Vikranth To Replace Vishnu

Director Suseenthiran’s period flick Maveeran Kittu is all set to hit the screens this Friday (2nd Dec, 2016). Now comes the news about the sequel to his debut flick Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu which released in 2008.Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu was not only critically acclaimed & a commercial success. The film also served as a launchpad for many artistes & technicians who would go on to make huge achievements in Tamil film industry. From director Suseenthitan, lead actor Vishnu Vishal, comedians Soori & Appukutty, the list goes on. Now its sequel will also be centered around the game of Kabaddi. The film’s script & dialogues will be penned by Suseenthiran while his associate Selvasekaran will take care of direction.

Ramya Joins A Star – Studded Tamil Biggie

Ramya Krishnan who was last seen in the blockbuster Baahubali: The Beginning, has been busy shooting for its sequel and she also plays Kamal Haasan’s wife in Sabash Naiduu. Now it has been confirmed that she has bagged a prominent role in another Tamil biggie. Ramya Krishnan will be playing a pivotal role in Suriya’s Thaanaa Serndha Koottam. The film is already laden with a stellar starcast that includes Keerthy Suresh as the female lead, Suresh Menon making a comeback as the villain, veteran comedian Senthil & RJ Balaji. The film directed by youngster Vignesh Sivan has completed 1 schedule in Chennai and the next is all set to begin in Karaikudi soon. Anirudh Ravichander is taking care of the musical score.

Amala’s Next Fairy Tale Title Revealed

After a long hiatus due to her personal life, Amala Paul is back with a bang having more than half a dozen biggies in her kitty including Dhanush’s VIP2 & Vada Chennai, Thiruttu Payale 2 and 3 other films in Telugu, Kannada & Malayalam. Amala Paul is pairing up with Vishnu Vishal in the new film directed by Ram of Mundasupatti fame and the film reportedly has a fairy tale title Cinderella. An official announcement with the FL is expected to be out soon.

Meera’s Strong Suggestion For Sexual Offenders

Meera Jasmine, who is busy doing Malayalam films has come out strongly against men who sexually assault women, suggesting that extreme punishment like castration is the only way of punishing them. She is of the opinion that then the men won’t dare to touch a woman again. Meera spoke at a press conference with a dalit woman whose daughter was raped & killed near Perumbavoor. Meanwhile her latest movie 10 Kalpanakkal directed by Don Max has been released to a decent reception and the film also deals with a serial rapist who murders his victims and goes scot free because of legal loop holes.

Lakshmi Bomb Release Date Announced

Lakshmi Manchu’s next, titled as Lakshmi Bomb, comes with the caption “From Sivakasi. Directed by Gopalakrishna, it is produced by Vella Mounika Chandrasekhar & Uma Lakshmi Narasimha. The news is that the bomb will ‘explode’ on 23rd Dec, 2016, a day on which Nani’s Nenu Local, Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu & Aamir Khan’s Yuddham (dubbed version of Dangal) will hit the screens. Lakshmi Manchu is playing an upright judge’s character here. The title is because her character is as explosive as the Deepavali’s “Lakshmi Bomb”. Sunil Kashyap is composing the music.

Nayanthara Is 2 In 1

The going may not have been great in Telugu, what with Babu Bangaram coming a cropper, but the Numero uno star Nayanthara currently has an enviable line -up of women – centric films in Tamil – Dora, Aramm (where she is playing a District Collector) and others which are in the talks. She is also playing an all – important role in the Atharvaa – Raashi Khanna starrer Imaikka Nodigal. In Imaikka Nodigal, directed by Ajay Gnanamuthu, Nayan plays the mother of a 4 – year – old, which has surprised many in the industry as not many heroines of her age would be ready to play a mom, especially down South.

