December 1, 2024: The 55th IFFI – The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) wrapped up on November 28, 2024, with over 11,300 delegates attending from 34 states across India and 28 countries worldwide, IFFI 2024 witnessed a remarkable 12% increase in participation compared to the previous year.
Held at Goa’s Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium the finale had a spectacular closing ceremony that celebrated both Indian and international cinema. This year’s festival was marked by a record number of delegates, star-studded appearances, and unforgettable cinematic experiences, solidifying its status as a global celebration of film and creativity.
Record Participation and Rising International Impact
With over 11,300 delegates attending from 34 states across India and 28 countries worldwide, the 55th IFFI 2024 witnessed a remarkable 12% increase in participation compared to the previous year. The festival also saw an impressive surge in Film Bazaar delegates, with 1,876 attendees—nearly doubling the number from 2023. Foreign representation reached 42 countries, and business projections in the Film Bazaar exceeded Rs 500 crore, signaling an exciting future for the Indian film industry.
The festival’s reach was further amplified by the Tech Pavilion, which included 15 industry partners and secured sponsorship worth Rs 15.36 crore. This year’s festival also welcomed a significant number of young filmmakers, with more than 350 students attending from across India, highlighting IFFI’s role in nurturing the next generation of cinematic talent.
55th IFFI Highlights: A Star-Studded Celebration of Film and Creativity
The Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 55th IFFI were marked by grandeur, with performances, tributes, and award presentations. The prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to acclaimed director Philip Noyce, while the Indian Film Personality of the Year award was given to actor Vikrant Massey. The ceremonies not only honored film legends but also celebrated the diversity and vitality of the global film community.
International Cinema: A Rich Showcase of Cultures and Stories
55th IFFI showcased an impressive selection of 189 international films across genres and countries. From 16 world premieres to 44 Asia premieres, the festival offered audiences a chance to explore global cinematic narratives. Notably, “Toxic” from Lithuania clinched the Golden Peacock for Best Film, while “A New Year That Never Came” from Romania won the Silver Peacock for Best Director.
The Country Focus on Australia added an exciting dimension to the event, with the festival opening with the screening of “Better Man” directed by Michael Gracey, while curated screenings honored the contributions of Australian cinema. Red carpet events added glamour to the screenings, including appearances by stars from Snow Flower and many others.
Spotlight on Indian Cinema: Innovation and Excellence
The Indian Panorama presented 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films that were recognized for their artistic excellence. The new Best Debut Indian Director award showcased a the 55th IFFI emerging talents, with Navjyot Bandiwadekar winning the award for “Grahat Ganapati”. Additionally, the theme of “Young Filmmakers”, led by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, aimed to empower fresh voices in Indian cinema, offering 100 emerging filmmakers a platform to showcase their creativity.
IFFIESTA: A Thriving Hub of Youth and Culture
The IFFIESTA entertainment zone, in collaboration with Zomato, was one of the highlights of the festival. The “District” zone was a lively mix of food stalls, performances, and cultural exhibitions. Acts by When Chai Met Toast and Asees Kaur were crowd favorites, while the Safarnama exhibition celebrated the legacy of Indian filmmaking. With over 18,795 visitors (including 6,000 students), IFFIESTA became the pulse of the festival, drawing young audiences and film enthusiasts alike.
Honoring Cinematic Legends and Restored Classics
55th IFFI also paid tribute to Indian cinema icons marking their centenaries, including Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Raj Kapoor, Mohammad Rafi, and Tapan Sinha. Restored classics like “Awara”, “Devadasu”, and “Seemabaddha” were showcased as part of the National Film Heritage Mission, highlighting India’s rich cinematic history.
Masterclasses and Film Market: Nurturing the Future of Cinema
Over the course of the festival, 30 masterclasses featuring figures like A.R. Rahman, Ranbir Kapoor, Mani Ratnam, and Imtiaz Ali offered invaluable insights into the world of filmmaking. The sessions attracted packed audiences, with Mani Ratnam’s masterclass recording the highest attendance at 89%. Meanwhile, the Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) program provided a platform for 100 young filmmakers to gain exposure and network with industry professionals.
A Landmark Year for 55th IFFI
IFFI 2024 set new records and laid a foundation for future growth in India’s film industry. With significant achievements in delegate participation, business projections, and recognition of young talent, the festival marked a key moment in the global cinematic calendar. As IFFI continues to evolve, its role in shaping the future of cinema and nurturing the creative voices of tomorrow has never been clearer.