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CELEBRATING THE JOY OF CINEMA
GOES ON The 51st International Film Festival of India managed to beat coronavirus pandemic by successfully executing Asia’s top film festival in hybrid format. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Government’s commitment to cinema lovers and makers giving go ahead to IFFI enabled the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and State Government of Goa to organise the festival with flying colours. A deep dive into the Best Moments of IFFI 2020. The 52nd Edition of IFFI is slated for November 20-28, 2021
FOCUS IFFI FOR BERLINALE/EFM INDUSTRY 2021
IFFI sets new benchmark Cinema as an inclusive art form that reflects contemporary socio-cultural realities of the times in an impressive manner. Its appeal cuts across barriers, making it one of the most powerful vehicles of communication universally. The medium carries immense potential to act as an instrument of change. As an enabler transforming various sectors, technology has been constantly enhancing the power and outreach of cinema as well. In such a setup, the use of hybrid format at this IFFI edition exemplifies our adaptability to the change. Apart from setting a new benchmark for cinema and entertainment industry in India, it is also a stride towards disruption resilience propelled by the power of technology. Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India 2
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IFFI
Captured New Narratives
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The 9-day IFFI, which is also oldest in he 51st edition of International Film Asia, showcased the works of a wide Festival of India (16-24 January 2021) variety of filmmakers across the world in Goa, captured the new narratives that have emerged in cinema today, said with masterclasses and knowledge series Chaitanya Prasad, in accordance with Additional Director the norms set under General, Directorate of the COVID-19 safety Film Festivals, Ministry protocol. Health and of Information & hygiene received I am inviting you all to the Broadcasting. Amidst priority at IFFI to 52nd International Film COVID-19, the IFFI ensure safety of Festival of India (IFFI), Goa Team worked hard participants and collaborating and from November 20-28, 2021 guests. curating films for the Prakash Javadekar “Indian Panorama festival. Union Minister for Information has its own quality “We captured the new and Broadcasting and platform of narratives that have Indian cinema. emerged in cinema today, But as far as World whether it is storytelling, storytellers, new Cinema is concerned, this year we’ve been business models or the use of technology. overwhelmed by the number of films that Today it is content versus technology, have come for the India Premiere, the world technology versus creativity, and creativity premiere, and the International premiere, versus audience taste. And what we are etc. looking at is a kind of a convergence model which is emerging. I think it is a very bold “It’s been a great experience putting step as far as the International Film circuit the jigsaw puzzle together and we are is concerned because we brought forth a absolutely inspired by the kind of response balance between the virtual and the real,” that we have received from all stakeholders said Prasad. across the world,” Prasad said. “It’s a very bold move on part of the Ministry International Film Festival of India (IFFI) of Information and Broadcasting which has has evolved into a major forum for cinema given us a go ahead to organize this festival across the world. Started in 1952, IFFI in a hybrid form,” added Prasad. has established itself amongst the most Prasad said that he was elated at the important film events across the globe. overwhelming response the organizers The Festival is organized by the Directorate received for the 51st edition of IFFI. “We of Film Festivals (DFF), Ministry of are absolutely overwhelmed by the kind Information and Broadcasting, Government of response that we have received in terms of India, in collaboration with the State of delegate registration that has come to Government of Goa and the Indian Film us from different parts of the world and Industry. The Festival is recognized by the the kind of participation that we have seen International Federation of Film Producers because we thought it would be difficult to Associations (FIAPF). get things moving.”
Warm welcome
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BEST Moments OF
IFFI
Besides being Asia’s oldest film festival, IFFI is regarded as an important event for filmmakers and industry professionals from across the globe. It embraces the works of a wide variety of international filmmakers across the globe. Here are 10 best moments from this year’s IFFI
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IFFI opened with the Indian premier of the Cannes Best Actor Award winner Mads Mikkelsen starrer ‘Another Round’. The movie directed by Thomas Vinterberg is Denmark’s official entry to the Oscars.
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The 14th Edition of NFDC Film Bazaar was virtually launched during IFFI inaugural (January 16-21, 2021). Film Bazaar is the largest South Asian film market. It encourages creative and financial collaboration between the South Asian and International film communities.
A retrospective section on the occasion of 100th anniversary of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray showcased popular classics like Pather Panchali, Shatranj Ke Khilari, Charulata, Ghare Baire and Sonar Kella. On the occasion of the 150th Birth Anniversary of the father of Indian Cinema, four films by Dadasaheb Phalke will be screened. IFFI will also pay Homage to 18 film personalities who passed away in 2020.
