Veteran Filmmaker Phillip Noyce Honored with Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award

Veteran Australian filmmaker Phillip Noyce, renowned for his acclaimed works such as Clear and Present Danger, Salt, and Rabbit-Proof Fence, will be honored with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The festival, which will be held in Goa from November 20-28, 2024, has Australia as its Country of Focus this year.

Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award 

Philip Noyce (IFFI 2024)

Award

• Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented at 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2024)

Recipient

• Philip Noyce, acclaimed Australian director

Notable Works

• Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, Salt, The Saint, The Bone Collector, Other iconic films.

Directorial Style & Impact

• Known for creating suspenseful and culturally resonant films
• Mastery in storytelling across diverse genres

Legacy

• Philip Noyce’s work has had a lasting impact on both mainstream and critical cinema, shaping suspense and action genres while contributing to cultural conversations through his films.

Study Guide: 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024

Overview

• Dates: 20th to 28th November 2024
• Location: Goa
• Organizers: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B), National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG)
• Theme: “Young Filmmakers” – The Future is Now

Focus on the role of emerging filmmakers in shaping India’s cinematic future.

Key Highlights of IFFI 2024

Opening Ceremony

• Opening Film: Better Man by Michael Gracey (Asia premiere).
• Country of Focus: Australia, with a special film package and MOU with Screen Australia & NFDC.

Global Participation

• Over 1,676 submissions from 101 countries.
• More than 180 films from 81 countries.
• 15 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 40 Asian premieres, and 106 Indian premieres.

Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award

• Awarded to Philip Noyce, the Australian director known for films like Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, and Salt.

International Competition

• 15 films (12 international, 3 Indian) competing for Golden Peacock & INR 40 lakh.
• Categories: Best Director, Best Actor (Male/Female), Special Jury Prize.
• Best Feature Film Debut Director section: 5 international & 2 Indian films.
• Jury Members: Ashutosh Gowariker (Chairperson), Anthony Chen, Elizabeth Karlsen, Fran Borgia, Jill Bilcock.

Indian Panorama

• Showcasing 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films.
• Opening Film: Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (Hindi) directed by Randeep Hooda.
• Opening Non-Feature Film: Ghar Jaisa Kuch (Ladakhi).
• New Award: Best Indian Debut Director with a cash prize of INR 5 lakh.

Women and Emerging Voices in Cinema

• 47 films by women directors.
• 66 films by young and debut filmmakers, celebrating diverse and underrepresented voices.

Special Sections

• Rising Stars: Celebrating emerging directors.
• Mission Life: Spotlight on eco-conscious cinema.
• Australia: Country of Focus.
• Treaty Country Package: Curated selections from the British Film Institute.

Restored Classics

Films restored by NFDC-NFAI under the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM).

Films to be screened,

• Awara (1951) – Raj Kapoor
• Devadasu (1953) – Akkineni Nageswara Rao
• Hum Dono (1961) – Mohammed Rafi
• Harmonium (1975) – Tapan Sinha

New Curated Sections

• Best Web Series (OTT) Award: 46 entries, with INR 10 lakh as prize money.
• Centenary Celebrations: Tributes to Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Tapan Sinha, and Akkineni Nageswara Rao.
• IFFIesta: Interactive experiences and cultural festivities including a Carnival Parade on 22nd November.

Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT)

• 1,032 entries this year, almost double from 2023.
• 100 selected participants across 13 filmmaking crafts.
• Focus on young filmmakers from film schools across India.

Film Bazaar 2024

• South Asia’s largest film market, featuring 350+ film projects.
• Includes pitching sessions, workshops, and collaborations on international film production and distribution.

Masterclasses and Industry Engagement

• 25+ masterclasses and panel discussions featuring luminaries such as AR Rahman, Shabana Azmi, Mani Ratnam, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Philip Noyce, and John Seale.
• Focus on topics like sound design, acting in the digital age, and future of filmmaking.

Venue and Accessibility

• 6 additional theaters for screenings (including INOX Madgaon, INOX Ponda, and Z Square Samrat Ashok).
• Picture Time inflatable theaters for screenings across Goa.
• Accessibility Partner: Svayam, ensuring accessibility for people with reduced mobility, including audio descriptions and sign language interpretation.

Branding & Décor

• Unified décor and branding for all festival venues in collaboration with NID, Ahmedabad.