Mumbai: The mesmerizing world of cinema, known for its ability to unite creative minds and transcend cultural boundaries, is once again set to enchant cinephiles as it returns to Goa on November 20, 2024. The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) embraces the potential of young filmmakers through its theme, ‘Young Filmmakers: The Future is Now.’ The focus on emerging voices acknowledges that the longevity and growth of Indian cinema depend on its new storytellers. These young, innovative filmmakers blend traditional narratives with modern techniques to create unique cinematic experiences. IFFI’s theme comes alive through newly introduced award for debut filmmakers, and initiatives tailored to young talents, all of which align with the festival’s goal of cultivating a generation of cinematic pioneers.
This year’s IFFI has received 1,676 submissions from 101 countries, a testament to the festival’s growing international standing. IFFI 2024 will present over 180+ international films from 81 countries, including 15 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 40 Asian premieres and 106 Indian premiers. As these are a selection of celebrated titles and award-winning films from the global circuit, this year’s festival is set to leave a lasting impact on audiences. Australia will be the Country of Focus for IFFI 2024, with a dedicated package of Australian films and a strong presence at the festival.
Celebrating New Talent: The Best Debut Indian Film Section 2024
One of the highlights of IFFI 2024 is the Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film award, which celebrates outstanding first-time directors. This addition to the awards lists not only shines a spotlight on new perspectives within Indian cinema but also emphasizes the diversity of narratives rooted in India’s regional cultures. This year, five debut directors from across India, spanning languages and regions, will showcase their work.
Selected movies include Boong (Manipuri) by Lakshmipriya Devi, Gharat Ganpati (Marathi) by Navjyot Bandiwadekar, Mikka Bannada Hakki (Kannada) by Manohara K, Razakar (Telugu) by Yata Satyanarayana, and Thanupp (Malayalam) by Ragesh Narayanan.
These debut films, chosen from a pool of 102 submissions, bring a spectrum of cultural insights to the national stage, bridging local stories with national and international audiences. The award will be announced during the closing ceremony, featuring a certificate and a Rs. 5 lakh prize. This new award has been instituted to recognize, young film making talent across the country, aligned with the theme of IFFI focused on ‘Young Filmmakers.’ IFFI encourages new voices through this dedicated platform, allowing emerging filmmakers the rare opportunity to reach a wider audience, gain recognition, and establish their place in the film industry.
Cultivating Creative Talent: Creative Minds of Tomorrow
The Creative Minds of Tomorrow initiative nurtures young cinematic talent across India. Launched during the 52nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2021 as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, this initiative has developed a pool of 225 alumni across three successful editions. In its fourth edition, CMOT will support 100 talented young filmmakers in 13 different film crafts, up from 75 participants in 10 crafts in the previous year, giving them a platform to showcase their skills internationally. The Creative Minds of Tomorrow initiative also saw record-breaking participation with 1,032 entries this year, nearly double that of 2023.
The initiative’s primary goals are to identify young Indian talents, offer them an international stage to share their unique creative voices, and recognize excellence across diverse filmmaking disciplines. The 54th IFFI hosted a CMOT Talent Camp as well, where participants connected with top media and entertainment companies, presented their work, and attended industry-focused masterclasses and panel discussions, fostering significant professional growth and networking opportunities for young filmmakers.
A Dynamic Platform for Industry Collaboration: Film Bazaar 2024
The 18th edition of Film Bazaar, scheduled from November 20 to 24, is set to be the largest yet, with 350+ film projects featured in the various verticals of the Film Market. This year’s Film Bazaar will provide a collaborative platform for filmmakers and industry professionals from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Australia, the UK, Germany, and Hong Kong. This year’s lineup includes films in languages like Hindi, English, Assamese, Tamil, and more, giving diverse voices a chance to pitch projects to producers, distributors, financiers, and festival programmers. The event, organized alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), includes primary segments like the Viewing Room, Work-in-Progress Lab, Co-Production Market, Knowledge Series etc.
Film Bazaar’s Viewing Room will showcase 208 films, including feature, mid-length, and short films from India and South Asia. Designed to connect filmmakers with global distributors and sales agents, the Viewing Room allows professionals to watch films that are completed or in post-production. It will be open from November 21 to 24, featuring 145 feature films, 23 mid-length films, 30 short films, and 10 restored classics curated from NFDC-NFAI’s collection.
