The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) launched today, November 20, 2024, in Goa at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, marking the beginning of a week-long cinematic celebration. The festival’s theme centers around India’s rich cultural and cinematic heritage, while also fostering international collaboration.
The inaugural event kicked off with a red carpet premiere of ‘Better Man’, directed by Michael Gracy, and was attended by prominent personalities, including:
- Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Information and Broadcasting
- Dr. L. Murugan, MoS for I&B
- Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa
A vibrant blend of cultural performances and star appearances made the evening unforgettable. Hosts Abhishek Banerjee and Bhumi Pednekar steered the event with enthusiasm.
Bollywood and regional cinema icons such as Rajkummar Rao, Nagarjuna, Sanya Malhotra, and filmmakers like Subhash Ghai graced the event. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar added a spiritual touch with his address, emphasizing the transformative power of art.
- Country of Focus: Australia, represented by the Jannawi Dance Clan, promoted cultural exchange through a captivating performance.
- Tributes and Nostalgia: A special segment titled ‘Timeless Souls’ paid homage to legends Raj Kapoor, ANR, and Mohammed Rafi, blending visuals, music, and poetry.
- The Cinematic Symphony: Performers Sunny Kaushal and Sanya Malhotra brought the evening to a crescendo with a high-energy medley.
For the first time in IFFI’s history, the opening ceremony included live Indian Sign Language interpretation, ensuring inclusivity for all audiences, including those with hearing impairments.
Running from November 20 to 28, IFFI 2024 will feature a diverse lineup of Indian and international films, panel discussions, and workshops, celebrating global cinematic excellence while bridging cultures.
Key Highlights:
- The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) begins with a grand Opening Ceremony in Goa, showcasing cultural and cinematic brilliance.
- Australian filmmaker Michael Gracy’s ‘Better Man’ premieres as the inaugural film, with dignitaries like Ashwini Vaishnaw and Pramod Sawant in attendance.
- The event celebrates inclusivity with live Indian Sign Language interpretation and honors Indian cinema’s evolution through performances and tributes.