“Cinema is a modern art of storytelling a collective focus addressed to all, open to all and including all” -Shahrukh Khan -IFFI 42 nd edition opened

The 42nd International Film Festival of India was inaugurated at Rabindra Bhavan ,Madgaon ,Goa.. Ambika Son ,Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Chief Minister of Goa Digambar Kamat were joined by Chief Guest Shah Rukh Khan, Actress Rituparna Sengupta, Mayor of Margao, Susheela Naik, Shri Uday Kumar Varma, Secretary I&B Ministry, Sanjay Shrivastava-Chief Secretary Goa, Festival Director Shankar Mohan, Manoj Shrivastav-CEO, Entertainment Society among others, to light the ceremonial lamp.
Addressing the gathering, Ambika Soni said “Let IFFI become truly an international event- an international people’s festival”. Digambar Kamat ,Chief Minister of Goa emphasized the growing film culture in the state . Chief Guest Shah Rukh Khan while expressing happiness on being a part of this cinematic extravaganza shared his views on cinema as a medium that binds people in a shared experience. He said, cinema is modern art of storytelling ‘a collective focus addressed to all, open to all and including all’. He said festivals like IFFI are a manifestation of human happiness and should be seen as a sharing of India as people gather to share their joys and creativity. He concluded that an honest effort is critical for producing anything of value and he complimented the organizers for making that honest effort.
Life Time Achievement award was conferred upon French film maker Bertrand Tavernier. The event showcased an extempore painting by Shri Vilas Nayak on Bertrand Tavernier followed by a screening of a two minute clip on the acclaimed filmmaker known for his works in world cinema.
Hosted by Rahul Khanna and Tisca Chopra, the event showcased the cultural diversity of the country which intermingled with a confluence of movie minds made for the perfect convergence of the world at Indian shores. Starting with the rendition of ‘Vandematram’ featuring seven dancers dancing on slow paced music, the opening ceremony moved on to an Odissi recital by Subhada Varadkar, Lavani performance by Karishma G, Kathak recital by Aditi Mangaldas which culminated to Saptarang Tarana which brought together all the lead performing artists together to showcase the ‘Unity in Diversity’ of the country. The Shillong Chamber Choir presented to the audience renditions which presented the culture of the country in contemporary tones. The international jury panel which comprising of luminary filmmakers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan-the Chairperson of the panel, Dan Wolman from Israel, Lawrence Kardish from USA, Lee Yong Kwan from the Busan Film Festival and Tahmineh Milani from Iran were felicitated by Rituparna Sengupta. The opening film of the festival ‘The Consul of Bordeaux’ directed by Francisco Manso and Joao Correa was screened .