BREAKING: The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has just announced its highly anticipated opening film and an array of masterclasses set to take place in Goa from November 20-28, 2023. The festival kicks off with the Brazilian sci-fi drama that won the Silver Bear award earlier this year in Berlin, directed by Gabriel Mascaro. Festival organizers have described the film as “a quiet manifesto on freedom, dignity, and the right to dream.”
The festival will showcase a staggering 240 films across multiple venues, with 160 international titles featured in 15 competitive and curated segments. These segments include the international competition, Indian Panorama, and special presentations like Macabre Dreams and Docu-Montage.
In a significant highlight, the Indian Panorama section will present 25 feature films and 20 non-feature works, including a Tamil-language biographical action film about an army major killed in a counter-terrorism operation in 2014. This showcases the festival’s dedication to local talent.
Japan is set as the country of focus, featuring six Japanese films, including the Oscar candidate “Plan 75” and the award-winning “The Taste of Tea”, which received the Golden Leopard in Locarno. Notably, IFFI selectors have chosen 21 films that are contenders for the Oscars, reinforcing its status as a “festival of festivals.”
Among the international highlights are acclaimed films such as Jafar Panahi’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner “No Bears” and Jim Jarmusch’s Venice Golden Lion winner “Dead Man”. Other noteworthy selections include works from Park Chan-wook and Igor Bezinovic, showcasing the festival’s commitment to diversity and innovation.
In a remarkable move towards inclusion, festival organizers announced that over 50 films directed by women and a similar number from first-time directors will be showcased. The best debut film from India will receive a cash prize of $64,000, and five web series will compete, with the best winning $128,000 to be shared among creators and producers.
The festival will also pay homage to Indian cinema legends like Guru Dutt and Raj Khosla through performances of their career highlights. Iconic personalities such as Aamir Khan and cinematographer Ravi Varman will lead a series of masterclasses aimed at inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. In a grand finale, Rajinikanth will be honored for his remarkable 50 years in cinema during the closing ceremony.
Stay tuned for more updates as IFFI 2023 approaches, promising a celebration of film that emphasizes creativity, diversity, and the art of storytelling. This year’s festival is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with a focus not just on new narratives but also on honoring the rich heritage of cinema.
