PANJIM, NOV 15
Renowned Indian filmmaker Yash Chopra will inaugurate the 41st International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2010, the Director of Film Festival announced here today.
Briefing media persons, Director of Film Festival S M Khan said that Yash Chopra along with other film personalities will be inaugurating the festival on November 22 at Kala Academy.
Last week, sources from Entertainment Society of India (ESG) had confirmed the presence of actor Ajay Devgan for the inaugural function.
“This year, a group of eminent film personalities will be felicitated during the inaugural function as well as at the closing ceremony of IFFI,” Khan added.
The director said that IFFI since long had been felicitating various film personalities during the festival.
“However, the process was discontinued seven to eight years back,” he stated.
The 10-day-long festival, beginning from November 22 will screen 70-80 films in the Cinema of the World Section.
“This time record number of 450 entries came for this section. The jury members, comprising 20 eminent persons from the industry were confused as all the movies sounded the best,” Khan said adding that 15 films from different countries including three Indian films will be competing for International Competition Section.
As Orissa is celebrating 75 years of its cinema, Khan said that the State’s film industry will be the focus for the festival.
Prominent films from this State along with the filmmakers will be making their way to IFFI,” he stated.
Talking more on the festival, the director said that IFFI, this time will be hosting two master classes by Oscar Award winner Resul Pookutty on ‘sound and technology in cinema’ on November 27 and by actor Boman Irani on ‘acting in cinema (comedy in Hindi cinema)’ on December 1.
Khan, who took a review meeting of IFFI, expressed happiness over the preparations.
“There has been perfect coordination between ESG and Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF)…everything is going on a smooth note,” he said.
ESG, CEO Manoj Srivastava during the press conference briefed on Shopping and Food Festival, jointly organised by ESG and Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).
“The Shopping and Food Festival will embody the spirit of IFFI with the perfect mix of fun, entertainment and great cuisine,” he said.
The two host cities for the festival-Panjim and Margao will have a grand inaugural on November 19 (Margao) and November 21 (Panjim).
During the festival, extensive discounts ranging from 20-30 percent will be offered at 200 retail establishments and restaurants.
“This year, not just IFFI delegates but every Goan will be able to avail the benefit of this festival,” the CEO said.
