The 54th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI), known for its celebration of cinema from around the world, is scheduled to take place from November 20 to 28 in the beautiful coastal state of Goa. This iconic event promises to be a cinematic extravaganza, showcasing the best of contemporary and classic films from India and across the globe.
Categories and Highlights of the Festival Program
The Festival Program’s Diverse Categories include:
i) International Competition for Feature Films: Up to 15 entries, including a selection of up to three Indian films. This category is dedicated to fiction films with a minimum duration of 70 minutes or more.
ii) Non-Competition (World Panorama): Featuring feature films from across the globe, with a minimum duration of 70 minutes or more.
iii) Country Focus & Curated Packages: Includes both Indian and foreign films, along with special screenings and gala premieres.
iv) Indian Panorama: Reserved for Indian feature films, following the guidelines of Indian Panorama Regulations 2023.
v) Technical Workshops, Masterclasses, and Academic Sessions: Featuring both virtual and physical events, including panel discussions and the Talent Hub.
vi) Film Bazaar: Hosted by IFFI, it’s South Asia’s largest and one of Asia’s most prolific film markets, presenting a wealth of content to potential buyers from various countries.
vii) Content Selection Criteria: The NFDC (National Film Development Corporation) has the discretion to exclude films that do not align with the festival’s objectives, potentially causing offense to participating countries or promoting discrimination in any form.
The Evolution of IFFI: From Its Origins to the 54th Edition
India has been the host of 53 International Film Festivals of India (IFFI) since 1952, which have included both competitive and non-competitive segments. Starting in 1975, the festival became an annual event. The upcoming 54th edition of the festival, featuring a competition for feature films by directors from all continents, is set to take place in Goa.
IFFI: Celebrating Cinematic Excellence and Cultural Unity
Established in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has firmly established itself as a leading film festival in Asia. From its inception, IFFI’s primary mission has been to honor the art of filmmaking, its compelling narratives, and the gifted individuals who bring these stories to life.
The festival’s core objectives include fostering a profound appreciation for the world of cinema, bridging understanding and unity among diverse communities, and inspiring individuals to reach new heights of personal and collective achievement.
Organization and Management of IFFI: A Transition to NFDC
IFFI is an annual event organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, in partnership with the Entertainment Society of Goa, Government of Goa, the festival’s host state. While the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting traditionally oversaw the festival, the responsibility for its management has shifted to the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) following the merger of film media units.