Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Nov 14: Goa is set to become a global cinematic destination from November 20 to 28 as the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) brings together films, filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from across the world.
The festival, themed “Stories Without Borders”, will feature 159 international films from 86 countries and 76 Indian films in 18 languages over nine days. More than 7,000 delegates have already registered, with the number expected to increase.
The programme was announced at the festival's curtain-raiser press conference on Friday. Oscar-winning filmmaker Pawel Pawlikowski's Fatherland will open the festival, while Alina ?erban's I Matter will be screened midway through the event. Anthony Chen's We Are All Strangers will be the closing film.
Spain will be the Country of Honour, while Russia will be the Partner Country. The festival will also showcase works by 52 women filmmakers and 62 debut directors, highlighting emerging voices in cinema. Seven films will compete for the Best Debut Feature Film award.
Two new sections, Animation and Films About Films, have been introduced this year, with five films each. The latter will explore the art and craft of filmmaking.
Kala Academy will host 14 sessions featuring discussions and masterclasses. The Creative Minds of Tomorrow initiative will bring together 100 aspiring filmmakers across 13 disciplines for learning and mentorship.
The business side of cinema will feature at the 20th WAVES Film Bazaar, which will provide a platform for filmmakers, producers and distributors to connect. Netflix will join the event as the Knowledge Series partner.
Filmmaker Aanand L Rai will chair the international jury, which includes Bogdan Muresanu, Maria Alejandra Rojas, Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke and Sol Berruezo Pichon.
IFFI will also have a special focus on BRICS cinema, with India's Ramayana opening the segment. Films from all 11 BRICS member countries, along with contributions from partner countries, will be showcased.
The festival has also announced a substantial increase in prize money. Awards in the international competition section have been raised from Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.36 crore, while the Golden Peacock for Best Film will carry a cash prize of Rs 51 lakh.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant described IFFI as Asia's oldest film festival and said it had evolved into an important platform for global cinema.
“Every November, Goa opens its door as a vibrant home for storytellers from around the world. Great stories bring the world together and once again, Goa is ready to roll out the red carpet for global cinema,” he said.