Nurturing and promoting the enlightened appreciation and ardent love for films, the 53^rd International Films Festival of India draws to a conclusion with a star studded grand ceremony at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Goa. Welcoming guests to the colourful and vibrant valedictory ceremony, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Thakur said that IFFI opened up a nuanced world of cinema for audiences across the region, both young and old, new and festival veterans. “IFFI not only entertained but also educated us. IFFI tickled our humour and refined their senses”, he said.

“Over the last nine days, IFFI curated the screenings of 282 films clocking 35000 minutes of viewing time. The festival featured 183 international films and 97 Indian films in 65 international and 15 Indian languages from 78 countries worldwide. Over 20 Masterclasses, In-Conversation sessions, and a long list of celebrity events were held, out of which several sessions were accessible not just physically but even virtually.” Anurag Thakur added that the diversity showcased at the festival is the living embodiment of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ that brought together creative thinkers, filmmakers, cinema lovers, and cultural enthusiasts from all over the world under one roof.

Many new beginnings at IFFI 53

The Minister remarked that the 53^rd IFFI concluded by making many beginnings. Selecting France as a ‘Country of Focus’ reciprocating Cannes’ Country of Honour status given to India by France,

Technological Park that showcased the latest innovations from the world of cinema, 53 hour challenge to 75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow, specially curated package for Manipuri cinema are some of them, he added.  For the first time, masterclasses were held in partnership with film schools in Canada, OTT players, and Oscar Nominees such as Kung Fu Panda director Mark Osborn.

Regional cinema is no more regional

The Minister reiterated his commitment to give a strong emphasis on regional cinema and provide a platform for its growth. Regional cinema is no more regional, it has gone national and international, he added. “This year we have seen many films like RRR, KGF, and others making the international rise.  Recently, we had a delegation from Bangladesh and from Central Asian countries consisting of more than 80 youths. All they wanted was to listen to Hindi film songs and regional film songs. They talked about movies from the era of Mithun Chakraborty to Akshay Kumar and Chiranjeevi, which cut across boundaries. If the content is strong, it does not stay within the limits of a particular region.”

Towards an enriching filming ecosystem in India

The Minister further said that IFFI has transformed into a platform where ideas emerge, where cinematic innovation is showcased, where collaborations and co-productions are embarked upon, experiences are shared and timeless cinema emerges for generations to enjoy and remember. Looking into the future editions of IFFI, he said that our goal is to build an enriching filming ecosystem in India and a future-ready industry that will have the full support of the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Referring to talents and trends in cinema, Anurag Thakur said that the world of cinema is bustling with raw talent, finding its voice in theatre schools, small independent production houses, and the hinterland of India. “The platforms are new, whether it’s short films made on your mobile devices, movies on the go, or binge-watching on OTT. We are seeing incredible talent being recognised, enthralling audiences and being loved by fans and doing great business too”.

The Minister hinted that what is happening now in cinema is similar to what great sports leagues did to raw talent in cricket, kabaddi, hockey, etc. “India has always had talent. It just needed an opportunity to be seen without gatekeepers where the audience determines their success.”

On innovations spurred by Digital India, the I & B Minister highlighted that the advent of different streams of cinema – propelled by Digital India’s affordable handsets and cheaper data – is leaping ahead on sheer individual talent, to showcase powerful and captivating stories to the world.

New partnerships with Israel in the area of filmmaking

The fourth season of the critically-acclaimed Israeli series Fauda premiered at the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) much ahead of its global launch. Anurag Thakur said that Fauda has been a hit in India and the premiere of its fourth season received a thunderous reception during the IFFI. He also thanked Israeli Ambassador Naor Gilon for being here at Goa for 53^rd IFFI.

While felicitating the Fauda team, the Minister said that India and Israel share a very special relationship. “We have conflict in the neighborhood. At the same time, we have thousands of years of history, and we work together in many areas, especially in the area of security.”

Raising a toast to Israel’s startup ecosystem, the Minister expressed confidence in forging new partnerships with Israel in the area of cinema and filmmaking. “There has to be co-production and collaboration with Israeli counterparts. India will be the content hub of the world in the near future. This is the right time to collaborate and reach out and make films around those stories which are not told to the world. India is the place and Israel is the right partner.” he added.

Anurag Thakur also congratulated Telugu actor Chiranjeevi for being conferred with the Indian Personality of the Year Award. “Chiranjeevi had an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades and over 150 films that have left audiences spellbound,” he said.

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