Naga’s Clarification Stance

There are 3 Krishnas: Kalyan Krishna, Mohankrishna & just Krishna. Forget the 3rd one, for he is not directing Naga Chaitanya’s scheduled outing with Suresh Productions. Ignore the 1st for now, for he has very much been in, filming eagerly with the Akkineni star. The 2nd Krishna, a entleman – ly director, is the one who will direct Chay’s next. Any reports contrary to this are reportedly, patently untrue. To be produced by Sai Korrapati of Vaarahi Chalana Chitram, the Indraganti film will go on the floors in Feb, 2017. Make no mistake, there is no Chandrasekhar Yeleti around. After all, why would Chay say ”Manam Cinema Cheddam” to Yeleti, whatever may be his “Premam” for “Sahasam”?

2 reasons why Mahesh Babu is shooting in Gujarat

As is known, Mahesh Babu is currently shooting for A R Murugadoss’ entertainer in Ahmedabad. This is going to be a marathon schedule that will end only in the last week of Dec, 2016. To be shot in such locations as Dharmaj (near Vadodara), Gift City (Gandhinagar), Riverfront & Ellisbridge, this Rs. 100 cr budgeted movie is in Gujarat for a reason. An English – language daily has quoted one of the producers as saying the locations have been chosen for a two – fold reason. If freshness of the locations is one reason, the other one is that it will be a hassle – free affair. An actioner to be shot outdoors for a good part, any inconvenience cause by eager crowds could entail compromising with quality.

Mammootty Flaunts A New Look

Malayalam film audiences cherishes extraordinary expectations when it comes to a Ranjith movie, but extra hullabaloo is sure to be there when Mammootty teams up with the director. Their earlier films like Pranchiyettan And The Saint, Paleri Manikyam were critically acclaimed and are considered as the best movies in the history of Malayalam Cinema. Their Puthan Panam has already stirred up curiosity, especially in the backdrop of the present scenario where 500 & 1000 notes were declared not legal tenders anymore. The films shooting has commenced in Kochi. Antony Perumbavoor has clapped the board for its 1st shot. In his new film Mammootty will appear with a handlebar moustache and moreover in a salt & pepper style, the locations stills and recent appearance of Mammootty in public functions & Dileep – Kavya wedding hint it.

Mohanlal’s New Look Revealed

Mohanlal has completed shooting in Rajasthan for the war franchise movie of Major Ravi 1971: Beyond Borders, the next 2 schedules is in Palakkad & Uganda. The makers have released through the official page of the film in facebook the new look of Mohanlal in uniform. The film is based on the 1971 Indo – Pak war. It discusses the mental agony & psychological aspects of soldiers during war. Mohanlal essays 2 characters in the film – Major Mahadevan & Major Sahadevan. Major Mahadevan has 2 getups in the film. The film will be released on 27th. Mar, 2017. Allu Sirish & Arunoday Singh are portraying prominent roles in the film.

Simha Hakida Hejje Gets U Certificate

Another Kannada film that is capturing the “Sahasa Simha” Dr. Vishnuvardhana image to sail the boat in box office Simha Hakita Hejje gets U certificate from regional censor board. A film by Pathi Films, Sri Parthasarathy & Gautham Seth produced film is waiting for right theatre set up to release in Dec this year. This is a film by hardcore fan of Dr Vishnuvardhana – Parthasarathy. He is dedicating this film to the legendary actor.The film has Parthasarathy script, Ravishanker Nag dialogue, Shivakumar cinematography, Hari Babu music, Manju Mohan lyrics, Raju dance, Vishwa editing, Babu Khan art. Vikram has written screenplay & directed this film. Preetham, Amrutha, Sharat Lohitashva, Shobaraj, Pawan, Tabala Nani, Sangeetha, Sonu and others are in the cast.

Star Suvarna Jodi

The star Suvarna Super Jodi 2nd series with 10 pairs participating in it is all set for telecast. This time the pair from big & small screen is chosen for more attraction. Very good at anchoring Akul Balaji is key host.
The couple saying we are ready to face any situation, with “Dil” there should be “Dhum” says the statements doing round for this Super Jodi 2. The tasks for this season are very engaging, entertaining, educating & exhaustive too. This is sure to give “Double Dhamaka” for participants & viewers. Akshata & Vinay Gowda were winners of last season of Super Jodi. Vinay Gowda is playing the role of Lord Shiva in Mahadeva mythological TV serial.

The ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal jury, Lola Poggi Goujan and Xueyuan Hun along with the Director, DFF, Shri C. Senthil Rajan at a press conference, during the 47th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2016), in Panaji, Goa on November 26, 2016.

At IFFI Goa 2016, there are 7 films competing for the International Council for Films, Television & Audio – Visual Communication ICFT – UNESCO Gandhi Medal Prize from the International Film Section and 1 film from the Indian Panorama Section.

C. Senthil Rajan, Director DFF, said that he is thankful to ICFT – UNESCO for giving this medal. He announced the contestants for ICFT – UNESCO Gandhi medal prize. These include The Apology (Canada), Beluga (Iran), Cold of Kalandar (Turkey), Exiled (Latvia), The Family – Dementia (Spain), Harmonia
(Israel), A Real Vermeer (The Netherlands) & Allama (India).

Addressing the media today, Ms. Lola Poggi Goujan, Secretary General of ICFT & Jury Member, said that she is glad to be a part of IFFI 2016. She added that ICFT, an official partner of UNESCO established in 1956, is an NGO aiming to stimulate the production & distribution of high quality audio – visual work, especially of young artistes & media avocations at large. She further said that the criteria for the Gandhi Medal will reflect UNESCO’s fundamental mandate of Building peace in the mind of men & women, particularly human rights, intercultural dialogue, promotion & safeguard of diversity of cultural expressions.

Ms. Xueyuan Hun, Associate, ICFT, said that this year they have received a lot of good films from the 47th IFFI and therefore it has become difficult to decide upon the awardee. The award will not only be based on the film but also on the idea. She further said that the collaboration is a joint venture of ICFT & IFFI. Giving her views on Indian films she said that the message of the film & the technical aspects of the film is what she likes.

Talking about the Gandhi medal in further detail, the panel informed that in 1994, UNESCO issued commemorative medal marking the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, the world’s advocate of peace, tolerance & non – violence. The medal bears a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi engraved by the French artist Pierre – Yves Tremois. Etched underneath is the Mahatma’s message of hope: “In the midst of darkness light prevails”. The reverse side carries the UNESCO Logo.

The Director Julieta Noemi Ledesma, Carolina Lusa, Jorge Anibal Roman of the film ‘Son of War’ at a press conference, during the 47th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2016), in Panaji, Goa on November 26, 2016.

The Son of War – Being Awake, was screened at the IFFI, Goa yesterday. In an interaction with the media today, the Director, Ms. Julieta Noemi Ledesma, shared her experience on making the film as a debutant director and getting an opportunity for her film to feature in the “Cinema of the World” category at the IFFI, 2016.

The film is a story about a son who decides to leave his family in the middle of a drought. As it progresses, the story unfolds to show how human values undergo a change and how the selfish & animalistic side of humans comes to the foreground in the times of diversity.

Talking about the pre – production journey of the film, Ms. Ledesma said that making this film was an intense experience and it took around 10 years to produce it. The film is a reflection of her personal experience, she added. The Director, while answering another question, said that she likes depicting reality & true emotions through her characters and would like to continue with same genre in future.

Ms. Carolina Lusa, Production manager of the film, said that this film is an Argentina -Uruguay production and she is glad that it is being screened at the IFFI 2016.

Mr. Pablo Rios, Actor of the film, said that it was his 1st experience as an actor and was a bit difficult to portray the character according to the desire of the Director, but thanks to the talented crew he was able to do everything smoothly.

Ms. Julieta Dolinski, Art Director of the film, described how challenging was it for her to create an ambiance which was strange & silent, given the demand of the script, but she has tried her best to meet the vision of the Director.

Mr. Jorge Anibal Roman, Actor of the film, said that this is his 10th Film as an actor but working on this script was an intense experience.

