Have begun handing over Iffi to film industry: Fest director

Panaji: The curtain-raiser of the 55th International Film Festival of India (Iffi) on Monday announced 1,676 film submissions from 101 countries. The event will feature over 180 films from 81 nations, including 15 world premieres, three international premieres, 40 Asian premieres, and 106 Indian premieres.

Additionally, 47 films directed by women and 66 works by young and debutant filmmakers will be featured in the ‘Women in Cinema’ section and ‘Young Emerging Voices’ section, respectively. Acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who is the festival director this year, said, “For the first time in the history of the film festival, we have started the tradition of handing over the festival to the industry.”

The festival will kick off with the Asia premiere of ‘Better Man’, an Australian film by director Michael Gracey. It is a portrayal of British pop legend Robbie Williams.

The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Australian director Philip Noyce, known for iconic films like ‘Patriot Games’, ‘Salt’, and ‘The Bone Collector’. Australia is this year’s ‘Country of Focus’.

Fifteen films are vying for the Golden Peacock, which includes a cash prize of Rs 40 lakh. These include 12 international films and three Indian entries. The jury, led by Indian filmmaker and actor Ashutosh Gowariker, will also award prizes for best director, best actor (male and female), and a special jury prize. The best feature film debut director category will see five international and two Indian films compete for the Silver Peacock and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.

The Best Web Series (OTT) Award category has received 46 entries. The winning series will get a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh. The festival has also introduced the best Indian debut director award. Five films from 102 submissions will compete for a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh.

“Iffi has become a landmark event, not just for India but internationally, comparable to global festivals like Cannes,” said I&B minister, L Murugan. To engage the public, the Union ministry has organised promotional roadshows in Mumbai and Chennai, with more events slated for Hyderabad.


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