Much like the cocktails served at Goan beach shacks, the opening ceremony of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was a mix of some perfect ingredients—film talk, celebrity glam and breath-taking performances—which stirred emotions and set the tone for the next eight days of the festival.
On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Goa for the 20th time played host to India's biggest film fiesta that kicked off at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Bambolim, just around six in the evening.
Speaking on the red carpet before the opening, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant exclaimed how Goa and IFFI have become synonymous with each other.
“This time, the Film Bazaar, Film Extravaganza and Film Parade are happening for the first time, and are the special attraction of the 55th International Film Festival of India,” the minister said welcoming all the delegates headed for this film fiesta.
Along with a star-studded line-up, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Festival Director Shekhar Kapur and other dignitaries marked their presence at the event.
FOR A GREENER FUTURE
With quite a packed stadium, the gala opening commenced with a symbolic act of watering a sapling, showcasing a commitment to a greener future.
Speaking at the occasion, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar went on to commend the actors for bringing happiness to the lives of the audiences but insisted they take care of their well-being too.
“It’s also important for the artists' fraternity to take care of their mental health by getting out of their anxiety, depression and tension. They should not only concentrate on others' happiness but be happy themselves,” he said standing on the glittering stage.
CELEBRATING CINEMA
For the first time ever, the festival featured live Indian sign language interpretation ensuring an inclusive festival experience for all. A total of 1676 film entries from over 101 countries have been received at this year’s edition.
As the international and Indian Paranoma (feature and non-feature category) juries were introduced, the felicitation of several film personalities including Jaideep Ahlawat, Nagarjuna, Randeep Hooda, Rajkumar Rao resulted in quite a cheer from the audience.
Be it the fun banter between the hosts Abhishek Banerjee and stunning Bhumi Pednekar or the energetic performances, there was no compromise on entertainment despite a technical audio issue.
CINEMATIC TRIBUTE
The Jannawi Dance Clan showcased the rich cultural heritage of Australia, which is the country in focus at this festival.
And like every year, dance is an inevitable part of the opening and this year, Ishan Khattar and Manushi Chillar set the stage ablaze with their best moves.
Transporting everyone down memory lane, actors Sunny Kaushal and Sanya Malhotra danced to a medley unfolding India’s film journey from the Silent era to modern cinematic masterpieces.
And nostalgia didn't stop there, a poetic performance by Boman Irani paying tribute to four celluloid icons of the country - Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Mohammed Rafi – was no less than a love letter that resonated with everyone in the audience.
FILMY FUN AWAITS
With the curtains going up on the festival, the next eight days ahead promise a filmy extravaganza, allowing cinema enthusiasts and film lovers to immerse and savour the best as Goa, a tropical gem, transforms into a celluloid paradise.