British film “Catching Dust” is set to open the festival on November 20, with American film “The Featherweight” as the closing title, and Turkish film “About Dry Grasses” as the midfest movie. The festival will run from November 20 to 28, 2023. Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur made the announcement at the curtain raiser press conference of IFFI.
The festival will not only showcase a diverse array of films but also introduce a new award category for web series, recognizing their artistic merit, storytelling excellence, technical prowess, and overall impact. India’s growing media and entertainment industry, along with the flourishing OTT platforms and homegrown content, has led to increased employment opportunities and a vibrant entertainment sector.
In addition to the film screenings, IFFI will honor Hollywood star Michael Douglas with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award and feature masterclass sessions. The festival will also present world premieres of restored films, and a special VFX & Tech Pavilion at the Film Bazaar to promote the Indian visual effects industry.
IFFI is committed to inclusivity and accessibility, offering options for the visually impaired and hearing impaired, as well as multiple language dubs. The festival will also host the third edition of “75 Creative Minds,” an initiative to support young creative talents.
The Indian government is actively working to combat online piracy under the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023. Union Minister Anurag Thakur stated that the government is determined to make India a global leader in the film and entertainment industry. When asked about the possibility of shifting the festival venue to another state in the future, he said that they would consider it if there is interest from state governments.
Overall, the 54th IFFI promises to be a celebration of cinema and a platform for India’s growing influence in the world of entertainment.
