53rd IFFI kicks off in Goa; 280 films from 79 countries to be screened

The 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) kicked off in Goa on Sunday with the participation of filmmakers and cinema lovers from across the globe.

The opening ceremony was held at the Syama Prasad Mukherjee indoor stadium in Taleigao. Actors Ajay Devgn, Suniel Shetty, Manoj Bajpayee, Paresh Rawal and RRR writer V Vijayendra Prasad were felicitated on the occasion for their contributions to the film industry.

The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon veteran director Carlos Saura, who along with Luis Bunuel and Pedro Almodovar is considered to be one of Spain's most renowned filmmakers. The award was received by his daughter Anna Saura Ramon, while Carlos Saura thanked the IFFI organisers virtually.

Speaking on the occasion, Anurag Thakur said that the Covid pandemic was a challenging time, yet India has put up its best show in two fields -- cinema and sports. "It has been our vision that we embrace new platforms such as OTTs and make them inclusive part of the festival," he said.

Thakur also urged people to send suggestions to make the next IFFI even better. "This is such a destination that no place can replace Goa (as IFFI host)," he added. As many as 25 feature films and 19 non-feature films from India will be showcased in the Indian Panorama section, while 183 films will be a part of the international section.

The nine-day festival featuring 280 films from 79 countries opened with the Austrian film Alma and Oskar, directed by Dieter Berner, while Polish director Krzysztof Zanussi's Perfect Number will be the closing film.

France is the Spotlight country this year and eight films will be screened under the Country Focus package. The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in collaboration with the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) is organising the nine-day event, which will conclude on November 28.

There will be a masterclass in screenwriting by V Vijayendra Prasad, A Sreekar Prasad in editing, and Anupam Kher will conduct a masterclass in acting.

The 'In-conversation' sessions will feature Asha Parekh, Prasoon Joshi, Aanand L Rai, R Balki and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, among others.