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Special Content


Issue no 37, 14 - 20 December 2024

Fresh Frames, Future Dreams: IFFI 2024 Celebrates Young Storytellers What happens when the sun-soaked beaches of Goa meet the glittering magic of cinema? You get the International Film Festival of India (IFFI)-a cinematic carnival that's nothing short of a blockbuster! Held from 20th to 28th November 2024 at the Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, the 55th edition of IFFI was a dazzling celebration of storytelling, creativity, and global cinematic excellence. Bringing together cinephiles, creators, and legends, the festival showcased the transformative power of cinema in uniting cultures and inspiring innovation. This year's theme, 'Young Filmmakers: The Future is Now,' spotlighted emerging talents and their fresh perspectives, setting the tone for a festival that was as much about tomorrow as it was about today. And what a spectacle it was-seven days, 30 masterclasses, panel discussions, and star-studded conversations that made us all swoon. With a guest list that included luminaries like Phillip Noyce, Ranbir Kapoor, A.R. Rahman, Mani Ratnam, and Sivakarthikeyan, to name just a few, IFFI 2024 was a red-carpet feast for the eyes and the soul. But it wasn't just about glamour; it was about growth too. With 11,332 delegates from 28 countries (yes, more than last year by 12 per cent!), and Film Bazaar trade estimates crossing an eye-popping Rs. 500 crore, this year's IFFI proved that the magic of cinema isn't just an art-it's big business! From the Tech Pavilion to the Rs. 15.36 crore sponsorships, the festival balanced art and commerce like a pro. Global Vibes at IFFI 2024 A Confluence of Global Cinema: IFFI 2024 was a symphony of cinematic brilliance, showcasing a spectacular selection of 189 films from a whopping 1,800 submissions. The global line-up included 16 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 44 Asia premieres, and 109 Indian premieres. With films from 81 countries lighting up the screens, the festival was a melting pot of cultures, stories, and perspectives-a true global cinematic extravaganza! The competitive spirit added an extra dose of drama to the festivities. A total of 15 films vied for the coveted International Competition Award, while 10 films contended for the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication (ICFT) UNESCO Gandhi Medal, and 7 impressive debuts competed in the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director category. Adding to the festival's allure, Australia took centre stage as the 'Country of Focus'. This spotlight on Australian cinema was the result of a collaboration sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Screen Australia and India's National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). The festival opened with the Australian film Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey, setting the tone for a week of cinematic marvels. As the curtains came down, the Lithuanian film Toxic clinched the Golden Peacock Award for Best Film, while the Romanian masterpiece The New Year That Never Came earned the Silver Peacock Award for Best Director. IFFI 2024 was, without any doubt, a celebration of global cinema at its finest. Indian Panorama- Stories that Move the Nation: The Indian Panorama section at IFFI 2024 was a treasure trove of cinematic brilliance, showcasing the finest works in both feature and non-feature categories that delve into the hidden stories of Indian society and culture. This year's highlights included celebrated titles like Kantara and 2018 - Everyone is a Hero, which captivated audiences with their powerful narratives. Indian Panorama 2024 featured a meticulously curated selection of 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films, each distinguished for its artistic and cultural impact. The selection process was entrusted to two esteemed panels of cinema stalwarts-12 jury members for feature films and 6 for non-feature films-led by their respective Chairpersons. In line with IFFI's theme, 'Young Filmmakers: The Future is Now,' a brand-new award, Best Debut Indian Director, was introduced to honour and inspire emerging talent from across the nation. With 102 films competing in this category, it was Navjyot Bandivadekar who stole the spotlight, winning the award for his poignant film Gharat Ganpati. Bandivadekar was honoured with a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh during the closing ceremony, setting a high benchmark for future filmmakers. IFFiesta - A Celebration beyond the Screens: IFFI 2024 wasn't just about films-it was an all-encompassing cultural carnival! Enter IFFiesta, a vibrant confluence of music, art, and cinema that brought a unique flavour to the festival. This cultural celebration offered cinephiles an immersive experience with live performances, artistic showcases, and a buzzing entertainment zone aptly named "District". The District was a hive of activity, with an eclectic mix of food stalls and captivating performances by artists like When Chai Met Toast and Asees Kaur. Adding to the excitement was a special exhibition titled Safarnama, which traced the rich history of Indian filmmaking, enchanting visitors with its curated charm. The Central Bureau of Communication's (CBC) immersive experience zone became another showstopper, drawing crowds with its innovative installations. With 18,795 attendees, including 6,000 enthusiastic students, IFFiesta was a cultural extravaganza that blended cinema with creativity, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who experienced it. Reliving the Timeless Legacy of Classics: IFFI 2024 celebrated the golden treasures of Indian cinema through its Restored Classics section, a tribute to the painstaking efforts of NFDC-NFAI (National Film Archive of India) under the National Film Heritage Mission, led by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This section underscored the commitment to preserving Indian cinema's rich heritage, with a special focus on digitisation and restoration. The festival screened a lineup of cinematic gems, including: 1. Kaliya Mardan (1919) - This silent film by Dadasaheb Phalke captivated audiences with its digitally restored glory, enhanced by live sound, which added a unique charm to the experience. 