The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), is set to host the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa from 20th to 28th November 2024. 

Storytellers and cinema enthusiasts alike have a reason to rejoice as the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is all set to start with a vibrant line up and diverse programming, thereby promising an unforgettable celebration of global cinema.

The Curtain Raiser Press Conference of 55th IFFI was held today in the presence of Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, Secretary, Ministry of I&B Sh. Sanjay Jaju, Special Secretary, Ministry of I&B Ms. Neerja Shekhar, Festival Director, IFFI Sh. Shekhar Kapur, Chairman, CBFC Sh. Prasoon Joshi, and senior officers of the Ministry.

During his address, Dr. L. Murugan, highlighted the festival’s prestigious role on the global stage. “IFFI has become a landmark event, not just for India but internationally, comparable to global festivals such as Cannes,” he stated. Dr. Murugan emphasized the unique initiatives introduced each year to enrich the festival experience and mentioned that this year’s edition has seen an overwhelming response for international film submissions, reflecting the festival’s expanding reach and impact. 

To increase public engagement, the Ministry has organized promotional roadshows across major cities, including recent events in Mumbai and Chennai, with Hyderabad to follow. Dr. Murugan urged industry leaders to embrace the festival as their own, reflecting the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharatand the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to position IFFI as a globally celebrated cinematic event and also urged people to join the festival at Goa. 

Theme of IFFI 2024: ‘Young Filmmakers’ – “The Future is Now”

The theme of IFFI 2024 focuses on “Young Filmmakers,” as per the vision of Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw, recognizing their potential in shaping the future of creativity. 

"India is rapidly emerging as the world’s largest filmmaking nation, embracing varied formats and perspectives. The new, emerging voices within our industry will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation," said Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting during his opening remarks today. He also said that IFFI 2024 has been designed for both filmmakers and cinema lovers and prioritizes the voices shaping the future, particularly emerging young filmmakers who are instrumental in shaping the nation’s cultural narrative.

The initiative of the Creative Minds of Tomorrowplatform has been enhanced to support 100 young talents from 75 in the previous editions. 400 Young film students, from Film Schools across the country, are being facilitated by the Ministry to attend IFFI. 

A new section and award of Best Debut Indian Director has been instituted, to recognize the young filmmaking talent across India. The masterclasses, panel discussions, film market and film packages have all been curated for the young creators. IFFI 2024 will also pay tribute to cinematic legends and willshowcase diverse perspectives through special sections and exhibitions, bringing a unique experience to audiences in Goa​

Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also highlighted the collaborative essence of the 55th IFFI, describing it as a festival truly led by the industry and for the industry, with acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur serving as the Festival Director. Calling it historic, he mentioned, “For the first time in the history of the film festival, we have started the tradition of handing over the festival to the industry which is at the helm of this entire initiative.” 

IFFI: Celebrating the Art of Storytelling

Festival Director Shekhar Kapur emphasized the pivotal role of storytelling in cinema, calling it the very heart of the cinematic experience. 

“In a rapidly evolving world, preserving the craft of storytelling is more essential than ever,” he stated, underscoring that stories are what make cinema impactful. His message reflects the festival’s commitment to honoring and nurturing this timeless art form. 

India: Country of restless dreams

Prasoon Joshi, Chairman of the CBFC, attributed India as a "Country of restless dreams" emphasizing the importance of giving storytellers a platform to share authentic voices from the ground up. He highlighted IFFI’s role in elevating such talent, bringing them to the global forefront and reiterated the theme of IFFI2024. “What remains unheard must be shared with the world,” he said while commending the Ministry's efforts in nurturing and supporting these emerging voices through Creative Minds of Tomorrow.

Key Highlights of IFFI 2024

1. Global Participation and Film Screenings

This year’s IFFI has received 1,676 submissions from 101 countries, a testament to the festival’s growing international standing. IFFI 2024 will present over 180+ international filmsfrom 81 countries, including 15 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 40 Asian premieres and 106 Indian premiers. As these are a selection of celebrated titles and award-winning films from the global circuit, this year’s festival is set to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

1. Australia to be the Country of Focus

Australia will be the Country of Focus for IFFI 2024, with a dedicated package of Australian films and a strong presence at the festival. Highlights include a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Screen Australia & NFDC, for participation by leading Australian filmmakers in the festival and the Film Bazaar, and a showcase by AusFilm, promoting Australia’s unique filming locations & co-productions.

1. Opening Film: Better Man by Michael Gracey

The festival opens with the Asia premiere of Michael Gracey’s Better Man, an Australian film that offers a captivating glimpse into the life of the iconic British pop star Robbie Williams, portrayed as a chimpanzee by Jonno Davies in a groundbreaking motion-capture performance. 

1. The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award: IFFI 2024 is to present the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award to Philip Noyce, the celebrated and awarded Australian director. He is known for his exceptional storytelling and mastery in creating suspenseful, culturally resonant films. Noyce's filmography includes iconic films like Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, Salt, The Saint, The Bone Collector and many more. His collaborations with celebrated actors like Harrison Ford, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Denzel Washington, and Michael Caine, underscore his lasting impact on cinema.
2. International Competition Section: 15 feature films (12 International + 3 Indian) have been shortlisted to compete for the coveted Best Film Award, a Golden Peacock & INR 40 lakhs. Apart from the Best Film, the jury will also determine winners in the best director, best actor (male), best actor (female), special jury prize category. 
3. Best Feature Film Debut Director - 5 International + 2 Indian Films will compete in this section for the coveted Silver Peacock, INR 10 lakh as cash prize and a certificate. 7
4. International Jury – Mr. Ashutosh Gowariker (Chairperson), acclaimed Indian Filmmaker & Actor, Anthony Chen is a renowned Singaporean writer, director, and producer, Elizabeth Karlsen, respected UK producer, Fran Borgia is a distinguished producer based in Asia, and Jill Bilcock is a renowned Australian film editor.

5. Indian Panorama: Showcasing India’s Cinematic Diversity: The Indian Panorama section will showcase 25 feature films and 20 non-feature filmsrepresenting India’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity. This segment includes the Opening Feature Film, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (Hindi), directed by Randeep Hooda, and the Opening Non-Feature Film, Ghar Jaisa Kuch (Ladakhi)