CIFF 2024: A Cinematic Feast!

22nd Chennai International Film Festival (CIFF): A Cinematic Feast

The 22nd Chennai International Film Festival (CIFF) is set to captivate audiences with a dazzling array of 123 films hailing from over 50 countries. This prestigious event, a collaborative effort between the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation (ICAF) and the Tamil Nadu government, is under the esteemed leadership of Festival Director Shri AVM Shanmugham.

A World of Cinema Awaits:

CIFF 2024 promises an unforgettable cinematic journey, showcasing a diverse spectrum of films that will resonate with audiences of all tastes.

Key Highlights:
* Opening Night Extravaganza: The festival will commence with the celebrated “The Room Next Door” by Pedro Almodóvar, the Golden Lion winner at the Venice Film Festival.
* Closing Night Gala: The curtains will come down with the Palme d’Or winner from Cannes, “Anora” by Sean Baker.
* Exclusive Screening: “We Have Every You Every Me” (German), a poignant film dedicated to women, will be screened exclusively on December 13th.

* Master Talks: The festival will feature insightful master talks with renowned personalities, including A. Ramesh Kumar, a distinguished SICA member and a pioneering cinematographer renowned for his groundbreaking work in the Cinemascope format.

* Many awards are also constituted  for the line up of films.

A Showcase of Indian Cinema:
The Tamil Feature Films Competition section will feature a diverse range of 25 films showcasing the vibrant and dynamic Tamil film industry.
* Indian Panorama: This section will showcase the best of Indian cinema, featuring a captivating selection of 16 films from across the country, including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, Kannada, Gujarati, and Telugu.
* World Cinema Competition: This section will feature 12 exceptional films from around the globe, offering a unique opportunity to experience diverse cinematic voices and narratives.
Special Features:
* Student Showcase: The festival will showcase the talent of aspiring filmmakers by screening 10 short films created by students of the Tamil Nadu Government MGR Film and Television Institute.
* Interactive Panels: CIFF will host engaging interactive panels featuring industry luminaries.
SICA Members Rejoice:
SICA members can enjoy a special concession of ₹300 on festival passes, making this a truly rewarding experience for film enthusiasts.

Tamil Feature Films (Competition Section):

1. Amaran

2. Boat

3. Bujji At Anupatti

4. Crimson Tales – Sevappi

5. Jama

6. Kottukkaali

7. Kozhipannai Chelladurai

8. Lubber Pandhu

9. Maharaja

10. Meiyazhagan

11. Nandhan

12. Rasavathi – The Alchemist

13. Thangalaan

14. Vaazhai

15. Veppam Kulir Mazhai

16. Vettaiyan

17. Ayali

18. Demonte Colony

19. Garudan

20. Hotspot

21. Lockdown

22. Neela Nira Sooriyan

23. Parking

24. Teenz

25. Vallavan Vaguthadhada

Indian Panorama Films:

1. Level Cross (Malayalam)

2. Jigarthanda DoubleX (Tamil)

3. 12th Fail (Hindi)

4. Bramayugam (Malayalam)

5. Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life (Malayalam)

6. Onko Ki Kothin (Bengali)

7. Aamar Boss (Bengali)

8. Kishkindha Kaandam (Malayalam)

9. ARM (Malayalam)

10. Big Ben (Malayalam)

11. Taarikh (Assamese)

12. Vishesham (Malayalam)

13. None of Her (Kannada)

14. Jagat (Gujarati)

15. 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu (Telugu)

16. My Hero (Kannada & English)

World Cinema Competition:

1. Season of Love (Turkey)

2. Tarkaari De Chivo (Venezuela)

3. Kinaru (Tamil)

4. Hi Nanna (Telugu)

5. Committee Kurrollu (Telugu)

6. Happy (German)

7. Deewaar Ke Us Par (Beyond the Wall) (Hindi)

8. Otta (Malayalam)

9. 80 Plus (German)

10. Sleeping With A Tiger (German)

11. Revayate Nataman E-Sima (Persian)

12. In The Arms of A Tree (Persian)

Special Features:

1. Screening of 10 Short Films by students of the Tamil Nadu Government MGR Film and Television Institute.

A Celebration of Cinema:
The 22nd CIFF promises to be a grand celebration of cinema, bringing together diverse voices, global narratives, and unforgettable cinematic experiences.

This is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the magic of the silver screen and explore the vast and captivating world of cinema.

Article by

CJ Rajkumar 

Author/ Cinematographer