Single window system will attract more international filmmakers to India : Javadekar

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The golden jubilee edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) got off to a mesmeric start at Panaji, Goa, in the presence of two stalwarts of Indian cinema : Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth. Ending the long wait of cinephiles across the world, the 50th International Film Festival of India kickstarted in all its glitz and glamour.

At a grand ceremony hosted by the master of entertainment Karan Johar, the doyen of Indian cinema Amitabh Bachchan and the ‘Thalaiva’ of Indian film industry Rajinikanth flagged off the extravaganza and announced the festival open, in the presence of Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar and other official dignitaries. Rajinikanth was conferred the ‘Icon Of Golden Jubilee Award’ for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, a first time award beginning with the 50th edition. One of French cinema’s defining faces actress Ms Isabelle Anne Madeleine Huppert was conferred on the Lifetime Achievement Award.

I & B Minister  Prakash Javadekar while speaking at the inaugural ceremony said that single window system introduced by the government will attract more international filmmakers to shoot their films in India. “ India has lots of scenic and beautiful shooting sites for national and international films but shooting at these locations requires around 15-20 permissions. Government is now preparing for single window arrangement which will take care of all the permissions and it will benefit places like Goa, Leh-Ladakh, and Andaman & Nicobar,” he said.

Javadekar pointed out that films, IT and music are India’s soft power and we have to take it forward. “Every film and character leaves a long lasting imprint on our mind and it has the power to change our thoughts and mood,” he said. He added that the audience for Indian films is growing by leaps and bounds and people across the world really like to watch Indian movies even in China.

“Many good films of the world will be showcased at this film festival and it will be a tribute to former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar,” the Minister said.  He mentioned about a film made by local artists of Goa based on the lives of visually impaired people.

Receiving the ‘Icon Of Golden Jubilee Award, Rajinikanth expressed his happiness to receive the prestigious award from  Amitabh Bachchan. He dedicated the award to all the producers, directors and technicians who worked in his films, his fans and people of Tamil Nadu.

Bachchan expressing his happiness in being honoured stated, “I have no words to express my gratitude to IFFI for honouring me and having a retrospective of my films.”

Earlier, walking the Red Carpet of IFFI 50,  Bachchan said, “ Films have always been an integral part of our social life. To have a festival of this magnitude in Goa exposes the Goans to what happens in the international world and also gives them an opportunity to meet and mix with people.”

Secretary, Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Amit Khare mentioned the highlights of this year’s festival and noted the tremendous change in the last 50 editions from a participation of 23 countries in 1952, to 76 countries this year.

Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said that the IFFI package this year is an interesting mix of leisure and entertainment. “ IFFI bridges the gap between India and international film industry and provides the opportunity to explore the cinema,” he said, according to a PIB release.  “We should not forget the objectives of cinema as the mirror of our time and the reflection of our society,” he added.

World known Cinematographer and Chairman of IFFI International Jury John Bailey; Indian film maker and Chairman of Indian jury Priyadarshan and other jury members of Indian and International jury Maria Lemesheva, Head of Russian delegation, graced the opening ceremony.

As the festival glitters in its golden glory, former Goa Chief Minister late Manohar Parikkar, the man who made IFFI synonymous with Goa, was given a befitting tribute at the opening ceremony by  screening a short film depicting his contribution to IFFI. Legends of Indian film industry Ramesh Sippy, N. Chandra, and P C Sreeram were honoured at the inaugural ceremony.