The Director, DFF, Shri C. Senthil Rajan and the Digital Effect Supervisor (AMPAS) Theresa Ellis at a press conference, during the 47th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2016), in Panaji, Goa on November 26, 2016.

In the “Meet With VFX Experts” series at the 47th International Film Festival of India (IFFI Goa 2016), the Post Visual Effects & Compositing Supervisor Ms. Theresa Ellis Rygiel expressed her satisfaction at the turnout & the overwhelming response she received for her Master Class on Visual Effects in IFFI 2016. Further she narrated her experiences of working in post – production of the films.

Theresa Ellis Rygiel, VFX Supervisor said that she is thankful that she was invited for 47th IFFI. She said that Visual effects are part of pre – planning stages and she has to work on creating a dialogue between visual effects and other branches of cinema. VFX is very much part of the planning & the finalising the sequences. She emphasized that today Visual effects is everywhere especially in money making films. She further said that she enjoyed working in technical as well as artistic aspects of the films and have also enjoyed making things move in photography. Further she mentioned that most films can be shot in 2 months but it will involve a very good planning. She concluded that “Special Effects are the future way to Direct Films”.

C. Senthil Rajan, Director Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) said that, DFF is expanding its collaboration with Oscar Academy. As a part of the collaboration DFF will endeavour to increase the masterclasses with the members of Oscar Academy in the upcoming IFFI.

The Festival Director, Shri Senthil Rajan and the CEO, ESG, Shri Ameya Abhyankar at the Mid Fest Press Conference, during the 47th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2016), in Panaji, Goa on November 24, 2016.

The festival director M. Senthil Rajan and CEO of ESG Ameya Abhyankar addressed the media exclusively for a midweek update, in the on-going 47th IFFI Goa 2016, about the things that happened in first week and what was in store for them in second week. The session was moderated by Manish Desai (PIB).

M. Centhil Rajan opened the session by saying, “We have all crossed the first half of IFFI Goa 2016 with a very good overall response. Our selection of the opening Polish film Andrzej Wajda’s Afterimage and the inauguration ceremony was highly appreciated. Thankfully no criticism came forth about this. The Centenary Award bestowed on the globally renowned singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam was also well received including the tribute “I Am The Woman” we paid to the film industry divas from 50’s to 90’s of bygone millennium.”

M. Centhil Rajan further added, “Next in line was the opening ceremony of the Indian Panorama section by Chief Guest Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu (Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting) who really admired the package of the feature as well as the non-feature film section and commended both the section’s jury members for their highly transparent selection process.Then the Indian Panorama this year also included mainstream’s hugely successful films like Sultan, Airlift, Bahubali and Allama. Our only regret is that we could not give repeat screenings to most of the Indian Panorama films especially because of the cut on the number of days this year. Then we also had the honour of felicitating many International and Indian filmmakers and their film’s cast as well, who had come for the presentation ceremony. The Red Carpet events also went off well with many renowned celebrities walking on it. We even had many additional midnight screenings. Besides we had many “In Conversation”, “Workshops” and “Master Classes” sessions which really went off well and a huge round of applause also went to NFDC’s 4 days of Film Bazaar’s session.”

M. Centhil Rajan continued by saying, “Most of the films of International Competition and other sections including the Korean Package saw a huge turnout. Now we are looking forward for the huge response for the 2nd week as well. In which the main attraction will be the screening of midweek film Elia K. Schneider’s Tamara in presence of its entire cast and crew. Tamara is the story of a man’s struggle to become the woman that he truly is. The closing ceremony will also be held in the same dignified way as the opening ceremony, in which not only the competition section’s films will be awarded but also the Lifetime Achievement Award will be bestowed on the international persona director Im Kwon Taek. Then we also look forward to the closing film namely Kim Jee-Woon’s The Age of Shadows, which is a film based in 1920’s period, when Korea had fallen under Japanese rule. So now IFFI Goa is looking forward for the Grand Golden Jubilee Celebrations to be Held in 2019.”

