'Regional films should have more representation in IFFI'

Advocating greater representation of regional films in the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the Consultative Committee of Information and Broadcasting Ministry has proposed that "socially inclined" festivals like Kisan (farmer) film festival be organised in the country.

The suggestion came as Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani chaired a meeting of committee to discuss efforts taken in organising IFFI 2017 held in November last year, and steps to be taken to improve the next edition of the festival.

While the members of the committee appreciated the efforts of the ministry, they said that regional films should be given more representation in IFFI, a statement said.

"They also appreciated the choice of films this year and the large participation of the film fraternity. They proposed to organise socially inclined film festivals like Kisan film festival," it added.

During the meeting, Irani apprised the committee about the various steps and initiatives taken by her ministry in IFFI 2017, including restructuring of all committees and "vast expansion" of the steering and preview committees.

"She also emphasised that for the first time, IFFI officially collaborated with Toronto and Venice Film Festivals. She said that in IFFI 2017, nine master classes were organised, 197 films were screened and 493 delegates invited," the statement said.