Advertisement
The wait is finally over as the 50th edition of the International Film Festival (IFFI) of India kicked off in Goa today, November 20th, 2019. The star-studded grand opening hosted the Shehenshah of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan and legendary Rajinikanth, who flagged off the extravaganza at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Bambolim.
Official dignitaries present were Honourable I & B Minister Shri Prakash Javdekar, Honorable Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant, CEO, ESG Mr Amit Satija and Festival Director Mr Chaitanya Prasad who officiated the inaugural ceremony. Also present were Babul Supriyo, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
The stars walked the red carpet that was laid out to welcome the who’s who of the industry. Isabelle Huppert, the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award speaking on the red carpet said, “I feel very happy to be here. I hope its a halfway lifetime achievement award. I’ve had many wonderful moments in my work life and worked with so many great directors.”
Advertisement
As the lights illuminated the centre stage and cameras rolled out the action for the evening, host Karan Johar welcomed the gathering. The festival began with a tribute to Goa’s stalwart politician the late Manohar Parrikar who hosted the first IFFI in Goa.
Secretary Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Shri Amit Khare mentioned the noteworthy highlights of this year’s festival and noted the tremendous change in the last 50 editions from participation of 23 countries in 1952, to almost 76 countries this year.
Honourable Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Pramod Sawant extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries and highlighted his plan in making Goa an important destination for film shooting. He said, “IFFI package this year is an interesting mix of leisure and entertainment. IFFI bridges the gap between India and the international film industry and provides the opportunity to explore the cinema. We should not forget the objectives of cinema as the mirror of our time and the reflection of our society.”
Speaking of India’s soft powers, film, IT and music, I & B Minister Shri Prakash Javdekar said, “India has lots of scenic and beautiful shooting sites for national and international films but shooting at these locations requires around 15-20 permissions. Government is now preparing for single-window arrangement which will take care of all the permissions and it will benefit places like Goa, Leh-Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar.”
Shri Javadekar also mentioned a special film made by the Goan filmmaker for the visually impaired. “It is important that they enjoy the cinema. We watch movies through our eyes and ears. They watch movies only through their ears. Film world should have such sensibility. Based on the narration, the scene will be explained.”
