International
Lights, camera, Goa! IFFI 2024 to spotlight young filmmakers
Mumbai: The stage is set for the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) as it prepares to dazzle cinephiles from 20-28 November. Bringing the world of cinema to Goa, IFFI 2024 celebrates young filmmakers and emerging voices, building a vibrant platform to shape the future of storytelling. The festival promises a week of innovative programming, masterclasses with industry icons, and screenings of acclaimed films from around the globe, creating an unmissable cinematic journey for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The theme, ‘Young Filmmakers – The Future is Now’, champions India’s emerging talent, aligning with the ministry of information and broadcasting ‘s vision to empower youth as the torchbearers of creativity. Minister of state for information & broadcasting, L. Murugan declared at the curtain-raiser press conference that IFFI is now seen on par with global film festivals like Cannes, evidenced by the record-breaking 1,676 international submissions this year. “IFFI has become a landmark event, not just for India but internationally,” he said, emphasising its increasing global reach and significance.
With new awards and an expanded Creative Minds of Tomorrow initiative, IFFI 2024 is poised to attract 400 young talents from across India. The ministry has organised promotional roadshows in cities like Mumbai and Chennai to boost public engagement, calling on industry leaders and audiences to embrace IFFI as a world-class event and experience the best in cinematic storytelling.
Ministry of I&B, Secretary, Sanjay Jaju reiterated the significance of the festival: “India is rapidly emerging as the world’s largest filmmaking nation, embracing varied formats and perspectives. The new, emerging voices within our industry will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation.” IFFI 2024 will feature curated sections, special awards, and tributes to cinematic legends, all designed to resonate with today’s storytellers and audiences.
Festival director Shekhar Kapur stressed the importance of storytelling: “In a rapidly evolving world, preserving the craft of storytelling is more essential than ever.” His message reflects IFFI’s commitment to honouring and elevating cinema as an impactful cultural force.
IFFI 2024, hosted by the ministry of Information & broadcasting in collaboration with NFDC and the Entertainment Society of Goa, promises a cinematic experience like never before, uniting audiences and artists from around the world to celebrate creativity and cultural heritage.
Key Highlights of IFFI 2024:
– Australia as Country of Focus: IFFI will honour Australia, featuring a dedicated film package, MOU signing between Screen Australia & NFDC, and the Asia premiere of *Better Man* by Michael Gracey, showcasing the life of Robbie Williams.
– Lifetime Achievement Award: The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Australian filmmaker Philip Noyce for his contributions to cinema through films like *Patriot Games* and *The Bone Collector*.
– International Competition and Debut Awards: Fifteen international films will vie for the Golden Peacock, with a new Best Debut Indian Director award celebrating fresh voices in Indian cinema.
– Restored Classics: NFDC-NFAI will screen classic Indian films like *Awara* and *Hum Dono*, restored under the National Film Heritage Mission.
– Accessibility First: IFFI 2024 is the first accessible IFFI, with Svayam as Accessibility Partner, ensuring inclusivity for all audiences with features like audio descriptions and sign language interpretation.
– Masterclasses and Industry Panels: More than 25 sessions featuring global and Indian icons such as AR Rahman, Mani Ratnam, and Shabana Azmi.
– IFFIesta Entertainment Zone: A new youth-focused cultural zone will blend film, music, art, and food, enhancing the festival’s vibrancy and engagement.
International
Russia-India cinematic spectacle Persimmon of My Love set for grand Moscow debut
Hindi cinema style musical revives Indo-Soviet cinema ties for today
MUMBAI: A new chapter in cross-border storytelling is set to unfold as Persimmon of My Love gears up for its premiere in Moscow on 1 April 2026, marking the first large-scale cinematic collaboration between Russia and India in decades.
Positioned as a modern nod to the cultural exchange that once brought Indian classics to Soviet audiences, the film blends Hindi cinema flair with Russian storytelling, aiming to rekindle a long-standing cinematic friendship.
Directed by Marius Weisberg, the musical comedy follows two brothers navigating a lively world of music, family and romance. The lead roles are played by Demis Karibidis and Mikhail Galustyan, with Karibidis also contributing as a screenwriter.
Shot entirely in India, the production leans heavily into Hindi cinema style spectacle. Filming took place across Mumbai studios and the cities of Udaipur and Jodhpur, whose architecture was used to create the fictional setting of Khurmada. A crew of over 350 worked on the project, with large-scale sequences featuring up to 1,000 extras.
The film also brings Indian creative talent into the mix. Dance sequences are choreographed by Jay Kumar, while music by Zurab Matua features songs in both Hindi and Russian, adding to its cross-cultural appeal.
Backed by TNT channel, MyWayStudio and the Russian Cinema Fund, the project reflects a broader push to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
With its mix of colour, comedy and cross-border collaboration, Persimmon of My Love is not just a film release but a reminder that cinema, much like music, travels well across borders.
