Team Herald
PANJIM: This year’s International Film Festival of India that opens on Tuesday, is likely to be a low-key affair in the absence of ailing Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
While a number of actors from the film industry are expected to arrive during the 10-day festival, there is no mention of any celebrity from the glamour industry as chief guest for the inaugural. The opening ceremony invitation card has just two names mentioned – Minister of State (Ministry of Information & Broadcasting) Rajyavardhan Rathore and CM Parrikar. Interestingly, the detailed programme of the inaugural has not been listed on the invitation.
The 49th edition of the festival will showcase 212 films from over 68 countries which reflect diversity of taste. The International Competition section has 15 films, of which three are from India and the competition section itself represents films produced and co-produced by 22 countries.
Festival Kaleidoscope section carries 20 critically acclaimed international films that have been to major film festivals, a majority of them being multiple award winners.
The World Panorama section has 67 films that include four world premieres, two international premieres, 15 Asia premieres and 60 India premieres.
Israel is the focus country this year and Jharkhand the focus state. Film maker Dan Wolman has been chosen for this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