2. A curated selection under the Best Films of the Century category, featuring: • Raj Kapoor's Awara (1951) • ANR's Devdasu (1953) • Hum Dono (1961), celebrated for its timeless songs by Mohammed Rafi • Tapan Sinha's Harmonium (1975) • Satyajit Ray's Seemabaddha (1971) Through these restored classics, IFFI brought the past into the present, allowing audiences to cherish the enduring magic of India's cinematic heritage. Shining the Spotlight on Excellence: IFFI 2024 culminated in a glittering celebration of cinematic brilliance, with awards at its heart, recognising emerging talent and exceptional films. The International Competition section saw films like Sana and Endless Borders making a significant impact, further elevating the festival's global stature. The star-studded closing ceremony was a feast for the senses, featuring captivating musical and dance performances alongside the much-anticipated awards. Key honours included the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to the legendary filmmaker Phillip Noyce, and the Indian Film Personality of the Year Award, which went to the versatile actor Vikrant Massey. IFFI 2024 was not just a celebration of cinema-it was a platform for honouring the best of storytelling, bridging generations, and inspiring the creators of tomorrow. A Cinematic Finale with Global Resonance The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concluded on a high note, with a mesmerising cultural display that left attendees spellbound. Performances by guests from India and abroad added a dazzling touch to the finale, celebrating the spirit of cinema and cultural exchange. Throughout the festival, IFFI tackled a broad spectrum of issues, including the evolving global film landscape, while showcasing the power of cinema as a medium for connection and innovation. A highlight of the closing ceremony was the unveiling of Prasar Bharati's OTT platform, WAVES, marking a significant step in India's digital entertainment journey. The festival's digital footprint was equally impressive, with over 600 articles featured across top entertainment and business websites. Social media influencers, engaged through MyGov, amplified IFFI's reach, sparking vibrant conversations across digital platforms. On the international front, partnerships with Variety and Screen International, along with three e-dailies sent to global subscribers, further cemented IFFI's position as a major player on the global film festival circuit. IFFI 2024 was more than a festival-it was a celebration of cinematic expression as a universal language, bridging filmmakers, audiences, and ideas across borders. It underscored cinema's enduring role as a catalyst for dialogue, empathy, and innovation. As the curtains closed, IFFI left an indelible mark on the global stage, envisioning a future where the transformative power of cinema not only inspires creativity but also shapes the cultural and intellectual fabric of our evolving world. Celebrating the Creative Minds of Tomorrow IFFI 2024 was a launchpad for the next generation of cinematic storytellers, showcasing a stellar lineup of participants under its Creative Minds of Tomorrow initiative. This year, the programme attracted 1,070 applications from across India, spanning 13 categories of filmmaking. From this talented pool, 100 participants were selected, including 71 men and 29 women-a significant leap in female representation compared to 16 participants in 2023, signalling a step forward for women empowerment in the industry. These budding filmmakers hailed from 22 States and Union Territories, bringing a mosaic of perspectives to the festival. A highlight of the initiative was the 48-hour filmmaking challenge, where teams of 10 participants crafted five short films that captivated audiences and showcased their creative prowess. The films included: • Gullu (Director: Arshali Jose) – Hindi • The Window (Director: Piyush Sharma) - Konkani and English • We Can Hear the Same Music (Director: Bonita Rajpurohit) – English • Lovefix Subs (Director: Mallika Juneja)- English • Hey Maya (Director: Suryansh Dev Srivastava) - Hindi/English The Grand Jury selected the winners, celebrating the best of the lot: • Best Film: Gullu (Arshali Jose) • 1st Runner-up: We Can Hear the Same Music (Bonita Rajpurohit) • Best Director: Arshali Jose (Gullu) • Best Screenplay: Adhiraj Bose (Lovefix Subs) • Best Actress: Vishakha Naik (Lovefix Subs) • Best Actor: Pushpendra Kumar (Gullu) With its blend of mentorship, hands-on experience, and a platform for recognition, Creative Minds of Tomorrow underscored IFFI's commitment to nurturing fresh voices and shaping the future of Indian cinema. Masterclasses: Where Legends Meet Learners IFFI 2024 became the ultimate classroom for cinephiles, hosting 30 masterclasses, in-conversations, and panel discussions over seven days, led by some of the most celebrated names in cinema. The star-studded roster included luminaries such as Phillip Noyce, John Seal, Ranbir Kapoor, A.R. Rahman, Chris Kirschbaum, Imtiaz Ali, Mani Ratnam, Suhasini Mani Ratnam, Nagarjuna, Farooq Dhondy, Sivakarthikeyan, Amish Tripathi, and many more. Director Mani Ratnam's session stole the show with an impressive 89 per cent attendance, while actor Ranbir Kapoor's session followed closely with 83 per cent, highlighting their magnetic appeal among cinema enthusiasts. Adding to the festival's educational edge, the Young Filmmakers Programme drew 345 students, including 279 budding talents from 13 esteemed film schools like FTII, SRFTI, SRFTI Arunachal Pradesh, IIMC, and other prestigious state and private institutions. Additionally, 66 promising students and filmmakers from the North-Eastern states were handpicked to participate, bringing fresh perspectives and regional flair to the programme. This perfect blend of wisdom from legends and enthusiasm from learners reaffirmed IFFI's role as a dynamic platform for cinematic growth and inspiration. Compiled by Sudhit Mishra, EN Team, Source- PIB, iffigoa.org