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Shekhar Kapur’s vision for IFFI: Blending tradition with technology
A new era for the International Film Festival of India
Veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, recently appointed as the festival director of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), has ambitious plans to transform the 55-year-old event held in Goa. His vision includes launching a new technology-focused companion event called Waves, which aims to expand the festival’s scope and embrace the future of content creation.
A dual focus: Traditional cinema and cutting-edge technology
Kapur, who was appointed on July 24 as the festival director for IFFI’s 55th and 56th editions, aims to position IFFI as a global hub for both traditional cinema and innovative content technology. “We’re looking to create a festival that celebrates artistic excellence while embracing the future of content creation,” Kapur stated.
A significant addition to this year’s IFFI will be Waves, described by Kapur as “a confluence of content and technology.” While associated with IFFI and under the purview of India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Waves will be a separate event running concurrently. This initiative underscores Kapur’s belief that India, as the world’s largest content nation, will play a crucial role in driving content technology.
Waves: A platform for innovation
Waves aims to showcase new technologies and encourage investment in India’s tech sector. “What we’re actually doing is inviting people here saying, ‘You know what you’re using in the market, but you should use it here,'” Kapur explained. “We’re saying to people, ‘Park IP in India, create IP in India.'”
Kapur emphasized the event’s potential significance, noting that India is the world’s second-largest content consumer after China. ”It’s going to be a very sexy festival,” Kapur enthused. “It’s going to be one of the prime festivals.”
Celebrating artistic excellence
On the traditional cinema side of IFFI, Kapur stressed the importance of maintaining artistic excellence. “The art form of storytelling will always be the spearhead,” he said. “It represents the striving for excellence. The awards will go to those that strive for artistic excellence.”
Kapur also highlighted IFFI’s recently instituted OTT (streaming) awards, recognizing the platform’s contribution to discovering new talent. “We cannot ignore OTT,” he said. “It has contributed to an immense creative talent – writers, directors, actors. The discovery of new talent has all been done by OTT.”
Balancing AI and traditional roles
Addressing concerns about AI’s impact on the entertainment industry, Kapur acknowledged the need for balance. “AI is too all-encompassing a technology to ignore,” he said. ”We have to find a way to come to terms with the question of IP. We need to find ways where it’s not a contradiction, but a collaboration.”
Kapur warned about the potential consequences of conflict between AI and traditional industry roles. “What we can’t afford is a conflict because if there’s a conflict, AI will win. Because it’s too sexy a technology, everybody’s already using it.”
To illustrate AI’s potential, Kapur shared an anecdote about his cook using ChatGPT to write a treatment for a sequel to his 1987 smash hit Mr. India 2. “It was just as good as the other people,” Kapur said, adding that his cook, Nilesh, has since become interested in various AI-generated art forms.
Film Bazaar: South Asia’s largest content market
IFFI also encompasses Film Bazaar, South Asia’s largest content market. The 55th edition of IFFI takes place from November 20-28. There are speculations that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could inaugurate the event.
Personal reflections for cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, the evolution of IFFI under Shekhar Kapur’s direction is particularly exciting. The integration of technology with traditional storytelling offers a unique blend that could redefine the festival experience. For those passionate about the future of content creation, Waves presents an opportunity to witness firsthand the innovations shaping the industry.
For music lovers, the festival’s embrace of OTT platforms highlights the growing importance of streaming services in discovering new talent. This shift not only democratizes access to content but also provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work.
In-depth analysis and distinctive comments
Kapur’s vision for IFFI reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where the lines between traditional and digital media are increasingly blurred. By positioning IFFI as a hub for both artistic excellence and technological innovation, Kapur is setting a precedent for other festivals to follow.
The introduction of Waves is a strategic move that acknowledges the role of technology in content creation. It’s a recognition that the future of storytelling lies at the intersection of art and technology. This approach not only enhances the festival’s appeal but also positions India as a leader in the global content market.
Links to trailers and information pages
For those interested in exploring the movies and series mentioned, here are the direct links to their trailers and information pages:
By providing these links, readers can delve deeper into the content and gain a better understanding of the works discussed.
Final thoughts
Shekhar Kapur’s plans for IFFI represent a bold step forward in the festival’s evolution. By embracing both traditional cinema and cutting-edge technology, IFFI is poised to become a global hub for content creation. For cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts, this transformation offers a glimpse into the future of storytelling and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