On a concluding note the CEO of Entertainment Society of Goa enlightened about this year’s infrastructure and accreditation process, “We had to make a lot of changes in the ESG complex and hence a lot of facilities earlier offered to the media and the delegates had to be shifted within the venue like the media centre and the press briefing room to name just two. Even the online accreditation has come in for a lot of flak. But it will be rectified next year.”

The Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu presents the centenary award to the Legendary Singer, Shri S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, at the inauguration of the 47th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2016), in Panaji, Goa on November 20, 2016.
The Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Laxmikant Parsekar and the Actor Mukesh Khanna are also seen.

National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) Film Bazaar kicked off its 10th edition with a potpourri of sessions, screenings & panel discussions.

Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister of Urban Development of India and I & B, graced the inaugural day of the 10th NFDC Film Bazaar and took a thorough tour in the morning exploring the various segments.

“I’m very impressed by the Film Bazaar. It is like a filmy supermarket,” said Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister of Urban Development of India and I & B. “I compliment the efforts & elaborate arrangements made by Film Bazaar & NFDC. This will help go a long way in producing films in India and films, in turn, will also encourage tourism & culture of the country.”

Concluding the 1st day at Bazaar, N J Shaikh, Director Finance, NFDC, said, “It was a packed & happening 1st day at Film Bazaar with both the pitching sessions for the co – production market as well as the Screenwriter’s Lab, sessions at the Knowledge series and the Viewing Room / Industry screening receiving an overwhelming response. Even the Film Offices & the FFO Office at the Bazaar were buzzing with activity. We are eagerly looking forward to a next eventful day at the Bazaar”.

The Knowledge Series sessions enjoyed eager audiences throughout the day. The sessions were as follows:

Open Pitch

In the 2nd edition of Open Pitch, the concept of having filmmakers present their ideas & requirements to an audience of film industry members proved just how effective it was. Introduced & moderated by Urmi Juvekar, filmmakers had the opportunity to screen video presentations depicting their ideas, followed by a Q & A session with the audience.
After lunch, sponsored by Gujarat Tourism Board, the Bazaar went on to witness a panel discussion particularly pertinent for independent filmmakers.

Public Funding For Indie Films

Producer Miriam Joseph, Managing Director, OLFFI, Ilann Girard & Producer, Pallas Films, Thanassis Karathanos discussed the importance & challenges of public funding, and a clear emphasis emerged on developing the project thoroughly before looking for funding. “For independent films, it is always challenging to find funding,” Ilann Girard said. “It is a multi – path relationship, and you have to look at the whole picture and understand the organic needs of your project, so there is a balance creatively & financially. It is very important to remain true to yourself.”

Film Festivals And Markets – Building Audiences And Business Opportunities

Moderated by Deepti D’Cunha, the panelists at this session included respected Festival Programmers Paolo Bertolin & Uma D’Cunha, Sales Agent Chris Paton & filmmakers Raam Reddy (Thithi) & Kanu Behl (Titli), whose debuts have received much critical acclaim. A riveting conversation on the intricacies of the business side of the film industry was as enlightening as it was engrossing. The importance of promoting your film was emphasised, with some gems of advice from the industry veterans.

“It is difficult for independent films in India to get selected at a festival like Venice Film Festival, and whenever a filmmaker does get the rare opportunity to promote their film, they should grab it. After years, there were 2 Indian films, Court & Visaranai, that were screened there,” Paolo Bertolin said. “Although this piece of advice is getting more & more controversial, you should get a sales agent, because they are the ones who know how to maximise your positioning within the festival and who already know how to work with & within the festival. You are faced with many challenges, and you don’t need to do this alone. If you don’t manage to get a sales agent, you should at least get a press agent, so that the film gets the widest exposure and reaches your target audience.”

“NFDC Film Bazaar really changed my life, and it gave me a wealth of knowledge. I was completely clueless when I came here,” Raam Reddy said candidly. “I owe my entire career to NFDC Film Bazaar, because I received so much constructive criticism & feedback from the Work – In -Progress Lab. Dreams can be built here.”

