The 55th International Film Festival of India took place from 20 to 28 November, 2024 at Panaji, Goa. The theme of this year's festival is 'Young Filmmakers – The Future is Now', so this year a new section and award category 'Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film' has been introduced in the festival to encourage young blood. The award constitutes of a certificate and cash prize of ₹5 lakh in recognition of young directorial talent from India.[1] The festival screened over 180 international films from 81 countries, including 15 world premieres.[2]
On 11 November it was announced that Ashutosh Gowariker an Indian filmmaker served as the chairperson of the international jury, and Phillip Noyce, an Australian film and television director was the recipient of Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.[3] 15 films competed for Golden Peacock award in main competition.[4] Australia was designated as the 'Country of Focus' at the festival, with seven Australian films screened, highlighting the country's rich storytelling traditions, including indigenous and contemporary narratives.[5] The festival honoured the 100th anniversary of four legendary figures in Indian cinema, actor–director Raj Kapoor, filmmaker Tapan Sinha, Telugu star Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and singer Mohammed Rafi, through a dedicated tribute program.[6]
On 6 September 2024, The National Film Development Corporation of India under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India), organised a Roadshow to kick off the 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India. The Roadshow was held at the NFDC Premises on Pedder Road, Mumbai.[9] On October 25, the films selected for the Indian Panorama section, along with the juries for the feature and non-feature categories, were announced. A Hindi–language biographical film Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, will open the Panorama section.[10]
The festival is celebrating the centenary of four icons of Indian cinema—actor-director Raj Kapoor, filmmaker Tapan Sinha, Telugu thespian Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and singer Mohammed Rafi with a special tribute program. In its 55th edition, the festival will showcase restored classics from these legends, including Kapoor’s 1951 crime drama film Awaara, Sinha’s 1976 film Harmonium, Akkineni’s 1953 film Devadasu, and 1961 film Hum Dono, highlighting Rafi’s memorable vocals.[11] The curtain raiser press conference was held on 11 November, attended by union minister of state for Information & Broadcasting, festival director Shekhar Kapur, Central Board of Film Certification chairman, and other senior ministry officials. It was revealed that the 'International Competition' section has 15 feature films, which will compete for the coveted Golden Peacock and ₹40 lakhs. Whereas 'Best Feature Film Debut Director' section has five International plus two Indian Films, which will compete for the Silver Peacock, ₹10 lakh and a certificate. 'IFFIesta’ an entertainment zone, where films, music, and culture converge to enhance youth participation and engagement at the festival will be set up.[2]
Abhishek Banerjee and Bhumi Pednekar hosted the opening ceremony[12] which was graced with live performances from Ishaan Khatter and Manushi Chhillar. Sanya Malhotra and Sunny Kaushal brought the history of Indian cinema to life through a musical tableau, spanning from 1913 to the present day. This year's Country of Focus, Australia, delighted the audience with mesmerizing dance performances. The centennial celebrations of Indian cinema legends Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and Mohammed Rafi were honored in the presence of their families, with commemorative postage stamps released in their memory.[13]
The festival closed on 28 November with Dry Season, a Czech drama film directed by Bohdan Sláma, which focuses on a conflict between two family clans.[14] The ceremony hosted by Samir Kochhar, and attended by director Ramesh Sippy, actor-producer Nivin Pauly, and actor Pratik Gandhi, featured a performance titled 'Rhythms of India'. This showcase celebrated a rich tapestry of dance forms, including Kathak, Garba, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, Manipuri, and the vibrant Pung Cholam Drummers.[15] It concluded with the Lithuanian film Toxic by Saulė Bliuvaitė winning the Golden Peacock award, while Clément Favreau was honored as Best Actor for his performance in the French film Holy Cow.[16][17]
In addition to the Golden Peacock for best film, the Jury decides the winners in the Best Director, Best Actor (Male), Best Actor (Female) and Special Jury Prize categories. The following are the members of the International Jury:[18]
The Feature Film Jury is headed by Film Director, Actor and Screenwriter Chandra Prakash Dwivedi. The Feature Jury constituted of twelve Members collectively representing the diverse Indian film fraternity.[19]
Manoj Joshi, Indian film, stage and television actor
This competition category is a platform for upcoming filmmakers from India and abroad and win the Best Debut Director Award. Seven debut films were nominated in this category.[24]
In Indian Panorama feature and non-feature films of cinematic, thematic, and aesthetic excellence are selected for the promotion of film art through the non-profit screening of these films under different categories.[19][25]
Five Debut Feature Films by Indian Directors will be showcased, that highlight new perspectives, diverse narratives, and innovative cinematic styles from across India.[26] This competition category is a platform for upcoming filmmakers from India and win the Best Debut Director Award.[27]
Ten films have been shortlisted for the ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal, each representing different regions, cultures, and genres, yet united by their commitment to Gandhian principles.[28]
Australia has been nominated as the "Country of Focus" for the festival. A thoughtfully selected lineup of seven Australian films, spanning a variety of genres will be featured in the festival. From acclaimed dramas and impactful documentaries to visually captivating thrillers and uplifting comedies, these films will highlight Australia's unique cultural identity, showcasing a rich array of stories from both indigenous and modern communities.[31]
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