PANAJI:
The Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), Sanjay Jaju, called on Chief Minister of Goa Dr Pramod Sawant and discussed strategies to make this year's International Film Festival of India (IFFI) more people-centric, inclusive, and festive, at Panaji. Sanjay Jaju was accompanied by Festival Director Shekhar Kapoor, steering committee members of IFFI, and senior officials of the Ministry of I&B and National Film Development Corporation.
The discussions included steps and initiatives to enhance the overall experience for both the delegates and the general public, fostering a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates Indian cinema and Indian talent at the 55th edition of the festival. One of the key initiatives discussed was the planning of parades with a specific theme celebrating Indian Cinema during the festival. The parades will serve as a visual spectacle, adding to the festive ambiance and engaging the local community.
In addition to the parades, IFFI 2024 will feature an entertainment arcade where Indian cinema and culture will be celebrated with people's participation. This interactive space will provide opportunities for attendees to engage with various aspects of the film industry and Indian culture.
The festival will also have a strong focus on youth providing a platform for rising talent of cinema to showcase their work.
Steering committee members Bobby Bedi and Ravi Kottarakkara; Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary (Broadcasting), I&B Ministry and Managing Director at NFDC; Vrunda Desai, Joint Secretary (Films), I&B Ministry Anurima Sharma, Director; Sreerag Mukundan, OSD Films; and Ankita Mishra, CEO, ESG, also attended the meeting with the Chief Minister.
Earlier in the day, Sanjay Jaju visited venues of the festival and issued instructions to the authorities concerned to complete the ongoing works at the venues in time.
A meeting of the Steering Committee was also held at Entertainment Society of Goa, Panaji, to discuss the preparations for the festival.
