Panaji, Goa:-iArunJaitley, Union Minister Information & Broadcasting has said that the Indian Film industry had come of age in view of the diversity it offered as regards the number of films produced in different languages and themes. Cinema today acted as the alternate religion as it entertained, educated, gave a social perspective to issues, offered young growing minds the vision to learn and nurture talent. ShriJaitleystatedthis while delivering his address at inaugural ceremony of the 45th edition of International Film Festival of India which began in Goa today.
Elaborating further, ShriJaitley said Cinema as medium in the country had matured, there was corporatization of the industry making it more professional and vibrant. The Minister reiterated the efforts being made by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to mainstream the National Film Heritage Mission as a policy initiative. This would ensure the preservation of the record of Indian cinema digitally. ShriJaitley also highlighted the importance of Goa being made the permanent venue of the International Film Festival of India in the context of its hospitality, growth, natural beauty and cultural diversity. ShriManoharParrikar, Union Defence Minister, who was present on the occasion, said that all efforts would be made to host the next edition of IFFI at the permanent venue.
Also speaking on the occasion, Secretary I&B, ShriBimalJulka said that IFFI aimed to nurture, encourage and inspire Indian Cinema and introduce it to the world outside as well as many audiences within the country. Each edition of IFFI facilitated new strategies thereby ensuring enriched, enhanced and enlarged viewing experience. The vision of IFFI was to provide a common platform to project the excellence of the film art. With China being the focus country, ShriJulka said a special package on contemporary Chinese cinema had been created at the festival.
In his address, the Chief Guest for the function, Shri Amitabh Bachchan traced the evolution of Indian Cinema through its various facets touching upon the iconic films in different periods and the dominant themes. ShriBachchan highlighted the role and relevance of Indian Cinema in the context of India’s diversity and plurality.
ShriArunJaitley, Union Minister of Finance, Corporate Affairs, and Information & Broadcasting along with the Chief Guest Shri Amitabh Bachchan conferred the Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year on ShriRajnikanthfor his outstanding contribution to Indian Cinema. The prestigious award consisted of cash prize of Rs. 10,00000, Certificate and the Silver Peacock Medal. The award was instituted last year to commemorate 100 years of Indian Cinema
The International Jury for the Festival was alsointroduced at the inaugural ceremony. ShriJaitley felicitated the Jury Members including the Chairman, Mr.SlawomirIdziak, noted film maker from Poland, eminent Chinese film director, Zhang Jianya, renowned Swiss film maker and Head of International Locarno Film Festival,Nadia Dresti, noted American film critic, Marie Brenner, and renowned Indian Actress, SeemaBiswas.
The inaugural function also witnessed the screening of Swacch Bharat Promotion Film and the Signature Film of the festival. The Signature Film was directed by ShriShaji N Karun, one of the renowned film makers of India. The President directed by eminent Iranian film maker, Mohsen Makhmalbaf was the Opening Film of the festival.
The 11 day festival would screen 178 films from 79 countries across different categories which include World Cinema (61 films), Master-strokes (11 films), Festival Kaleidoscope (20 films), Soul of Asia (7 films), Documentaries (6 films), Animated Films (6 films). Besides, Indian Panorama section would include 26 Feature and 15 Non-Feature Films. North-East being the focus region of the festival, IFFI 2014 would be showcasing 7 films from North Eastern part of India. Regional cinema would also be an integral part of the festival.Retrospective sections on Gulzar and JahnuBaruah, Special Homage films on Richard Attenborough, Robin Williams, ZohraSehgal, SuchitraSen, and special tribute to Farooq Sheikh would be other attractions this year. A special section of films that focus on dance, personality based retrospectives, and Masterclasses/workshopswould also form a part of IFFI 2014.
