As every year, uniting global storytellers, the International Film Festival of India 2024, is an allure and will transform Goa into a vibrant heaven for film enthusiasts, cinema pioneers, and aspiring young talents, writes ABHI SINGHAL
In the enchanting Coastal city of Goa, where the sea whispers the dream and the sand carries the tale, the grand curtains would be raised for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) for the world. The IFFI is the only South Asian festival accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF).
Now, being held in Goa since 2004, IFFI is not only the grand festival for the films showcase but it’s a platform, where Indian cinema interacts with world cinema, where filmmakers connect with audiences, and where the magic of storytelling is truly celebrated.
This year, IFFI has received 1,676 submissions from 101 countries, highlighting its expanding global influence after all these years. The International Film Festival of India 2024 will showcase over 180 international films from 81 countries, including 15 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 40 Asian premieres, and 106 Indian premieres. Featuring celebrated titles and award-winning films from around the world, this year’s festival promises to make a powerful impression on audiences and on the world of cinema.
Talking about the past, the journey of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) dates back to 1952 when India was struggling to find its cinematic voice post-independence. The Government of India had organised the first IFFI which was held in Mumbai, and it showcased 40 films from 23 countries. The IFFI 1952 marked the first time India had its own international film festival, bringing global cinema to Indian shores. The initial editions of IFFI were held across various Indian cities, including Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata, with the festival traveling from one city to another to reach a broader audience.
The past 20 years spent by IFFI in Goa, contributed to Goa being the official place for the IFFI keeping in mind the advantage of its cultural vibrancy and scenic beauty. IFFI is a unique one distinct from other film festivals worldwide. Known as the “Film Festival of Goa,” IFFI blends seamlessly with Goa’s local culture, attracting an international audience to India’s favourite tourist destination.
Goa’s vibrant art scene, beach culture, and heritage architecture complement the festival’s spirit, creating an inviting space where cinema lovers from all corners of the world can gather for a shared celebration. 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.
With IFFI continuously taking place in Goa, has helped the state develop a thriving ecosystem that supports film tourism. Local businesses, artists, and artisans benefit from the influx of visitors, and the festival has become a key driver of economic and cultural growth in the region. During the curtain raiser event for the IFFI in New Delhi, Dr. L. Murugan, highlighted the festival’s prestigious role on the global stage. He said, “IFFI has become a landmark event, not just for India but internationally, comparable to global festivals such as Cannes,”.
The 55th edition of IFFI in 2024 will showcase the theme of ‘Young Filmmakers’ – “The Future is Now”. The theme asks to embrace the timeless and the young talent in our country and recognising their potential in shaping the future of creativity. 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.
The festival will give tributes to cinema legends, and retrospectives on iconic careers. The Country Focus section will allow viewers to experience the best of international cinema, linking to cultural exchange.
The Country of Focus for IFFI 2024 will be Australia. This will be made sure by a dedicated package of Australian films giving a strong presence at the festival. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed 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.
Apart from Australia, in partnership with the British Film Institute, the United Kingdom will be showcased as the “Treaty Country,” presenting British cinema through a carefully crafted package.
Celebration of the pioneers is very important to lead the way, give examples, and keep the generations inspired by looking over to the people who have done it no others. Like every other year, the stars of the cinema, keeping up with the entertainment industry would be facilitated by awards at the IFFI 2024.
The IFFI’s prestigious Golden Peacock Award, granted for Best Film will remain one of the most revered honours, while the Silver Peacock Awards for Best Director, Actor, and Actress highlight individual excellence. In recent years, IFFI has expanded its awards to reflect evolving cinematic trends. A new award of Best Debut Indian Director has been an addition this year to recognise young filmmaking talent across India.
The ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal honours films promoting peace and tolerance, and the Special Jury Award highlights outstanding narrative and technical achievements, often bringing unique works into the spotlight.
The festival’s commitment to fresh talent shines through the Best Debut Feature Film award, which encourages bold new voices, while the Indian Panorama section fosters Indian cinematic diversity. To embrace modern storytelling forms, IFFI introduced awards for animation, VR, and documentaries, alongside the “Excellence in Film Craft” award for behind-the-scenes talent. The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award will be awarded to the Philip Noyce of Australia.
This year, new categories—such as the “Innovative Use of Technology” and a sustainability-focused award—honour advancements like CGI and address global issues, positioning IFFI as a festival at the forefront of positive change.
