PANAJI
The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), organised by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, NFDC, and the Government of Goa through ESG, will be held from November 20 to 28 in Goa. This year’s festival promises a cinematic extravaganza, featuring diverse films, innovative voices, and fostering cultural exchange.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant shared that 180 films from 81 countries will be screened in IFFI’s international section. The press conference was attended by Delilah Lobo, Vice Chairman of ESG, Prithul Kumar, MD of NFDC, Vrunda Desai, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Smita Vats Sharma, Director General of PIB, and senior ESG officials.
A total of 270 films will be showcased across six theatres in Panaji, Margao, and Ponda. The selected theatres include INOX, Samrat Ashok, Maquinez Palace, and INOX in Porvorim, as well as four theatres in Margao and two in Ponda. All theatres are accessible for the disabled. Open-air screenings will be held at Vagator, Miramar, and Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, and a special arena is under construction at Campal.
So far, 6,507 delegates have registered for IFFI, including 1,288 students, 4,023 film critics, and 1,196 industry professionals. Shivam Harmalkar’s ‘Sawat’ has been selected for the Indian Panorama Non-Feature section, and 14 films from Goa have been chosen for the Goa Section. On November 22, a procession featuring winning floats from Shigmo and Carnival will take place from ESG to Kala Academy in Panaji.
Free transport services will be provided for delegates travelling between festival venues. A special Goan film segment will showcase 14 films celebrating local talent and culture.
Prithul Kumar announced that YouTube influencers will participate in the festival through a partnership with Google and MyGov platforms. An Australian Film Pavilion will also be featured in the Film Bazaar.
The festival will host well-known personalities such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra, A. R. Rahman, Vikrant Massey, R. Madhavan, Bhumi Pednekar, and others.
Akash kandil from each taluka for decoration
PANAJI: Explaining the new initiatives lined up for this year, Dr Sawant informed that ‘Sky Lantern’ competition entries will be showcased on the route of IFFI parade, and cash rewards will be given to the participants. IFFI parade is being organized on November 22 from ESG office venue to Kala Academy. The CM stated that 50 Akash Kandils will be selected from each taluka as decoration during the IFFI.
