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ENTERTAINMENT EYE NOVEMBER 22, 2024 | The Indian Eye 34

IFFI 2024: Film fest in Goa to expand young talent

platform, introduce facility to explore art forms

IFFI 2024 will also pay tribute to four iconic figures in Indian cinema, celebrating their

centenary anniversaries with special screenings, exhibitions, and audio-visual performances.

OUR BUREAU as the ‘Treaty Country’, showcasing
British cinema through a curated
Goa
package in collaboration with the
he 55th International Film Fes- British Film Institute.
tival of India (IFFI), set to take Acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar
Tplace from November 20 to Kapur will helm IFFI 2024 as the
28 in Goa, is gearing up for a larger- Festival Director, bringing his exper-
than-life celebration of cinema. With tise and vision to the event. Kapur,
the theme ‘Young Filmmakers - The known for his landmark films such as
Future is Now,’ IFFI 2024 promises ‘Bandit Queen’, ‘Masoom’ and ‘Mr
to showcase the brightest new voices India’, will oversee the festival’s pro-
in film, while also celebrating the leg- gramming, focusing on innovation
acy of Indian cinema. and inclusivity.
Legendary filmmaker Shekhar IFFI 2024 will present over 180
Kapur, the Festival Director, un- international films from 81 countries,
veiled key highlights of this year’s including 15 world premieres, 3 inter-
event at a curtain raiser event at national premieres, and numerous In-
the National Media Centre (NMC) dian premieres. The festival has also
in New Delhi. The festival, a pres- introduced new sections such as ‘Ris-
tigious member of the FIAPF-ac- ing Stars’, showcasing emerging di-
credited ‘International Competition rectors, and ‘Mission Life’, a segment
Feature Film Festivals’ group along- dedicated to eco-conscious cinema.
side Cannes, Berlin, and Venice, will In the spirit of fostering talent,
feature a dazzling line-up of over 180 the ‘Film Bazaar’, South Asia’s larg-
films from 81 countries. est film market, will feature more
As the festival gears up for an than 350 film projects, offering a
unforgettable celebration of cinema, platform for filmmakers to connect
it promises a dynamic mix of new-age with industry professionals.
talent, industry legends, and global IFFI 2024 will be the first edition
cinematic diversity. to offer “accessible programming”
The theme of IFFI 2024, ‘Young for people with disabilities. Partner-
Filmmakers: The Future is Now’, ing with Svayam, a pioneer in acces-
underscores the importance of fresh sibility, the festival will ensure that all
voices in shaping the future of world 55th International Film Festival of India festive director Shekhar Kapur addresses a press venues will be wheelchair accessible
cinema. and that films will feature “audio de-
While addressing the media, In- conference during its Curtain Raiser in New Delhi (ANI Photo/Amit Sharma) scriptions” and “sign language inter-
formation and Broadcasting Ministry pretation”.
Secretary Sanjay Jaju said this partic- by the industry,” he added. cinema. This year’s festival will showcase
ular festival is very important to us A new ‘Best Indian Debut Di- Restored classics of their icon- films at 6 additional theatres, includ-
because through this festival “we are rector’ award will also be introduced, ic films, including ‘Awara’ (1951), ing locations in Madgaon and Ponda,
charting out a completely new path”. recognizing outstanding filmmaking ‘Hum Dono’ (1961), ‘Devadasu’ bringing the total to more than 270
“First time in the history of the talent from India. (1953), Dadasaheb Phalke ‘ s ‘Kali- screenings across Goa.
film festival we have started this tra- The festival aims to enhance ya Mardan’ (1919), Amitabh Bach- Additionally, inflatable theatres
dition of handing over the festival to youth participation and offer an in- chan’s debut movie ‘Saat Hindustani’ will be set up for an immersive view-
the industry that’s at the helm of this teractive platform for attendees to (1969), Seemabaddha (1971) will be ing experience at various locations.
entire initiative and efforts. So, now explore various forms of art, music, screened at the festival. With an extraordinary lineup of
you have Shekhar Kapur, the festi- and cinema. IFFI 2024 will also pay In a bid to foster internation- films, masterclasses, and panel dis-
val director, who has taken over the tribute to four iconic figures in Indian al collaboration, Australia has been cussions, IFFI 2024 promises to be
responsibilities of being the festival cinema, celebrating their centenary named the ‘Country of Focus’ for the most exciting edition yet.
director despite all his multiple com- anniversaries with special screenings, IFFI 2024. Industry luminaries such as A.R.
mitments.” exhibitions, and audio-visual perfor- The festival will feature a ded- Rahman, Shabana Azmi, Mani Rat-
“That’s how this festival is a mile- mances. Raj Kapoor, Mohammed icated selection of Australian films, nam, and Australian filmmaker Phil-
stone and a game changer because Rafi, Tapan Sinha, and Akkineni with participation from leading Aus- ip Noyce will host over 25 master-
now you have the festival of the in- Nageswara Rao will be honoured for tralian filmmakers. classes, providing invaluable insights
dustry being completely run and led their immense contribution to Indian United Kingdom will be featured to aspiring filmmakers.

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