A celebration of young filmmakers and DIVERSE TALENTS

55TH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF INDIA

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), set to take place in Goa, will focus on the theme "Young Filmmakers - The Future is Now," underscoring the festival's commitment to fostering the next generation of cinematic talent. This year's festival promises to be grander than ever, introducing the new "Best Indian Debut Director" award aimed at recognizing emerging filmmakers across the country. The IFFI will be held in Panjim, Goa, from November 20 to November 28, this year.

The Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, on Monday, announced that IFFI 2024 will invite all storytellers and cinephiles to join in celebrating the joy of cinema while addressing the curtain raiser event here in the national capital. He emphasized the festival's growing international reputation, comparing it to prestigious events like Cannes, as reflected in the overwhelming response to international film submissions.

This year's festival promises to be grander than ever, introducing the new "Best Indian Debut Director" award aimed at recognizing emerging filmmakers across the country. The "Creative Minds of Tomorrow" initiative has also been enhanced to support 100 young talents, expanding from the previous editions. Additionally, 400 young film students from various film schools across India will be facilitated by the Ministry to attend IFFI.

The festival will feature six additional theatres dedicated to film screenings, providing ample opportunities for audiences to engage in a diverse range of films. In a significant tribute to Indian cinema, "IFFI 2024" will honour legendary figures such as Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Tapan Sinha and Akkineni Nageswara Rao through special performances and exhibitions celebrating their contributions to the film industry.