54th International Film Festival Of India To Be Celebrated In Goa

Union Minister Shri Anurag Thakur announced that the 54th International Film Festival will be held from 20th to 28th November, 2023, in Goa. Mr Michael Douglas will receive the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award this year. According to the Minister, there are approximately 600 entries in this sector for this year. 

54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is organising the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
• This is done in collaboration with the State Government of Goa and its Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG).
• 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is celebrated in Goa from November 20 to November 28, 2023.
• IFFI is one of the 14 largest and most distinguished 'International Competition Feature Film Festivals' in the world. 
• The International Federation of Film Producers' Association (FIAPF) has accredited IFFI. The FIAPF is the global regulatory body for film festivals. 
• International Film Festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, and Venice are examples of well-known festivals that have been certified by FIAPF in this category.

Highlights of  54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

• Indian Panorama: The 'Indian Panorama'  segment will comprise 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films from India. Reserved for Indian feature films in accordance with the Indian Panorama Regulations 2023.
• Film Bazaar: It is South Asia's largest and one of Asia's most prolific film fairs, hosted by IFFI, and presents a plethora of content to potential buyers from various nations.

• International Competition for Feature Films: There can be up to 15 entries, including up to three Indian films. This category is reserved for fiction films that are at least 70 minutes long.

• Non-Competition (World Panorama): Comprising at least 70 minutes of feature length and featuring films from all around the world.
• Country Focus & Curated Packages: There will include both Indian and international films, as well as special screenings and gala debuts.
• Content Selection Criteria: The NFDC (National Film Development Corporation) has the authority to exclude films that do not correspond with the aim of the festival.
• Technical Workshops, Masterclasses, and Academic Sessions: There will be both virtual and real activities, such as panel discussions and the Talent Hub.

Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award (SRLTA)

• The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award (SRLTA) is presented for Excellence in World Cinema. 
• Michael Douglas is a Hollywood Actor & Producer who will be awarded with Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Achievement of Michael Douglas 
  • 2 Oscars
  • 5 Golden Globe Awards
  • A Primetime Emmy Award 
  • Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement at the 76th Festival de Cannes 2023 
• Michael is a renowned producer as well as an actor. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and The China Syndrome are two of his outstanding flicks. Mr. Douglas is well-known for his humanitarian contributions. 
• In 1998, he was also named a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

Best Web Series (OTT) Award

• The  Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has created the Best Web Series (OTT) Award to recognise excellent content creators on OTT platforms.
• From 15 OTT platforms, 32 submissions in 10 languages have been received. 

• The winning series will get certificates and a monetary award of 10 lakhs, which will be disclosed during the closing ceremony.

About International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

• In 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was established.
• It is one of the film festivals in Asia which is held annually.
• The festival attempts to provide a common platform for the world's cinemas. 
• The National Film Development Corporation of India (under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) and the state government of Goa jointly organize the festival.
• The first International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was started from the 3rd edition in January 1965 in Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala.

Important facts

• The media and entertainment sector in India is the world's fifth biggest. 
• The International Section will include 198 films, including 13 world premieres.
• 'Catching Dust' will start the festival, followed by 'About Dry Grasses' in the middle and 'The Featherweight' in the closing.
• This year's IFFI Kaleidoscope has 19 award-winning films from several prominent international film festivals.
• This year's Film Bazaar included 300 worldwide film projects for production, distribution, or sales in its 17th edition.
• There will be over 20 'Masterclasses' and 'In Conversation' events with notable directors, cinematographers, and performers.