PANAJI
The preparations for the 47th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) scheduled to be held from November 20-28 have already begun. Nearly 4,500 delegates have registered for the festival presently. The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) expects to raise 25 per cent of the spending on IFFI through sponsorships.
Addressing a press conference, ESG Chief Executive Officer Ameya Abhyankar said, “This year, we would try and ensure that a large number of things come through sponsorships. Our target is to raise about 20-25 per cent of the amount that we spend on the festival through sponsorships. There are certain limitations to the quantum of sponsorships that can be raised, as this is the official festival of GOI, especially when it comes to title sponsors.”
The ESG is also looking at various creative and innovative things during the upcoming Festival. It has already concluded three workshops with Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, on screenplay writing, acting and film appreciation.
In an attempt to reach out to wider audience, IFFI has also tied up with UNESCO to screen accessible films for the visually impaired.
“For the first time in the history of IFFI, about 3-4 audio enhanced films will be screened for the visually impaired. Our aim is to make IFFI more inclusive in nature”, said Abhyankar.
Additionally, an exhibition by National Film Heritage Mission will be on display to celebrate 70 years of Indian independence.
“Different cinematic moments which capture India’s journey as an independent nation will be showcased through this”, he said.
“In one part of the GMC building, we will have projection mapping for the first time. It is something where you use digital technology projectors to create a series of beautiful visualisations on the face of a structure.” he said.
Speaking about the fringe events to be organised on the sidelines of IFFI, he said, “One of the tie-ups is with the Serendipity Arts Festival which will happen later in December. We are collaborating with them closely to organise a series of talks on different cinematic themes, where we will have two eminent cinema personalities along with a moderator. We want to take the idea of the festival to the city of Panaji. They will curate it at no cost to us.”
IFFI will also witness a wellness summit organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry.
