the goan I network
PANAJI
The 49th edition of the International Film Festival of India opened on Tuesday on an overcast gloomy evening but was nonetheless a colourful opening ceremony showcasing ‘New India’.
Governor of Goa Mridula Sinha along with Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Col Rajyavardhan Rathore threw open the festival that will carry on for nine days until November 28.
“I think the potential in India and the potential in the Indian young generation is absolutely amazing. We can be world beaters in any sector and film industry is one such place. This film festival is basically a platform for
our young generation to showcase their talent their stories their skills to the international cinema and allows the international filmmakers to come and see our work as well,” Minister Rathore said as he entered the venue.
Instead of formal speeches, the minister along with chief guest Akshay Kumar interacted with producer Karan Johar in a style on the lines of ‘Koffee with Karan.
Akshay Kumar reflected on his involvement in films that are “socially relevant but also entertaining”. “I have seen so many women who have decided that if a guy doesn’t have a toilet they are about to divorce them. And they are ready to do that or they don’t even want to be with them,” Kumar said recalling the impact of his film ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha” which is also among the films being screened at the festival.
The organisers also managed to sneak in a film to promote the colossal statue of unity unveiled by the Prime Minister last month. So also there was a small clip showcasing the locales of Jharkhand.
In the absence of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Minister for Public Works Development Sudin Dhavalikar read out a pre-written speech and welcomed the delegates to Goa.
“Goa is a state full of colours. It’s effervescent culture warm people and welcoming landscape makes it the perfect destination to host IFFI. IFFI is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia and it marks the beginning of the tourist season in Goa and is celebrated with complete vigour. The festival aims at providing a complete platform for the cinematographers of the world to experience the brilliance and lustre of film and art. It not only contributes to the understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations but it also encourages friendship and solidarity among the people of the world,” Dhavalikar said.
He thanked Parrikar and said “he is the man behind this landmark event who made it possible”.
Chief of the IFFI jury Robert Glinski recalled having come to Goa as a tourist more than ‘30 years ago’.
“I know Goa because I was here as a tourist 30 years ago. Frankly speaking I was not a tourist, I was post hippie and I came here to follow old hippie traces and I spent here very very good times. And I hope we spend together a very good time,” Glinski said.
Israeli director Dan Wolman was conferred with the lifetime achievement award on the occasion.
“I thank IFFI for honouring me with this lifetime achievement award. Which is the highest award I have ever received. For me it’s sweeter and more meaningful because this award is given in India. I’m glad to see that the films that the IFFI curators have selected are diversified and reflect the many voices of our country some mainstream some fringe. Some voices of suffering demanding justice. Some hopeful some mournful some praising others critical. Diversity multiple viewpoints and respect of others are the strength of our culture and tradition. We will be loyal only to them,” Wolman said.
