“Lights, Camera, Goa! Dive into IFFI 2024”
“Lights, Camera, Goa! Dive into IFFI 2024”
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 20th to 28th November 2024. Storytellers and cinema enthusiasts alike have a reason to rejoice as the 55th 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 55th 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 55th 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
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.
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.
Australia takes the spotlight as the “Country of Focus,” & don’t miss the Australian project Home Before Night selected for the prestigious @filmbazaarindia. Plus, a special masterclass with Oscar-winning cinematographer John Seale.
To register, visit https://t.co/VGwzrh9Mnm pic.twitter.com/9XjOo0hy65
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.
#IFFI 2024 Announces Official Selection for ‘Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film’ Category
▪️ 5️⃣ Debut Feature Films by Indian Directors to compete at the 55th IFFI
▪️ A jury will evaluate these shortlisted films during 55th IFFI in Goa, and the winner of the Best Debut… pic.twitter.com/eV3473xSQn
Presenting the selected feature films in Indian Panorama, each a testament to the power & diversity of Indian cinema. Experience the magic of cinema at #55IFFI, a grand celebration where dreams & creativity come alive.
Register today at https://t.co/VGwzrh9Mnm#TheFutureIsNow pic.twitter.com/eEPsFtA7i7
Presenting the selected films for Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film Award at the 55th International Film Festival of India, 2024–a tribute to fresh voices and visionary talent in Indian cinema.
To register for 55th IFFI, visit: https://t.co/VGwzrh9exO.#55IFFI pic.twitter.com/ifRYEdM1hU
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 –
In a special tribute, #IFFI will screen restored versions of timeless classics that will pay homage to the extraordinary legacy of Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, & Mohammed Rafi.#IFFI2024 #IFFI55@shekharkapur pic.twitter.com/rShdyBvwLx
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.
Films, Culture, and Art to come together at IFFIESTA
IFFIESTA 2024: Where Films, Food, and Fun Meet in Goa Early-Bird Delegate Registration Open; Valid till 10th November 2024
This grand cultural event will feature a wide array of attractions, offering visitors a chance to… pic.twitter.com/AP5W6non5W
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.
Celebrating the magic of storytelling through film, IFFI continues to be a beacon of cinematic excellence. Register now for the 55th IFFI, taking place in Goa from the 20th to the 28th of November, 2024. #IFFI2024 #IFFI55
Visit: https://t.co/VGwzrh9exO to register pic.twitter.com/0prBBQSkfz
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.
- Global Participation and Film Screenings