Panaji: For the next 8 days, Goa will be coloured in the grandeur of one of Asia’s largest film festivals. From gripping dramas to thought-provoking documentaries and avant-garde experimental films, the 54th International Film Festival of India 2023, which officially commenced today with the international premiere of Catching Dust, by award-winning British filmmaker, Stuart Gatt, is all set to captivate cinephiles and industry professionals alike.
The star-studded opening ceremony has witnessed the performance of Bollywood superstars Madhuri Dixit and Shahid Kapoor. Other Bollywood stars such as Shriya Saran, Nushratt Bharucha, Pankaj Tripathi, Shantanu Moitra, Shreya Ghoshal and Sukhwinder Singh also performed and enthralled the audiences with their scintillating performances in the opening ceremony.
Renowned filmmakers, talented actors, and visionaries in the world of cinema will grace the festival, fostering discussions, collaborations, and a shared passion for storytelling.
In his address at the inauguration ceremony, the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur announced an increase in the incentive for foreign film production in India from 30% to 40% of the expenditure incurred, with a raised limit from Rs 2.5 crore to Rs 30 crore, exceeding 3.5 million US Dollars, and an additional 5% per cent bonus for Significant Indian Content (SIC). The Minister said, ‘Given India’s size and vast potential there was a need for a higher incentive to attract medium and big-budget international projects’ and added ‘this paradigm shift in incentivizing film production serves as a testament to India’s commitment and support for artistic expression and reinforces our position as a preferred destination for cinematic endeavours.’
Amid the glitz of cinema, the Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, said the Entertainment Society of Goa has floated an expression of interest for setting up a film city in the state for the expansion of the filmmaking industry. He said at the inaugural function that IFFI will play a key role in promoting Goa as a film-friendly destination.
“In recent years, the film industry of Goa has also grown by leaps and bounds and Konkani cinema has carved a place for itself at IFFI’’, he said. He said that for IFFI this year, out of 20 entries received under the Goa section, the jury has selected seven films.
Union Minister Thakur announced that, for the first time, a recruitment drive will be held under the 75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow programme, opening up doors to limitless opportunities for their blossoming talents and career trajectories. Started in 2021 and now in its 3rd edition, 75 young filmmakers have been selected from 19 states, including remote areas like Bishnupur, Jagatsinghpur, and Sadarpur out of nearly 600 entries across 10 categories.
A new award in the Best Web Series (OTT) category instituted
Announcing many ‘firsts’ in the 54th edition of the festival, Thakur said that for the first time and from here on, IFFI will bestow an award titled, “Best Web Series (OTT) Award” which will acknowledge and honour the transformative role of original content creators in India, celebrating their contributions to employment and innovation. A total of 32 entries have been received in 10 languages from 15 OTT platforms for Best Web Series (OTT) Award.
Film Bazaar and VFX & Tech Pavilion
The Minister announced that for the first time, IFFI has augmented the scope of Film Bazaar by introducing a well-curated “VFX & Tech Pavilion” to showcase the latest innovations from the cinema world, and a documentary section to its coproduction market to support non-fiction storytelling.
Cine-Mela
This year, for the first time, Cine-Mela will be held, showcasing an extravagant celebration of India’s rich diversity through regional films, food, music, culture and more.
Restored Classics Section
A Restored Classics Section featuring 7 world premieres of the meticulously restored masterpieces by NFDC/NFAI under the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM) from the damaged celluloid reels of the Indian Classics has also been introduced.
Inclusivity and entertainment for all
Thakur said that inclusivity remains a guiding principle for the 54th IFFI, as all venues for this year’s festival will be equipped with facilities catering to the specially-abled. Four special screenings for our Divyangjan delegates with embedded audio descriptions and sign language provisions, adding another dimension to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision’ Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas —Sabka Manoranjan‘ i.e ‘Entertainment for all.’
The Minister further said, “54th IFFI features films from 40 remarkable women filmmakers. Their talent, creativity and unique perspectives promise to make this ‘mélange of ideas’ a celebration of diverse voices and narratives.’ He also announced the prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023 – Hollywood actor-producer from the United States Michael Douglas. The award will be conferred on him during the Closing Ceremony.
Thakur, highlighted the initiatives taken by the Government of India to augment the Media and Entertainment Sector in the country. He said that the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, received approval from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. ‘‘This legislation not only broadens the legal framework, shifting its focus beyond censorship to encompass copyright protection but also introduces rigorous measures against piracy with focus on anti-piracy measures to ensure that the hard work and dedication of filmmakers does not go to waste,’’ the Minister said.
– global bihari bureau
