IFFI 51, Goa, 16-24 January, 2021, 01: India's eagerly-awaited cinema fest coming-up soon, in testing times
51st IFFI, scheduled for 16th -24th January 2021, is coming-up in less than two weeks. It is organised, as usual, by the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, through the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF), Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Goa, through the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), and the Indian Film Industry.
International Film Festival of India, IFFI, is reckoned as one of Asia’s oldest and India’s biggest film festivals. IFFI started its journey in 1952. Since then, each succeeding year has provided Indian and the foreign film enthusiasts with an opportunity to share ideas, skills and technology, promoting a common culture of film-making and film-viewing.
With IFFI, Indian cinema interacted with the world cinema, beginning with participation of 23 countries in 1952, and showcasing 186 films from 76 countries in 2019. Growing in consistency with IFFI’s motto; ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The whole world is a family). IFFI is also recognised by the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF).
50th IFFI witnessed a mass participation from all walks of life comprising more than 10,000 delegates during the festival. The 50th edition showcased films from all avenues, in 15 sections, out of which 6 were curated especially, for the Golden Jubilee celebration.
The Festival was a grand success and memorable, as it showcased the retrospective of Mr. Ken Loach & Mr. Takashi Miike, Oscar Retrospectives, Golden Peacock Retrospective and Silent Films, with Live Music, for first time.
International Jury of 50th IFFI was chaired by Mr. John Bailey, Former Academy President, along with eminent members, like Ms. Lynne Ramsay, Mr. Robin Campillo, Mr. Zang Yang and Mr. Ramesh Sippy. Ms. Isabelle Huppert received the Life-Time Achievement Award and Legendary Film-maker from Japan, Mr. Takashi Miike shared his process and style of making films during 'In-Conversation', at 50th Edition of IFFI at Panaji, Goa. Other celebrities like Mr. Wagner Moura, Mr. Goran Paskaljevic, Mr. Kristof Deak also participated in IFFI 2019.
The film Parasite, directed by Mr. Bong Joon Ho, which won four Oscars, was India Première at 50th edition of IFFI 2019, and the Film Pain and Glory, directed by Mr. Pedro Almodovar, screened during IFFI 2019, was nominated for best actor, in the 92nd edition of Oscar awards.
The annual fest, which is usually held in the end of November every year, was postponed by almost two months, on account of the Covid 19 Corona pandemic. So, effectively, there was no IFFI in 2020.
51st IFFI, 2021, is a platform for film-makers to participate, and give shape to their plans to create numerous co-production opportunities, in various aspects of film production. Some will participate physically, with due precautions in place, while many others will participate online, as this is going to be a hybrid event.