‘Stories are more powerful than the single technology that is behind it’. The ‘Film Festival Directors’ Round Table’ took place on Thursday under the 55th IFFI in Goa. Shekhar Kapur, who has previously directed the event, guided the proceedings. Although the technological upgradation in cinema has been changing things drastically for many years, there is something constant-a shared experience of watching a film on a large screen, Shekhar Kapur said, hosting the ‘Film Festival Directors’ Round Table’ on Thursday at the 55th IFFI in Goa. Attendants included Cameron Bailey, CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival, Giona Nazzaro, the artistic director of the Locarno Film Festival and Emma Boa, Festival producer of Edinburgh International Film Festival. The panelists agreed that despite evolving technology, the communal viewing experience remains cinema’s most potent aspect.
Kapur expressed concern about the prevalence of short-form content like videos and reels, noting that only “around 10% of the world is watching cinema as we know it”. He questioned whether there was an obligation to safeguard traditional cinema.
Bailey emphasized that narratives hold more power than any single technological advancement. He stated, “Technology will keep changing but the powerful thing about cinema is that it’s watched together. That amplifies the emotion, the experience and what viewers take back with them. But we can’t hide what technology has done to screen storytelling. That is more powerful today since people are watching on their phone or laptop. But the collective experience should be protected.” According to Nazzaro, “cinema is an art form driven by technology”. He expressed concern that technology could potentially overshadow audience needs. “In today’s world, we refer to films as content. However, films are not merely content; they are art. There are still individuals who have yet to create their first short or feature film. They must champion the notion that their cinematic expressions could be considered art.”
Opening Ceremony- Inaugural function of 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) seeing on 20th November 2024 at 17:00 at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Goa. The Opening Film, a red-carpet premiere of Australian director Michael Gracy’s ‘Better Man’, will premiere at Inox Panjim at 2:00 PM, kicking of the event.
Opening Film Premiere
The Opening Film Premier will be attended by Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting and the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw with Dr. L. Murugan. You are fed in up to October 2023. So the presence of these personages and the Better Man production team proves that festival is an important event that celebrates culture and cinema on a worldwide scale. Glittering Inaugural Event
The pomp-filled opening ceremony, featuring icons of the silver screen, promises to dish out a night that would be forever etched in the hearts of all film lovers for ages to come.
In a riveting twist of events, cinematic legends Abhishek Banerjee and Bhumi Pednekar have been roped in to present the Opening Ceremony. With the spotlight now shifting toward a glorious celebration of cinematic excellence during the 55th IFFI from November 20 to 28, 2024, the crème de la crème of Indian filmdom shall congregate for this grand event. The ceremony will feature numerous film industry figures whose attendance will set the stage for the festival.
Renowned filmmakers and creators including Subhash Ghai, Dinesh Vijan, Amar Kaushik, NM Suresh, RK Selvamani, Ishari Ganeshan, Ravi Kotarakara and lyricist Prasoon Joshi will be present at the Opening Ceremony. Celebrated actors such as Nagarjuna, Nitya Menon, Aamla, Vikrant Massey, Rakul Preet, Manushi Chillar, Boman Irani, Rajkummar Rao, Abhishek Banerjee, Jaideep Ahlawat, Randeep Hooda, Sanya Malhotra, Jayam Ravi, Jacky Bhagnani, R. Sarath Kumar, Mukta Barve, Sonalee Kulkarni and Radhakrishnan Parthiban will also attend, along with other distinguished guests. This spectacular assembly of cinema greats marks the festival’s potential to integrate the best of Indian and international talent into one wonderful show.
Joining the other honoured speakers is Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the inspirational icon who will give a special address.
Spotlight on Australia
This year’s IFFI will highlight Australia as the Country of Focus. The Jannawi Dance Clan, an Australian First Nations dance ensemble, will deliver a captivating cultural performance, fostering international artistic exchange.
Cultural Exhibition and Performances
The opening ceremony will begin with stunning displays showcasing India’s rich cultural and religious heritage. The audience will be immersed in the spiritual essence of Indian culture.
A special ’90s Rewind: Dance Explosion’ will evoke nostalgia through energetic performances of iconic Bollywood hits, while a poetic tribute titled “Timeless Souls” will honour cinematic legends such as Raj Kapoor, ANR and Mohammed Rafi through a blend of visuals, music and poetry. The event will also showcase the progression of Indian film, guiding viewers through its development from silent movies to contemporary cinematic achievements, ending with a
Grand Finale: The Cinematic Symphony, which will feature an energetic performance by Sunny Kaushal and Sanya Malhotra.
Inclusive Opening Ceremony
For the first time in IFFI history, the opening will have live Indian sign language interpretation so that all attendees – hearing and non-hearing – can view and experience the entire festival.
55th International Film Festival of India
It’s going to be a tremendous celebration of film artistry and innovation. As the excitement to the 55th IFFI builds up, cinema enthusiasts in India and around the globe are all set for a week-long festival of excellence in cinema that IFFI has in store for 2024 at Goa.