A new addition to Film Bazaar 2024 is a cash grant of $20,000 for the top three co-production projects in the Co-Production Market, fostering collaboration and supporting emerging filmmakers. The Co-Production Market will feature 21 feature films and 8 web series from seven countries. The Knowledge Series will include pitching sessions and workshops on film production, distribution, and international collaboration.
This year, the Pavilions and Exhibitions will witness overwhelming participation from various Countries & States, Film Industry, Tech & VFX Industry, etc. Several scale-ups are being done through partnership with FICCI, to help ensure better industry participation in the Pavilions. Open ‘Buyers-Sellers’ Meet will also be organized in this year’s Film Bazaar, where filmmakers can meet collaborators.
Film Bazaar has announced six exceptional fiction films which have made it to the official selection for the Work-in-Progress Lab at IFFI this year. The selected films are: Shape of Momos by Tribeny Rai (Nepali), Gaangshalik (River Bird) by Shakteedhar Bir (Bengali), Yerra Mandaram (The Red Hibiscus) by Mohan Kumar Valasala (Telugu), Kaatti Ri Raatti (Hunters Moon) by Ridham Janve (Gaddi, Nepali), Umal by Siddharth Badi (Marathi), The Good, The Bad, The Hungry by Vivek Kumar (Hindi). Following the time-tested model, the Lab will constitute both Online and Offline sessions this year as well. This mix of different modes of engagement allows the filmmakers and the mentors to brainstorm in real time and figure out ways to achieve the post-production support. Five out of these six films are debut features from young and emerging filmmakers. The Works in Progress (WIP) segment reflects IFFI’s commitment to foster creativity, and highlight stories that resonate to diverse audiences reflecting the complexities of contemporary life through the eyes of a new generation of artists.
Launched in 2007 by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Film Bazaar has since grown into South Asia’s largest co-production market and B2B platform for promoting regional cinema to an international audience. Successful films like Lunch Box, Margarita With A Straw, Chauthi Koot, Qissa, Ship of Theseus, Titli, Court, Anhe Ghode Da Daan, Miss Lovely, Dum Lagake Haisha, Liar’s Dice and Thithi have previously benefited from the platform.
IFFI 2024 introduces four exciting international programming sections to broaden its cinematic scope: Rising Stars, celebrating the works of emerging directors; Mission Life, spotlighting eco-conscious films; Australia: Country of Focus, offering insights into Australian storytelling; and the Treaty Country Package, a curated selection from the British Film Institute. These additions enhance the festival’s diversity, bringing global stories that highlight resilience, innovation, and the evolving nature of the cinematic arts. In alignment with its commitment to inclusion, IFFI 2024 showcases 47 films directed by women and 66 works from young and debut filmmakers, emphasizing its support for under-represented voices. The Women in Cinema section particularly honors emerging talent and the impactful contributions of women directors, furthering the festival’s advocacy for a more inclusive film industry.
An Enriching Educational Experience
In addition to film screenings, IFFI provides an immersive educational experience through its lineup of masterclasses, and panel discussions. Attendees can learn from cinematic legends like AR Rahman, Shabana Azmi, Mani Ratnam, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and international figures Philip Noyce and John Seale. The sessions cover various filmmaking aspects, from sound design and directing to acting techniques, offering young filmmakers a deeper understanding of the craft.
IFFI’s efforts to create such diverse learning spaces echo its mission to equip young filmmakers with the knowledge, tools, and networks they need to make an impact on both national and global stages.
Conclusion
As IFFI steps into its 55th edition, the festival continues to celebrate the artistry of cinema while fostering a new generation of storytellers. Through initiatives like the Best Debut Director Award, the Creative Minds of Tomorrow, and the extensive programming at Film Bazaar, IFFI reinforces its role as a cornerstone for emerging voices. By offering a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative platform, IFFI ensures that young filmmakers can share their unique perspectives with the world. The future of Indian cinema is indeed in capable hands, and IFFI 2024, with its commitment to emerging talent, is paving the way for a cinematic renaissance where diverse voices can flourish.