Screenings, as usual, will remain a core attraction, with highly anticipated films like the world premiere of Zero Se Restart on 21st November 2024 in INOX Panjim, Jab Khuli Kitaab by Saurabh Shukla on 26th November 2024 in INOX Panjim, Asia premiere of Hazaar Vela Sholay Pehlila Manus on 24th November 2024 in INOX Panjim, Asia premiere of The Mehta Boys, directed by Boman Irani on 25th November 2024 in INOX Panjim.
Michael Gracey’s Better Man, an Australian film that provides an engrossing look at the life of music artist Robbie Williams, who is played as a chimpanzee by Jonno Davies in a ground-breaking motion-capture performance, will have its Asia premiere to kick off the festival.
The honours of the opening feature film of the 55th edition of the IFFI will be done by Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, directed by Randeep Hooda, a powerful portrayal of a revolutionary figure. Adding to that the opening non-feature film will be Ghar Jaisa Kuch directed by Harsh Sangani.
Restored classics of their iconic films, including Awara (1951), Hum Dono (1961), Devadasu (1953), Dadasaheb Phalke’s Kaliya Mardan (1919), Amitabh Bachchan’s debut movie Saat Hindustani (1969), and Seemabaddha (1971) will be screened at the festival.
Also, through workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking events, IFFI 2024 will provide a learning platform for aspiring filmmakers, creating an inclusive space for cinematic celebration and growth.
Panel Discussions like Women Safety and Cinema with renowned panelists Imtiaz Ali, Suhasini Manirathnam, Kushboo Sundar, Bhumi Pednekar; Stories that Travel, a panel that would explore the art of storytelling that travels beyond its origins, addressing the themes, techniques, and emotional core that allow films to reach and impact diverse audiences worldwide with Farrukh Dhondy, Anna Saura, Tanishta Chatterjee, Vani Tripathi Tikoo and Lucy Walker. Each panel discussion would be a new learning for all present at the festival. Culture As Context for Cinematic Storytelling with panelist Dr. Sacchidanad Joshi, Amish Tripathi, Bharat Bala will be a major learning experience for the audience.
Mastering the Unseen with Manoj Bajpayee, Sunil Srinivasan; Centenary Special: ANR - Celebrating the Life and Works of Akkineni Nageswara Rao.This centenary special will celebrate the legendary actor & producer Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), whose contributions to Indian cinema have been unparalleled, with celebrated actor and his son Nagarjuna being the speaker; From Big Screen to Streaming in conversation with Manisha Koirala and Vikramaditya Motwane; Celebrating the Life and Works of Raj Kapoor - ‘The Greatest Showman’ with Ranbir Kapoor; Empowering Change: Women Leading the Way in Cinema with giving women led hits Kriti Sanon and Rudrani Chattoraj.
Addition will be Lata Mangeshkar Memorial Talk: Musical Theatre in India with A R Rahman.
Masterclasses by the pioneers in the cinema industry, giving insights about the highs and lows will be conducted every year on all the days of the 7-day festival. Power of Failure, a masterclass by Anupam Kher will be sharing his journey, highlighting how failures acted as the catalyst for his growth and success. Another one by Philip Noyce on How to Succeed in New Hollywood. To all this will be the addition of Stephen Woolley an English filmmaker giving a masterclass on Film Production and its Stages will be valuable.
The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) will also be hosting the much-anticipated Film Bazaar from November 20 to 24, transforming Goa into a bustling hub for filmmakers, producers, distributors, and cinema enthusiasts from across the globe. Since its inception, Film Bazaar has established itself as South Asia’s premier film market, providing a platform for fresh voices and unique cinematic narratives from the region to take the global stage.
The Film Bazaar has since grown to become the international film market for South Asia. It serves as a meeting place for prospective creative and financial cooperation between South Asian and foreign filmmakers, producers, sales representatives, and festival programmers. From November 20 to 24, 2024, the 18th Film Bazaar at IFFI 2024 will take place at the Marriott Resort in Goa.
This year, the IFFI promises not just a cinematic showcase but a festival brimming with cultural exchange, artistic celebration, and an unwavering commitment to the future of films in the country and globally. From illuminating conversations to inspiring mentorship and unforgettable screenings, IFFI 2024 is set to transcend expectations, offering a truly transformative experience for film lovers worldwide.
