Saturday, November 21, 2009

Stage set for the impressive 40th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) – 2009

The Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Digambar V. Kamat has pointed out that 'Goa, a Celluloid Destination' would be an important section this time. The idea is to promote Goa as a shooting destination for all the international directors, producers and other film makers. It was informed that at least eight films shot in Goa will be screened during the Festival. Shri Kamat reiterated that there is no security threat to the Film Festival and the people need not feel concerned on this account. Shri Kamat informed the press that last year they dspent 11 crores and this year planning to cut the cost of the fest. The Chief Minister was addressing a press conference here along with the Shri S. M. Khan ,Festival Director, Shri Sanjay Srivastava ,Chief Secretary of Goa, Shri Manoj Srivasta, CEO of ESG.
The Chief Minister added that a new idea of 'T20 of Indian Cinema', nominating the best of twenty films produced in the last 96 years, has been introduced this year and this has an overwhelming response .The Chief Minister also informed that on the sidelines, at the Corniche between Old GMC and Kala Academy Goan cultural activities would also be showcased between 23rd November to 3rd December 2009.Shri S. M. Khan, the Festival Director pointed out that the International Film Festival of India is also noted worldwide for the attractive awards given out at this Festival. Shri Khan elaborated that the Best Film Award to the Director and Producer of the Award Winning Film in the Competition Section carries a prize money of Rs. 40 lakhs and the Golden Peacock Award. Shri Khan also said that in keeping with the recommendations of the International Jury last year, this year's Silver Peacock Award along with monetary prize of Rs. 15 lakhs would go to the Best Director rather than to the Best Debut Director as had been the practice till last year. The Special Jury Award at IFFI also carries a sum of Rs. 15 lakhs along with the Silver Peacock Award. He informed that this year films from Croatia, Estonia, Italy, and Poland will be screened under the ?Country Focus? Section at IFFI-2009. 75 years of Assamese cinema and screening of Telugu musical hits will be yet another novelty for IFFI-2009. The Indian Section at IFFI - 2009 under nine different segments will screen 77 films. The Indian Panorama at IFFI 2009 would present a bouquet of 44 films, 26 feature films and 18 non-feature films.
Nearly 6000 delegates and more than 300 media persons are likely to participate in IFFI-2009 scheduled to be inaugurated on November 23, 2009. Veteran Film Actress Waheeda Rehman will be the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony. The Governor of Goa Dr S. S. Sidhu, the Chief Minister, Shri Digambar V. Kamat and the Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Smt. Ambika Soni will also grace the occasion. Actor Asin would be special guest for lighting the ceremonial lamp, actor Kabir Bedi and artist Divya Dutta would be compeering. The Festival would conclude on December 03, 2009 with presentation of Golden and Silver Peacock Awards for Best Film and Best Director, the Special Jury Awards as also the Vasudha and Golden Lamp Tree Awards for the short films. The renowned actor Mammootty will be the Chief Guest at the Closing Ceremony.

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