Category: IFFI 2024

IFFI 2024

From Tashkent to Belgrade: 55th IFFI Celebrates Stories that Transcend Borders and Cultures

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The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) proudly showcases three exceptional films from Uzbekistan, Estonia, and Serbia. These cinematic gems, crafted by visionary directors and producers, explore themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the indomitable human spirit, inviting audiences on a journey through diverse cultural landscapes.


Among the highlights is The Song Sustxotin, a poignant tale set in a drought-stricken Uzbek village. Directed by the internationally acclaimed Khusnora Rozmatova, the film portrays a community’s battle against nature’s fury and societal despair. Honored with the “For Humanism” award at the Kazan International Muslim Film Festival, Rozmatova has delievered a compelling second feature, showcasing her unwavering commitment to humanistic storytelling.

Adding to the showcase is House, a moving narrative from Uzbekistan directed by Jamshid Narzikulov. The story follows a grieving widow who loses her only son to a reckless online challenge. Her pursuit of justice leads her from a quiet village to the chaos of a sprawling metropolis, where she faces harsh realities while rediscovering her strength and values. This debut feature highlights Narzikulov’s nuanced storytelling, blending personal tragedy with transformative self-discovery.



From Estonia and Serbia comes Deaf Lovers directed by Boris Guts, a renowned Russian experimental film maker. A contemporary tale set in Istanbul, the film follows Sonya, a Ukrainian, and Danya, a Russian, as they navigate the challenges of survival in a foreign city, grappling with shared struggles and aspirations. Their journey explores themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of a shared future amid turbulent pasts. Guts brings his fearless approach to critical issues like poverty, racism, and terminal illness, infusing this international premiere with his signature depth and vision to the film.



While addressing the press conference, Boris Guts underscored the significance of cinema as a strong Language that has power to bridges divides even in the war-stricken landscapes.

Karim, an award-winning film director, while responding to the audience question, emphasized on the role of cinema to unite people across borders and heal differences and bring humanity closer through shared stories.

The Directors also emphasized on the role of cinema in “building a better tomorrow”.



Together, these films showcase the universal power of cinema to transcend borders, connect cultures, and delve into the complexities of the human condition. With their unique storytelling, profound narratives, and artistic brilliance, they promise to leave an indelible mark on audiences at IFFI 2024.

IFFI 2024

55th IFFI Showcases ‘Force of Nature: The Dry 2’ in Country Focus: Australia Segment

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Celebrating the vibrancy and modernity of Australian cinema, 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), hosted in the vibrant state of Goa, showcased Force of Nature: The Dry 2 as a special feature in the “Country Focus: Australia” segment. Director, writer, and producer Robert Connolly engaged with the media in Goa today.

The film follows five women on an executive retreat into a remote wilderness, but only four of them return. Federal Police Agent Aaron Falk becomes deeply invested in uncovering the fate of the missing hiker. As he searches for answers, buried memories from his childhood in the same rugged landscape begin to resurface, intertwining with the mystery of what truly happened.

A cinematic brilliance, the film explores themes of justice, family loyalty, and the emotional scars of the past. It is a gripping thriller that blends a tense investigation with rich character-driven storytelling, set against the unforgiving backdrop of rural Australia.

While addressing the media, Robert Connolly expressed his deep admiration for Indian cinema, stating, “We learn about India through cinema, and I truly loved playing to a packed Indian audience.” When asked about the significance of landscapes in his films, he emphasized their vital role, describing them as ‘critical’ and even as special ‘characters’ in his stories. He further explained that understanding the impact of landscapes on people is essential to crafting meaningful narratives.

On the topic of addressing global issues like climate change through cinema, the director acknowledged the importance of the issue, stating, “It’s an important issue, and emerging filmmakers need to focus on creating films that highlight the impact of climate change.”

In the closing remarks, he also highlighted the growing global reach of Indian cinema, noting that it is watched in large numbers by audiences in Australia. The director also spoke highly of the IFFI, calling it “a foundation for building some exciting stories worldwide.”

IFFI 2024

“ANR’s Vision Made Telugu Cinema a Force to Be Reckoned With”: Nagarjuna Akkineni

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The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) paid tribute to Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), a trailblazer in Indian cinema, through a special session titled “Centenary Special ANR: Celebrating the Life and Works of Akkineni Nageswara Rao”. Held at the Kala Academy in Panaji, the session featured his son, Nagarjuna Akkineni, in conversation with acclaimed actress Khushbu Sundar.

The event opened with a tribute video showcasing ANR’s legacy and his pivotal role in shaping Telugu cinema. Nagarjuna shared heartfelt memories of his father and highlighted his vision for the industry.

“My father’s goal was clear: to make Telugu cinema a force to be reckoned with,” Nagarjuna said. “He established Annapurna Studios, which remains a cornerstone of the industry today.” He also emphasized ANR’s foresight in making Telugu cinema pan-Indian, saying, “His belief that language should not be a barrier was ahead of its time.”

Khushbu Sundar engaged Nagarjuna in discussing the responsibility of carrying forward ANR’s legacy. Nagarjuna credited his family for preserving ANR’s vision through initiatives like the Annapurna College of Film and, adding, “it’s about creating a platform for the next generation of filmmakers.”

When asked about a biopic on ANR in an interaction question and answer session, Nagarjuna revealed his plans for a documentary. “A documentary would better capture the essence of his life and vision,” he explained.

The session concluded with Nagarjuna and Khushbu celebrating ANR’s timeless contributions to cinema, leaving the audience inspired by the enduring legacy of a cinematic legend.

IFFI 2024

18th edition of Film Bazaar kicks off at IFFI, Goa

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The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) today witnessed the vibrant launch of 18th edition of Film Bazaar, South Asia’s premier film market. A significant segment of IFFI, Film Bazaar promises a dynamic platform for aspiring filmmakers and established industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and propel the future of cinema.

Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, while inaugurating Film Bazaar at IFFI, highlighted the record-breaking number of registrations (over 1500) and the presence of more than 10 country-specific pavilions. “This is an exceptional platform to nurture future filmmakers. From presenting ideas to securing deals, Film Bazaar fosters productive interactions across all levels of the industry,” he remarked.

He further elaborated on IFFI’s commitment to fostering young talent. “This year’s Creative Minds Of Tomorrow (CMOT) program, a beacon for discovering and nurturing India’s brightest young talents in filmmaking boasts of a significant expansion, welcoming 100 promising individuals”, he added.

Gracing the occasion, Shekhar Kapur, Festival Director of 55th IFFI described Film Bazaar as an interesting platform where young filmmakers present their ideas and creations with passion. “Film Bazaar pulsates with the energy of young filmmakers showcasing their work with immense passion. I truly want to be here and feel that passion”, remarked the renowned filmmaker.

Vrunda Manohar Desai, Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of I&B, unveiled details of the Co-Production Market, featuring 21 feature films and 8 web series from seven countries. Highlighting the Viewing Room, a vital resource for filmmakers seeking distribution and funding, she revealed that 208 films will be available for viewing this year, encompassing feature, mid-length, and short formats.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Jerome Paillard, Advisor Film Bazaar, and Nicholas McCaffrey, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to India.