Mumbai: The stage is set for the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) as it prepares to dazzle cinephiles from 20-28 November. Bringing the world of cinema to Goa, IFFI 2024 celebrates young filmmakers and emerging voices, building a vibrant platform to shape the future of storytelling. The festival promises a week of innovative programming, masterclasses with industry icons, and screenings of acclaimed films from around the globe, creating an unmissable cinematic journey for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The theme, ‘Young Filmmakers – The Future is Now’, champions India’s emerging talent, aligning with the ministry of information and broadcasting 's vision to empower youth as the torchbearers of creativity. Minister of state for information & broadcasting, L. Murugan declared at the curtain-raiser press conference that IFFI is now seen on par with global film festivals like Cannes, evidenced by the record-breaking 1,676 international submissions this year. "IFFI has become a landmark event, not just for India but internationally," he said, emphasising its increasing global reach and significance.
With new awards and an expanded Creative Minds of Tomorrow initiative, IFFI 2024 is poised to attract 400 young talents from across India. The ministry has organised promotional roadshows in cities like Mumbai and Chennai to boost public engagement, calling on industry leaders and audiences to embrace IFFI as a world-class event and experience the best in cinematic storytelling.
Ministry of I&B, Secretary, Sanjay Jaju reiterated the significance of the festival: “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." IFFI 2024 will feature curated sections, special awards, and tributes to cinematic legends, all designed to resonate with today’s storytellers and audiences.
Festival director Shekhar Kapur stressed the importance of storytelling: “In a rapidly evolving world, preserving the craft of storytelling is more essential than ever.” His message reflects IFFI’s commitment to honouring and elevating cinema as an impactful cultural force.
IFFI 2024, hosted by the ministry of Information & broadcasting in collaboration with NFDC and the Entertainment Society of Goa, promises a cinematic experience like never before, uniting audiences and artists from around the world to celebrate creativity and cultural heritage.
Key Highlights of IFFI 2024:
- Australia as Country of Focus: IFFI will honour Australia, featuring a dedicated film package, MOU signing between Screen Australia & NFDC, and the Asia premiere of *Better Man* by Michael Gracey, showcasing the life of Robbie Williams.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Australian filmmaker Philip Noyce for his contributions to cinema through films like *Patriot Games* and *The Bone Collector*.
- International Competition and Debut Awards: Fifteen international films will vie for the Golden Peacock, with a new Best Debut Indian Director award celebrating fresh voices in Indian cinema.
- Restored Classics: NFDC-NFAI will screen classic Indian films like *Awara* and *Hum Dono*, restored under the National Film Heritage Mission.
- Accessibility First: IFFI 2024 is the first accessible IFFI, with Svayam as Accessibility Partner, ensuring inclusivity for all audiences with features like audio descriptions and sign language interpretation.
- Masterclasses and Industry Panels: More than 25 sessions featuring global and Indian icons such as AR Rahman, Mani Ratnam, and Shabana Azmi.
- IFFIesta Entertainment Zone: A new youth-focused cultural zone will blend film, music, art, and food, enhancing the festival's vibrancy and engagement.
