International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is an annual festival organized in the state of Goa. It is one of the most important fiestas, which aids the celluloid world in promoting their excellence of art and developing understanding and appreciation for the film culture of different countries. The event acts as a common platform for the film fraternity to project their art and enhancing friendship and mutual cooperation. The Government of Goa and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting jointly conducts this festival.
History of International Film Festival of India
International Film Festival of India was founded in the year 1952 under the patronage of the first Indian Prime Minister and was organized by the Films Division, Government of India. The 1st edition of the event was held in Mumbai which in the subsequent years moved to Calcutta, Delhi, Madras and Trivandrum. Since its third edition, the event became competitive. In the year 1975, a non competitive even called `the Filmotsav` was introduced which was to be held in alternate years in different filmmaking cities. This was later merged with IFFI. International Film Festival of India was moved to Goa permanently in 2004 and since then it became a competitive and annual event.
Principles of International Film Festival of India
International Film Festival of India began with the aim of discovering, supporting and promoting all the genres of filmmaking in order to compile the diverse facets, contents and aesthetics of film world.
International Film Festival of India 2013
The 44th edition of International Film Festival has been organized in 2013 at Panaji, Goa, since 20th to 30th November. At the opening ceremony Susan Sarandon, an American actress, was the chief guest while at the closing ceremony Michelle Yeoh would be the chief guest. Several things were introduced in the event for the first time including a movie produced and directed by an Afghan Director. Waheeda Rehman, the famed Bollywood actress would be honoured with Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year. The event started with a Czech film `Don Juans` and under Indian panorama, the Malayalam film `Kanyaka Talkies`, served as the opening movie.
International Film Festival of India acts as an excellent forum for the confluence of greatest film artists of the world and the fresh emerging talents. The occasion offers an open arena for the world wide film professionals and lovers to interact and expand the horizons of celluloid world. It also inspires and encourages Indian cinema to stand at par with the international ones and showcase its potentiality. It is an event to formulate new concepts and strategies to enrich the celluloid industry and enhance the viewing experience.