The 49th edition of International Film Festival of India is being celebrated in a stupendous manner in Goa. The film-fest is currently underway and will wind up on 28th of November. The opening ceremony was held at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa. Mridula Sinha, Goa’s governor, Rajyavardhan Rathore, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Prasoon Pooshi, Chief of Central Board of Film Certification along with celebrities Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar and others graced the inaugural.
Bollywood star Sonu Sood and singer Shilpa Rao delivered energetic performances that electrified the atmosphere.
A special impromptu version of ‘Koffee with Karan’ took place and Karan played his famous quiz with Rathore and Akshay Kumar. The session delighted the gathering. During the inaugural, ace director Dan Wolman was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. He said “This is the highest award I have ever received. For me, it is sweeter and meaningful because this award is given in India, a country which I have become very much a part of, a country whose people, culture and vibrant and phenomenal cinema I admire.”
This year, 6 new film sections have been proposed with an aim to provide the platform to understand and appreciate the film cultures of different nations in the context of their social and cultural ethos.
The film fest will feature 212 films from over 68 countries. Many global directors and debutants have submitted their films for screening and the best film chosen by the jury consisting of Indian and international members will win the coveted Golden Peacock Award. Moviebuffs who have cherished Cannes Film Festival, Toronto Film Festival and Venice Film Festival will now get a chance to witness how excellent is this event that celebrates and gives chance to myriad of excellent global talents. Truly this film fest will spread the joy of Cinema.