IFFI : 55th Edition GOA!

55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) – A Cinematic Extravaganza

The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held in Goa, celebrated the magic of cinema by bringing together filmmakers, cinephiles, and artists from across the globe. With a rich mix of international and Indian films, the festival highlighted the diverse art of storytelling while honoring cinematic excellence.

Key Highlights

1. Chairperson and Lifetime Achievement Award
Indian filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker chaired the prestigious international jury, curating films for the coveted Golden Peacock Award. Esteemed Australian filmmaker Phillip Noyce received the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional contributions to world cinema.

2. Australia as the ‘Country of Focus’
Australia was honored as the Country of Focus, showcasing seven films that spotlight its indigenous and contemporary storytelling traditions.

3. Centenary Tributes
IFFI paid tribute to four iconic figures of Indian cinema on their 100th birth anniversaries:

Raj Kapoor, celebrated actor-director.

Tapan Sinha, renowned filmmaker.

Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Telugu cinema legend.

Mohammed Rafi, iconic playback singer.

4. Opening Film and Ceremony
The festival commenced with the Australian biopic Better Man, based on the life of British pop star Robbie Williams, directed by Michael Gracey. The opening ceremony, hosted by Bhumi Pednekar and Abhishek Banerjee, was streamed live, captivating audiences worldwide.

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International Competition

Fifteen films competed for the prestigious Golden Peacock Award, showcasing compelling narratives and global perspectives:

Toxic (Akiplėša, Lithuania) – Dir. Saulė Bliuvaitė

Gulizar (Turkey) – Dir. Belkis Bayrak

Holy Cow (France) – Dir. Louise Courvoisier

I Am Nevenka (Spain) – Dir. Icíar Bollaín

Pierce

Red Path (Les Enfants rouges, Tunisia) – Dir. Lotfi Achour

Shepherds (Berger, Canada/France) – Dir. Sophie Deraspe

The New Year That Never Came (Anul Nov, Romania) – Dir. Bogdan Mureșanu

Waves (Vlny, Czech Republic/Slovakia) – Dir. Jiří Mádl

Who Do I Belong To (Là d’où l’on vient, Tunisia/Canada/France/Norway/Qatar/Saudi Arabia) – Dir. Meryam Joobeur

Raavsaheb (India) – Dir. Nikhil Mahajan

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Indian Panorama 2024

The Indian Panorama section highlighted India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, featuring films across genres and regions.

Non feature Films

The section showcased innovative short films and documentaries, reflecting India’s artistic and socio-cultural tapestry.

Best Debut Directors 

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Special Sections and Restorations

Restored Classics
Timeless films were brought back to life for cinephiles to relive their magic.

Macabre Dreams
Exploring the dark world of horror and thrillers.

Docu-Montage
Experimental documentaries pushing creative boundaries

‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’ to be the Opening Feature Film in Indian Panorama

Ladakhi Film ‘Ghar Jaisa Kuch’ to be the Opening Non-Feature Film

25 Feature Films and 20 Non-Feature Films to be showcased in Indian Panorama at the 55th IFFI

The Indian Panorama, a flagship section of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), has unveiled its selection of 25 Feature Films and 20 Non-Feature Films for the 55th edition. This carefully curated collection represents a diverse array of contemporary Indian cinema.

The Feature Film Jury, led by acclaimed filmmaker Dr. Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, chose ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’ (Hindi), directed by Randeep Hooda, as the Opening Film for this category. Similarly, the Non-Feature Film Jury, chaired by documentary filmmaker Subbiah Nallamuthu, selected ‘Ghar Jaisa Kuch’ (Ladakhi), directed by Harsh Sangani, as the opening film for the non-feature category.

The Indian Panorama continues to celebrate cinematic excellence, thematic depth, and aesthetic innovation, bringing together a mix of established filmmakers and emerging voices.

IFFI is organized by the National Film Development Corporation, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Goa State Government. calendar is from November 20–28, 2024, in Panaji, Gos

Conclusion

The 55th IFFI reaffirmed its legacy as a global platform for cinematic brilliance, blending tradition with innovation. It celebrated storytelling, honored legends, and provided a stage for diverse voices to shine, cementing its position as a beacon of world cinema.

Drafted by

CJ Rajkumar