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Bangladesh was Country Focus at IFFI and it is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Liberation of Bangladesh. On the occasion of 100th birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, India and Bangladesh together will be making a joint co-production film Bangabandhu.
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World premiere of ‘Mehrunisa’ by Sandeep Kumar was screened mid-fest. The movie stars FarrukhJaffar and narrates the story of a woman’s lifelong dream. Japanese movie Wife of a Spy directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa brought the curtains down on this edition of the festival.
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“India is a wonderful universe which allows us to continue dreaming day by day, since everything is possible in India”, said Chairman of International Jury, Argentine Film Director Pablo Cesar, in a video message.
IFFI conducted 27 virtual classes which included four masterclasses, nine in-conversation sessions, two in-conversation sessions in collaboration with CII and 12 film appreciation sessions in collaboration with FTII. IFFI had set up its own virtual platform with BECIL for screenings and masterclasses.
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IFFI-2020 HIGHLIGHTS Total Number of Films Screened During The Festival:
224 Films
There is, of course, nothing to beat India’s cultural diversity. The festival, on its part, does its very best every year to give its foreign delegates a taste of the nation as a whole. It rolls out the red carpet for visitors from abroad. Be it films or food, IFFI throws the door open for a wholesome experience.
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IFFI’s importance is also enhanced by the fact that it represents the world’s most prolific filmmaking nation. The festival takes pride in curating the best from India’s annual cinematic output of a 2000-plus titles. It is dynamic and flexible in the approach that it takes to the selection of films – reflecting the sheer diversity the of the country.
10 Member of International Jury, Director Priyadarshan Nair, IFFI Steering Committee members Shaji N. Karun, Rahul Rawail, Manju Borah and Ravi Kottarakkara graced IFFI with their physical presence. Inspite of the Pandemic and Covid restrictions imposed in several countries IFFI hosted 47 international guests from France, Romania, Uruguay, Brazil, Netherland, Germany, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Colombia, Argentina and Austria.
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International Competition Section:
15 Films International Films:
126 Films Premiers (World, International, Asian, Indian):
90 Indian Panorama:
23 feature films and 20 non-feature films Countries Participated:
60 Countries Focus Country:
Bangladesh Virtual Masterclasses and In-Conversation Sessions:
27 Physical Delegates:
4000 Virtual Delegates:
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IFFI 2020
COVID-19 has affected the entertainment world all over. At the same time, it’s a very big encouragement that we are still carrying on with IFFI. This is an inspiration for filmmakers. - PRIYADARSHAN Member of International Jury, IFFI 2020
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SNAPSHOTS
Cinema has an incredible binding power which resonates with people across the world. Cinema is something that takes you around the world, gives you knowledge, gets you closer to the culture of the world. Let cinema be the new pandemic. - Sudeep Kannada film star and Chief Guest for IFFI opening ceremony
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Vittorio’s victory
Italian cinematographer Vittorio Storaro honoured with the prestigious IFFI 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award Vittorio Storaro thanked IFFI for recognizing his journey. In a video message, the legendary cinematographer thanked IFFI for recognizing his journey. He said that he owes the incredible visual journey he had, to his colleagues and great directors like Bernardo Bertolucci, Francis Coppola, Carlos Oliveira and Woody Allen and could not have done anything by himself. “They led me in a special way, like in an orchestra, to use my language of light”, he said. In a word of advice to young cinematographers, he said, “Study, research, prepare yourself. Love what you do, only if you love and believe in something very clear and strongly, you can make it” Vittorio Storaro Italian cinematographer 8
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Biswadeep & Bangladesh
Veteran actor Biswajit Chatterjee received the IFFI 2020 Indian Personality of the Year Award “I thank the Government of India and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting from the bottom of my heart, for honouring me with this award. This year, we came to know that Bangladesh is our focus country, a country with which I have a deep connection. When Bangladesh was being attacked, genius director Ritwik Gatak was with me in Mumbai and we used to get inspired by the speeches of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Then as per Ritwik Da’s suggestion, we made the documentary THERE FLOWS PADMA, THE MOTHER RIVER. I can never forget the love I got from Bangladesh. Bangladesh and India are one, we are brethren; we are not separate.” Biswajit Chatterjee Indian actor 9
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IFFI 2020
AWARD WINNERS Eminent IFFI Jury Pablo Cesar (Argentina) as Chairman, Prasanna Vithanage (Sri Lanka), Abu Bakr Shawky (Austria), Priyadarshan (India) and Rubaiyat Hossain (Bangladesh) picked the winners.
