55th IFFI ends with a gala closing ceremony
As all good things must come to an end, IFFI 2024 also came to a close on November 28, 2024 at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa, but of course with its lasting impact on celebrating the magic of cinema and the spirit of storytelling, and promising many a pathway for future filmmakers. The 2024 edition of IFFI saw a participation of 11,332 delegates, marking a 12% increase compared to IFFI 2023. Delegates hailed from 34 states and Union Territories across India, alongside international participants from 28 countries.
In the case of Film Bazaar, the number of delegates surged to 1,876, a significant increase from 775 last year. Foreign delegates represented 42 countries. The business projections in the Film Bazaar this year exceeded Rs 500 Crores, marking a significant achievement. The Tech Pavilion featuring 15 industry partners also was an interesting component for the participating delegates. Rs15.36 Cr worth of sponsorship were achieved from industry partners.
Here’s a summary of the key events of 55th International Film Festival of India.
OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES
The Opening and Closing Ceremonies featured star-studded appearances and performances, celebrating both Indian and international cinema. The opening ceremony paid tribute to the centenary celebrations and the rich diversity of Indian cinema. The closing ceremony featured music and dance, while also honoring exceptional achievements with awards, including the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Philip Noyce and the Indian Film Personality of the Year Award to Vikrant Massey.
INTERNATIONAL CINEMA
The international cinema at IFFI was a curated selection of 189 films, handpicked from over 1,800 submissions. The lineup included 16 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 44 Asia premieres, and 109 Indian premieres.
Films from 81 countries graced the screens, showcasing a diverse range of cultures, voices, and visions. The competitive sections were equally exciting, with 15 films competing for the prestigious International Competition Award, 10 in the ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal section, and 7 in the Best Debut Feature Film by a Director category.
The Country Focus on Australia added a distinctive flair to the lineup, showcasing the best of Australian cinema in collaboration with the treaty with Screen Australia. The festival opened with the screening of Australian film Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey.
Amongst the completion films, Ltihuanian film ‘Toxic’ won the Golden Peacock of Best Film and Ronanian Film ‘A New year that never came’ won the silver peacock for Best Director.
GALAPREMIERES AND RED CARPETS
Over 100 red carpet events from the International Section, Indian Panorama, Goan Section, and Beyond Indian Panorama were showcased at the INOX Panjim venue.
