New Delhi: The International Film Festival of India wants to end the trend of ‘story infanticide’ Too many young filmmakers don’t get a chance due to lack of resources, said Central Board of Film Certification chairperson Prasoon Joshi at a press conference on 11 November.
“Films are increasingly about ‘himmat‘ (courage) rather than talent. If only one city makes films with people who live in that city, how will there be originality and authenticity?” said Joshi, while emphasising that IFFI’s core objective is to promote diversity in cinema.
With the theme ‘Future is Now’, the 55th edition of IFFI is set to kick off in Panaji, Goa on 20 November. The focus this year is on young filmmakers, content creators and emerging voices of cinema. Along with film premieres, IFFI will feature masterclasses, talks, panel discussions and film bazaars as well.
“We need to give Goa the responsibility to elevate the grandeur of the festival (IFFI). We want to make it a celebratory capital of India,” said festival director Shekhar Kapur who was also part of the press conference.
According to Kapur, films make up a small percentage of what people view, there are other forms of storytelling that requires attention as well. And, IFFI intends to focus on multiple platforms.
“Theatrical films, for example, are becoming less and less important. But, we need to keep this idea alive. We have to nurture it,” he said.
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From Savarkar to Australia
The Randeep Hooda starrer, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, may have lost out to Laapataa Ladies as India’s official Oscars entry, but it has been selected as the opening film of the Indian Panorama 2024.
It’s the International Film Festival of India’s premier segment that will showcase 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films. The non-feature category will open with a Ladakhi film, Ghar Jaisa Kuch, directed by Harsh Sangani.
Fashion designer Manish Malhotra is also set to debut as a producer with Saali Mohabbat. The film features Radhika Apte, Divyenndu, Anshumaan Pushkar, Sauraseni Maitra, Sharat Saxena and Anurag Kashyap. Saali Mohabbat also marks actor Tisca Chopra’s first directorial venture.
IFFI will also further strengthen the cultural ties between Australia and India. With Australia being named the ‘Country of Focus’, the segment will feature seven films from the country.
Notably, an Audio Visual Co-production Treaty has been signed between the two countries, aimed at boosting co-productions by offering incentives to Indian and Australian filmmakers.
“This collaboration will allow us to celebrate Australian cinema and also explore new partnerships,” said Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcast at the press conference. “It will further foster cultural exchange and create new opportunities for filmmakers in both India and Australia to collaborate on innovative cinematic projects.”
In addition, Australia will take part in the Film Bazaar, the market event held alongside IFFI. A delegation from Screen Australia, State Screen Commissions, and Ausfilm will showcase collaboration opportunities and promote Australia as a premier filming destination.
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A buffet of events
In keeping with its message of inclusivity IFFI will, for the first time, be disabled-friendly with audio-visual aids, sign language interpreters and measures to ensure that venues are easily accessible to everyone.
IFFI 2024 has also announced the launch of IFFIESTA, an entertainment extravaganza designed to bring communities together through films, food, art, and interactive experiences.
Organised in collaboration with Zomato, it will be held at the Kala Academy in Panjim. Additionally, an immersive audio-visual experience of the National Museum of Indian Cinema will guide visitors through the historical and contemporary journey of Indian films.
Music maestro AR Rahman will be presenting the Lata Mangeshkar Memorial Talk at IFFI 2024. Set to be a highlight, the talk is dedicated to celebrating the evolution of “Musical Theatre in India”—a fitting tribute to the legendary Lata Mangeshkar and her indelible impact on the world of Indian music. Centenary celebrations of Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Tapan Sinha and Akkineni Nageswara Rao will also be part of the festival.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)