Golden Peacock Award
INTO THE DARKNESS/De Forbandede År directed by St Anders Refn and produced by Lene Børglum won the coveted Award. Country: Denmark The film is set in Denmark in the 1940’s. World War 2 is raging throughout Europe, with no end in sight. Denmark, while declaring herself neutral at the start of the war, is occupied by hitler’s third reich, the consequences of which drive a wedge between members of the skov family, particularly Karl the successful owner of a electronics factory and his son aksel (future star mads reuther), who reacts against the increasing oppression and persecution of Jews and communists by joining the rising resistance movement.
Chen-Nien Ko won the Best Director Award for her film THE SILENT FOREST. Country: Taiwan Inspired by events at a Taiwanese school for the deaf, Ko Chen-nien’s The Silent Forest shows the abuse suffered by students – and how victims turn predators. Silver Peacock Award, Best Director
Silver Peacock Award, Best Actor (Male)
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Tzu Chuan Liu won the Best Actor (Male) Award for his portrayal in and as Chang Cheng in the film THE SILENT FOREST. Country: Taiwan The film is about a deaf teenager Chang Cheng transfers to a school for children with special needs. However, the world of the hearingimpaired doesn’t seem quiet at all.
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Silver Peacock Award, Best Actor (Female)
Zofia Stafiej won the Best Actor (Female) Award for her performance as Ola in the film I NEVER CRY directed by Piotr Domalewski. Country: Poland The film is about Ola, a seventeen-yearold from a small city, sets off to a foreign country on her own. It will turn out to be the trip of her lifetime, a trip into the unknown, on which she will try to reconnect with her estranged father. In Ireland, she will come to know a different world and meet people who will change her approach to life.
FEBRUARY directed by Kamen Kalev won the Special Jury Award. Country: Bulgaria FEBRUARY follows a goatherd from rural Bulgaria through three stages of his life – at the farm as an eight-year-old, in the army at 18 and back at the farm at age 82. Silver Peacock Award, Special Jury Mention
Cássio Pereira dos Santos received the award for the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director for his movie VALENTINA. Country: Portugal Valentina is a reflection of the real life hardships that society forces a strong young woman to endure in order to embrace who she is. Best Debut Feature Film of a Director
ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal
200 Meters directed by Ameen Nayfeh won the ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal instituted by the International council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication, Paris and UNESCO. The criteria for the Gandhi Medal reflect UNESCO’s fundamental mandate of building peace in the mind of men and women, particularly human rights. Country: Palestine, Jordan, Italy, Qatar, Sweden The film is about Mustafa and his wife (Salwa) found themselves torn apart by the Israeli separation wall that divided the palestinian landscape. A 200 meters distance turns into a 200 Km journey.
Assamese Film BRIDGE directed by Kripal Kalita won the Special Mention award from the International Jury. Country: India This film is based on true life incidents on the basis of our interaction with the people from various flood affected regions. Special Mention
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Impeccable International Reputation IFFI, over the years, has nurtured the finest of films and has garnered praise across the globe. It has developed an impeccable international reputation through its inclusivity and endorsement. It has also received an overwhelming response from filmmakers and audiences around the world. The expertise, experience and enthusiasm of the participants add to the grandeur of this event. Even during these unprecedented times, the commitment shown in organizing this film festival reflects the government’s resolve to revive the sunrise industry. As many as 600 International entries and 190 Indian entries have been received this year, reflecting the huge importance the world attaches to it. Prakash Javadekar Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting 12
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Come, Shoot in Goa India is one of the largest cinema hubs in the world. The entertainment industry contributes a large number of films that run in global theatres. The ongoing pandemic and the new normal had put the industry to a grinding halt. Cinemas were closed and film festivals were moved online with the fear of an uncertain economic future. Despite the challenges and uncertainty, the 51st edition of the annual International Film Festival of India is here to reopen the cinema theatres for all the film enthusiasts. I invite Indian and global filmmakers to look at Goa as a preferred destination for filmmaking. The annual IFFI gives an opportunity to members of film fraternity from across the world to explore the jewel from the west coast of India. Pramod Sawant Chief Minister of Goa 13
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Bangladesh Bond Bangladesh is the focus country of IFFI this year. Apart from the recognition of the creativity and ingenuity of the filmmakers of Bangladesh, it is also a testimony of the depth of relations and a historic bond between the two neighbouring countries. We thank the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, for organizing this festival in this challenging time. It shows the commitment and courage you have to face and overcome the challenging situation for your passion and love for arts and culture. Mohammad Imran High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India
