, the vibrant beauty of the stories these films tell, and the eclectic variety of the lives, aspirations, struggles and dreams of the filmmakers themselves. Partake in the celebration of films which happens in, on and off the screens. The festival will bring not only cinematic excellence from India and across the world, but also the opportunity to be inspired by an array of masterclasses, panel discussions, seminars and other conversations.

    Information and communication, IFFI added, has a central role in the success of the festival, in propagating film culture, in cultivating genuine love for the art, in helping people soak themselves in the breadth and depth of the human condition.

    One can be a media delegate if one has completed 21 years of age as on 1 January, 2022 and belongs to a print, electronic, or a digital / online media organisation. The link for registration is https://my.iffigoa.org/extranet/media/

  • We want to make India a powerhouse of content creation: I&B minister Anurag Thakur

    We want to make India a powerhouse of content creation: I&B minister Anurag Thakur

    Mumbai: Terming India as the world’s largest filmmaker, union minister of information and broadcasting Anurag Thakur said a lot needs to be done to make India a powerhouse of content creation in the world.

    Addressing the closing ceremony of the 52nd edition of the International Film Festival of India on Sunday, the union minister said there was also a need to scale up regional festivals. “We want to make India the post-production hub of the world by leveraging immense tech talent of youth. We want to make India the destination for films and festivals, we want to make India the hub of world cinema, and the most favoured place for storytellers.”

    Thakur said the government is committed to strengthening the National Film Development Council (NFDC). “Through this, you will get the opportunity to make even such films which are doubtful of giving a financial return, we will work together to showcase India’s culture and tradition across the world.”

    The minister also invited the global community to come and shoot films in India. “Please come and shoot films in India. The Film Facilitation Office will facilitate you with all help you need, from one state to another.” Speaking about the upcoming film city in Uttar Pradesh, the minister said that the state is coming up with a 1000-acre film city. “They are just waiting for the right people to come and invest in.”

    Keeping up with the winds of change, the latest edition of IFFI also saw the historic participation of all major OTT platforms such as Netflix, and Amazon Prime through exclusive Masterclasses, content launches and previews, curated film package screenings, and various other on-ground and virtual events. The participation of OTT platforms is set to become a regular feature in future.

    “More than 50 films were screened simultaneously on OTT platforms. 10 Master classes and In-Conversation sessions were organised in collaboration with OTT platforms,” said Thakur. “IFFI has embraced new technologies, platform choices of audiences and has kept pace with changing times. We have also showcased the best films from BRICS nations and we hope that this partnership blossoms further.”

    The 52nd IFFI presented a diverse catalogue of more than 148 foreign films drawn from 73 countries, and witnessed 12 world premieres, seven international premieres, 24 Asia premiers and 74 India premieres. 75 Indian films were screened, 17 of them specially selected under India @75 Section. As many as 10,000 delegates from across the world, including filmmakers, students and cine enthusiasts participated in a hybrid format. There were 234 screenings in which nearly 450 hours of movies were screened. Total hours watched online comes to a whopping 30,000 plus hours.

    Hungarian filmmaker Istevan Szabo and Hollywood filmmaker Martin Scorsese received the coveted Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award. Noted lyricist Prasoon Joshi and actor Hema Malini were awarded with Indian Film Personality of the Year Award.

    “The next edition of IFFI will be held next year at the same time and place as that of this edition, i.e., during November 20 – 28, 2022 in Goa,” said the union minister.