Panaji: International Film Festival of India 2024 is set to introduce a new cultural extravaganza, IFFIESTA, a week-long festival celebrating the magic of films, food, art, and interactive experiences. Hosted at the Kala Academy in Panaji, from November 21 to 28, the event promises to be a vibrant gathering for people of all ages, offering a unique opportunity to explore India’s rich cultural heritage and modern entertainment.
IFFIESTA will showcase a diverse range of attractions, including traditional dance performances by eleven troupes from across the country, highlighting India's cultural diversity. The festival will also feature a food zone with 15 to 20 top local and national restaurants, where visitors can indulge in a wide variety of culinary delights reflecting the theme of unity through food.
Fashion lovers will enjoy a special fashion show organized by the National Institute of Fashion Technology, which will honor six decades of Indian cinema through stunning designs inspired by iconic film looks. Additionally, a 4,000-square-foot exhibition will celebrate the legacies of cinema legends like Raj Kapoor, Mohd Rafi, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and Tapan Sinha. Using virtual and augmented reality, the exhibit will provide an immersive experience of cinema's evolution, from vintage films to contemporary hits.
A unique installation by the National Film Archive of India will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the painstaking work of film restoration, with screenings of classic films on vintage projectors. Meanwhile, the National Museum of Indian Cinema will provide an immersive audio-visual tour that delves into the history of Indian film.
For those interested in digital content, the Prasar Bharati OTT booth will showcase the expanding world of OTT platforms, allowing visitors to explore the latest in digital films and TV shows. The Waves: Create in India, Interactive Pavilion will also offer fun challenges and activities, highlighting India’s growing influence in global entertainment.
The festival will include film screenings in a 140-seat inflatable theatre, showcasing films from the Indian Panorama and OTT platforms in an intimate, innovative setting. Visitors will also have the chance to interact with top celebrities during exclusive meet-and-greets, Q&A sessions, autograph signings, and social media interactions at the Zomato District Entertainment Arena.
Daily live performances will add to the excitement, with music acts, DJ performances, and stand-up comedy shows keeping the atmosphere lively throughout the week. The IFFIESTA will also feature traditional dance performances, providing a cultural showcase that complements the event's entertainment offerings.
Early-bird delegate registration for IFFIESTA is open until November 10, at a special rate of INR 1,000 plus taxes. After this date, the registration fee will increase to INR 2,000, which grants access to all events and activities throughout the week-long festival.
