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IFFI 2023: Robbie Williams’ biopic to premiere and Phillip Noyce honored
The anticipation is palpable for the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, set to captivate audiences from November 20-28. This year’s festival promises an eclectic mix of cinematic masterpieces, showcasing creativity from around the world with a special focus on young talent.
Opening Night: The Asian Premiere of “Better Man”
Michael Gracey’s ”Better Man,” an insightful biopic of the British pop legend Robbie Williams, will have its Asian premiere on the festival’s opening night. The film, an Australian production, provides an intimate look at Williams’ life and career, blending personal triumphs with the often unspoken challenges of stardom. As the curtain rises for this grand debut, attendees can expect an emotionally resonant journey, masterfully directed by Gracey.
Check out the movie trailer here: Better Man trailer.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Honoring Phillip Noyce
Renowned Australian filmmaker Phillip Noyce, celebrated for his iconic works like “Clear and Present Danger,” “Salt,” and “Rabbit-Proof Fence,” will be awarded the prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award. Noyce’s illustrious career includes collaborations with cinema giants such as Harrison Ford, Nicole Kidman, and Angelina Jolie. This honor marks a special highlight as Australia is spotlighted as the festival’s Country of Focus.
Dive into the world of Phillip Noyce’s films and his notable contributions to the industry.
The Competition: Films Vying for the Golden Peacock
The festival’s competition section is set to be a battleground for cinematic excellence with 15 feature films in contention for the Golden Peacock award. The jury, chaired by celebrated Indian filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, includes notable figures such as Singaporean writer-director Anthony Chen, British producer Elizabeth Karlsen, Spanish producer Fran Borgia, and Australian editor Jill Bilcock. This diverse panel brings a wealth of experience and varying perspectives, ensuring a robust and fair evaluation process.
Indian Panorama: Showcasing Linguistic Diversity
The Indian Panorama section remains a cornerstone of IFFI, presenting 25 fiction feature films and 20 documentaries that reflect India’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity. Notably, Randeep Hooda’s “Swatantrya Veer Savarkar” in Hindi will inaugurate the documentaries segment, promising to engage and inform audiences with its compelling historical narrative.
Focus on Young Filmmakers: The Future is Now
This year’s festival theme, “The Future is Now,” places a spotlight on emerging filmmakers. A new Best Indian Debut Director award has been introduced to recognize fresh talent. Moreover, the Creative Minds of Tomorrow initiative has expanded to include 100 up-and-coming talents, a significant increase from previous years, reflecting the festival’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers.
Global Showcase: Celebrating Cinematic Diversity
IFFI 2023 will screen over 180 international films from 81 countries, including 15 world premieres. The festival’s expanded venue lineup, featuring six new theaters, and the introduction of an entertainment zone, “IFFiesta,” along Goa’s riverfront, underline its growth and increasing influence.
Tributes and Panels: Honoring Legends and Sharing Knowledge
Paying homage to legends of Indian cinema, the festival will feature tributes with restored classic film screenings and exhibitions celebrating icons like Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Tapan Sinha, and Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Industry veterans such as A.R. Rahman, Prasoon Joshi, Shabana Azmi, Mani Ratnam, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Phillip Noyce, and John Seale will lead masterclasses and panel discussions, offering invaluable insights and sharing their wealth of knowledge with attendees.
Festival Director’s Vision
During a curtain-raiser press conference in New Delhi, festival director Shekhar Kapur emphasized the evolving nature of film consumption and the importance of preserving theatrical experiences. He stated, “Only 5% of our population use film, so we have a responsibility to nurture this idea. Theatrical film is becoming less and less important, but we need to keep this idea of theatrical film. It’s something that we need to nurture without actually saying that it’s the only important thing, because storytelling is everything.”
Film Bazaar: Boosting Industry Participation
Running parallel to IFFI, Film Bazaar returns for its 18th edition from November 20-24, promising to be South Asia’s largest film market. With former Cannes Marche du Film head Jerome Paillard joining as an advisor, the market will feature over 350 film projects and host a variety of buyer-seller meetings along Goa’s scenic waterfront promenade. This year’s collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) aims to enhance industry participation and foster new business opportunities.