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Triumph Over Pandemic This edition of IFFI is special as it establishes India’s position to organize a film festival in a hybrid mode. This has happened for the first time in the whole of Asia. This film festival highlights India’s superior arts as well as well-developed techniques. The festival marks the triumph of human spirit over COVID-19. Each and every person who is from Goa have been very active in supporting this festival in the new hybrid mode. Amit Khare Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Government of India
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IFFI Shines Bright IFFI is an exceptional platform to showcase Indian and international cinema. IFFI aims to project the excellence of film art. Despite the pandemic, 126 films from 60 countries were screened at IFFI. We remain committed to further promote the film sector in the country and look forward towards actively promoting the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) sector. Even as the pandemic has dimmed lights on many events worldwide, IFFI shines bright. Neerja Sekhar Additional Secretary Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Government of India 16
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IFFI’s New Narrative The 51st IFFI edition has written a new narrative where other film festivals in the world will get a new template of excellence. Referring to Resurgent India, Inspirational India and the idea of New India, we have positioned this festival through the medium of films. This festival has taught us how to weave content with technology; It was an unbelievable run because the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting was doing a first-of-its-kind IFFI - in a hybrid mode, combining the physical and the virtual segments, something no other festival in the world has done so far. Chaitanya Prasad Festival Director, Directorate of Film Festivals and IFFI Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Government of India
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Virtual wishes
IFFI is where theIr heart is Cinema celebrities from across India are happy that IFFI became a reality despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and some of them have sent their heartfelt wishes to the festival
MOHANLAL
It has become abundantly clear that the internet is changing the way people experience and consume movies. I am sure the Goa Film Festival will explore, reinvent or reframe the film festival experience itself. This, perhaps, will be the new norm of interacting with film festivals, especially with the filmmakers, actors and technicians from around the globe.
What better way to kickstart 2021 than by celebrating some of the finest cinematic works from across the globe.
RANVEER SINGH
VIDYABALAN
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IFFI is a chance for us cinema lovers to experience it at its best. What makes me happy is that I can watch some of these films from the comfort of my home. The OTT platform being developed for IFFI this year is a great initiative.
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IFFI is something all film enthusiasts look forward to. It’s one of the most prestigious festivals in the world. Movie buffs from across the globe come for the festival and celebrate cinema here.
ANIL KAPOOR I congratulate all the participants and delegates of the 51st International Film Festival of India in Goa. Anupam Kher
It’s an amazing way to kickstart 2021 by celebrating the finest cinematic works from across the globe.
Aparshakti Khurana I believe that the festival gives some wonderful opportunity and chance to budding filmmakers to present their work and also the cinema enthusiasts to watch Indian movies and also films from across the globe. The past year has been difficult for all of us and I want to give my best wishes to everyone from the organising committee for continuing the film festival and bringing in the 51st edition. Hope you have a good one.
Vicky Kaushal
Go and watch some great films
Siddhant Chaturvedi 19
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IFFI CATEGORIES 52ND International Film Festival of India, Goa 20th - 28th November, 2021 FOR YOUR ATTENTION GLOBAL FILMMAKERS AND PRODUCERS
COMPETITION Feature films from all continents TOTAL PRIZE MONEY - 2,00,000 USD approx
OTHER SECTIONS
AWARDS
Best Film Golden Peacock and a prize money of ~ 40,00,000/Best Director Silver Peacock and a prize money of ~ 15,00,000/Best Actor (Male) Silver Peacock and a prize money of ~ 10,00,000/Best Actor (Female) Silver Peacock and a prize money of ~ 10,00,000/Special Jury Award Silver Peacock and a prize money of ~ 15,00,000/Award for the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director - Silver Peacock, Certificate and Prize Money of ~ 10,00,000/Lifetime Achievement AwardCertificate, shawl, scroll and a prize money of ~ 10,00,000/Indian Film Personality of the Year Award- Silver Peacock, Certificate and a prize money of ~ 10,00,000/-
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1. World Panorama
2. Foreign Retrospective, Tributes, Special Focus, etc. 3. Indian Panorama, Indian Retrospectives, Tributes.
4. Technical Workshops
5. Masterclasses
6. Film Bazaar
WORLD PANORAMA A choice of the year’s best international cinema.
FOCUS A representative selection of films from another country or region.
INDIAN AND FOREIGN RETROSPECTIVES Works of famous film personalities are screened as part of this section, during the festival.
INDIAN PANORAMA A selection of the year’s best of Indian cinema. Indian Panorama provides a platform to the national film makers from all regions and languages. Films are chosen in this section for their thematic and aesthetic excellence and are also sent to festivals within the country and abroad.
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