IFFI should participate not only in the responsibility of the government but also of the film industry: Prakash Javadekar

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday called on the film industry and other sectors to cooperate with the government in organizing the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the annual Film Extravaganza, Javadekar said that the active participation of non-governmental organizations in such events is necessary.

“The IFFI is organized every year by the central government and government of Goa. Why? There should be participation from the film industry and other industries.

“Just because it is the government’s responsibility to ensure a flourishing atmosphere and the promotion of arts and culture does not mean that the government should do everything,” Javadekar said in his address.

He also invited private players and hoped for their participation in the future editions of the festival.

The 51st edition of the IFFI started here today after being postponed in November 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. It runs until January 24th.

The ceremony took place here in the indoor stadium of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.

The festival is organized in a “hybrid mode” in which participants can participate and watch films and events virtually.

Javadekar said the hybrid edition, which will also have physical screenings, is a testament to the festival’s ability to adapt to changing times.

“Films will be shown in seven cinemas, but online access will be available to all delegates. The newspaper circulation was affected due to COVID, but their digital engagement increased massively.

“So these are changing times in technology that we are benefiting from,” he added.

Javadekar also announced that the Indian Personality of the Year award will be given to veteran actor and filmmaker Biswajit Chatterjee.

The award aims to celebrate film personalities for their exemplary contribution to cinema.

The 84-year-old actor, known for his role in such films as Bees Saal Baad, Night In London and April Fool, would receive the award at the National Film Awards in March 2021.

Goa Prime Minister Pramod Sawant, who was also present at the ceremony, said although the festival is held amid the pandemic, organizers are strictly following state guidelines to ensure the safety of guests.

“We assure you that your health, hygiene and wellbeing were of the utmost importance. We follow all health protocols for the film festival, ”he added.

The annual Goa Film Festival is jointly organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals (under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) and the Goa Government.

PHOTOS | Inside the opening ceremony of the 51st India International Film Festival

The festival shows films from all over the world and offers master classes as well as discussion sessions with recognized talents from national and international cinema.

Another Round by Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg is the festival’s opening film. The film is Denmark’s official contribution to the Oscars and Stars Mades Mikkelsen, winner of the Cannes Best Actor Award.

The 51st edition will screen a total of 224 films in different sections, 15 of which will compete for the Golden Peacock Award.

The festival will also pay homage to actors Irrfan Khan, Sushant Singh Rajput, Rishi Kapoor and Hollywood star Chadwick Boseman, among 28 other world cinema artists, by showcasing their films.

Saand Ki Aankh, directed by Tushar Hiranandani with Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar, will be the opening film for the festival’s panorama section.