Awards
IFFI 2024: A cinematic extravaganza celebrating art, culture, and innovation
Mumbai: The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has long been a beacon of cinematic excellence, and its 55th edition promises to be no exception. Scheduled from 20-28 November 2024 in the vibrant state of Goa, IFFI 2024 is poised to be a celebration of art, culture, and innovation, attracting cinema enthusiasts from around the globe. From a dazzling opening ceremony to a thrilling array of performances, premieres, and cultural events, this year’s festival sets a new standard for cinematic grandeur.
IFFIESTA, an electrifying celebration of art, music, and culture, will take centre stage at the Kala Academy, Panaji. This interactive experience will blend cinema with live performances, showcasing India’s unparalleled cultural diversity. Regional and traditional troupes from across the nation will light up the festival with their vibrant displays. The highlight, a grand parade themed “Celebrating the Joy of Cinema”, will feature local float designers and parade groups presenting breathtaking creativity.
IFFIESTA will also host an entertainment lineup featuring iconic artists such as Asees Kaur, Paradox, When Chai Met Toast, and The Yellow Diary, alongside emerging talents like Anumita Nadesan and DJ The Spindoctor. With food, music, and art in abundance, IFFIESTA will immerse attendees in the magic of Indian culture.
The festival will begin with a glittering opening ceremony on 20 November 2024 at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Goa. The Australian film “Better Man”, directed by Michael Gracy, will set the tone as the opening film, celebrating the life of British pop icon Robbie Williams.
Cinematic legends and film personalities, including Subhash Ghai, Bhumi Pednekar, and Randeep Hooda, will grace the red carpet alongside chief minister Pramod Sawant and union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Attendees will witness awe-inspiring cultural performances, a nostalgic Bollywood dance medley, and a poetic tribute to cinematic icons such as Raj Kapoor and Mohammed Rafi.
IFFI 2024 will focus on nurturing young filmmaking talent through the ‘Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ initiative, which has expanded to support 100 young filmmakers. A newly instituted Best Indian Debut Director Award will honour emerging creators with a Silver Peacock and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.
Masterclasses led by renowned personalities, including A.R. Rahman, Shabana Azmi, and international guests such as Philip Noyce, will offer invaluable insights to aspiring filmmakers.
This year’s festival will feature 180 international films from 81 countries, with 16 world premieres and 43 Asian premieres. The International Competition section includes 15 feature films vying for the coveted Golden Peacock and a Rs 40 lakh cash prize.
Australia, the Country of Focus, will showcase its cinematic brilliance through a dedicated film package. Philip Noyce, the acclaimed Australian director, will receive the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.
IFFI 2024 will be its most inclusive edition yet, featuring live Indian sign language interpretation and accessibility features at all venues. Eco-friendly practices will be implemented throughout the festival, emphasising sustainability.
With over 270 films, 25 masterclasses, and immersive cultural events, IFFI 2024 promises a week-long celebration of creativity, storytelling, and innovation. The festival will conclude on 28th November with an awards ceremony recognising cinematic excellence.
Save the dates and join the magic as IFFI 2024 redefines the essence of cinema.
Awards
Ajay Kakar to chair jury for ad:tech Honours Awards 2026
Industry leaders join jury as nominations surge for marketing tech awards
NEW DELHI: The ad:tech Honours Awards 2026 are gearing up for a bigger second edition, with Ajay Kakar, head of corporate branding at Adani Group, set to chair the jury for India’s technology-focused marketing awards.
Organised in partnership with the International Advertising Association India Chapter, the awards celebrate the growing influence of technology in shaping modern advertising and marketing outcomes. This year’s edition has drawn a strong response from across the industry, signalling rising momentum around innovation in marketing technology.
The organisers say the nominations reflect a wide range of ideas and approaches, highlighting how brands and agencies are increasingly leaning on platforms, tools and data to sharpen their campaigns and connect with audiences more effectively.
Leading the evaluation process, Kakar will head a jury made up of senior leaders from across brands, agencies and technology platforms.
The jury panel includes Amaresh Godbole, CEO, digital technology business at Publicis Groupe; Bishwajeet S, head of marketing and PR at Volkswagen India; Carol Goyal, executive director at Rediffusion and CEO of Aesthetic Intelligence Lab; Kushal Sanghvi, director at Komerz; Lara Balsara, executive director at Madison World; Rana Barua, group CEO India, sea and North Asia; Deepak Oram, senior vice president growth marketing and martech; and Priyanka Khaneja Gandhi, head of marketing and creative solutions at Amazon Ads India.
The ad:tech Honours Awards aim to recognise not just creative campaigns but the smart use of technology that delivers measurable impact and business results. Categories this year reflect the rapidly evolving digital landscape, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, data-driven marketing, content ecosystems, automation, martech and adtech integration, and commerce-led marketing.
The winners will be announced on 17 March 2026 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi during ad:tech New Delhi 2026. The event is expected to bring together leaders from brands, agencies, platforms, creators and technology partners for an evening celebrating the ideas and innovations shaping the future of marketing.iconductor industries.
