49th edition of IFFI opens in Goa, in India everyone has a story to tell, says I&B minister Rathore

GOA: If there’s ever a biopic made on his life, Rajyavardhan Rathore, the ace shooter-turned-politician would have Karan Johar direct the film. The announcement, made during a friendly banter between Karan Johar, actor Akshay Kumar and Union minister for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore set the tone for the next eight days as Goa opened its doors to the 49th edition of the festivals of films — the International Film Festival of India.
The IFFI opening ceremony, with less star power this year in comparison to the years before, however, made up with its festive spirit with an impromptu ‘Konversation with Karan’ sans the ‘Koffee’. The trademark hamper was missing, but the trio discussed films and sports, and Rathore complimenting the rich tradition of storytelling in India. “Stories in India are never-ending. Everyone has a story to tell. Let’s hope and wish that these filmmakers keep making more films to keep us inspired,” he said.
On the opening day of IFFI, Rathore also inaugurated the web portal of the Film Facilitation Office (FFO) to promote and facilitate film shooting by foreign filmmakers in India.
As IFFI enters its 50th year in 2019, the nine-day festival this year will showcase 212 films from 68 countries. IFFI will also mark the World premiere of Julein Landais’ The Aspern Papers, apart from showcasing 16 Academy Award nominated films, 6 Indian rare language films, and three Indian films competing with 15 international films for the Golden and Silver Peacock awards.
IFFI 2018, for the first time ever, will feature a State Focus section that will focus on the films of one of the Indian states, thus shedding light on the art and culture of that particular state. Jharkhand has been selected as the State of Focus for 49th IFFI 2018 and Jharkhand Day will be celebrated on 24th November 2018 as part of the festival.
In this edition, IFFI also collaborated with the International Council for Film, Audiovisual Communication (ICFT) Paris, to present a special ICFT prize consisting of the UNESCO Gandhi Medal to a film, which reflects the ideals promoted by UNESCO. A total of ten films will be showcased for selection of a film to be presented with this coveted award, out of which two are Indian films this year.