Film Bazaar Virtual Reality Lounge Powered By Samsung Gear Vr Premiere

Allah Rakha Rahman’s “Live – In – VR Experience” Vande Mataram premiered at the VR Lounge, which also allowed participants to curate their viewing experience uniquely, with a range of Virtual Reality (VR) film experiences to choose from.

To Love Or Not To Love: Redefining Romance On Hindi Celluloid’ – Imtiaz Ali In Conversation With Nasreen Munni Kabir

Clippings from several of Imtiaz Ali’s films including Socha Na Tha, Jab We Met & Highway were screened to a packed audience, interspersing a freewheeling discussion about his influences, process & past collaborations.

“What I’ve seen at Film Bazaar is that there are a lot of people who are smart & well – meaning, who intend to be in cinema all their lives,” Imtiaz Ali said. “My session was really interesting as a result of the audience & Nasreen’s engagement. The concept of having Film Bazaar is very interesting; it’s meaningful & provides a platform for emerging young voices, fresh voices, to come into cinema. It’s very good that demand & supply on both sides can find a confluence point.”

Industry Screenings

The Industry Screenings segment opened with Suhas Bhosale’s Koti, an acclaimed Marathi film about a young transgender in a rural village, and went on to screen titles like Trap by B Madhusudhan Reddy & Aloko Udapadi (Sinhala) by Chathra Weeraman amongst others.

About Filmbazaar

Film Bazaar is a platform exclusively created to encourage collaboration between the international & South Asian film fraternities. The market aims at facilitating the sales of world cinema in the region. The 2015 market saw an attendance of 1102 delegates from 38 countries with a country delegation from Canada. The 10th Edition of Film Bazaar was held from 20th Nov, 2016 – 24th Nov, 2016 at the Marriott Resort in Goa, India.

About NFDC

Incorporated in the year 1975 National Film Development Corporation Ltd is formed by Ministry of Information and broadcasting (GoI) with the primary objective of promoting the good cinema movement. NFDC is instrumental for creating an ecosystem to support the financing, distribution & development of independent films across the country.

The Festival Director, Shri Senthil Rajan and the CEO, ESG, Shri Ameya Abhyankar addressing the Curtain Raiser Press Conference, in New Delhi on November 19, 2016.

Goa is all set to host the biggest celebration of cinema with the commencement of the 47th International Film Festival of India (20th Nov, 2016 – 28th Nov, 2016). A curtain raiser press conference was addressed by Director International Film Festival of India (IFFI), C. Senthil Rajan, Vice Chairman, Entertainment Society of Goa Rajendra Talak & CEO, Entertainment Society of Goa, Ameya Abhyankar, in Goa, today.

Speaking on the occasion, Director Festival C. Senthil Rajan averred, that this edition will be a real delight for delegates & media registered for the event. It is a festival of storytellers & IFFI is celebrating directors this year. He further added that IFFI, the biggest Film Festival of India, turns 13 this year in Goa. This festival is not merely a platform to screen films, but also to set new trends & introduce new technologies. IFFI 2016 is introducing a new laser based phosphor wheel projector from Barco Electronics, used for the very first time in any film festival across the globe.

The IFFI this year, will be screening around 300 films from nearly 90 countries with a mix of distinctive & variegated story lines, narratives & emotions, under several sections, he added.

Chief – guest for the opening ceremony will be the veteran filmmaker of ‘Sholay’ fame, Ramesh Sippy, the Guest of Honor will be Sushant Singh Rajput, while special guests include, Prosenjit Chatterjee & Gautam Ghosh, renowned directors.

The gala opening ceremony for the fest will celebrate the journey and contribution of women in Indian Cinema and themed as “Ode To A Woman”, choreographed by the master choreographer, Ganesh Acharya.

IFFI 2016 will also have a special screening package of the award winning films from the 1st ever BRICS Film festival, held in Delhi recently.

The new media centre at the Old GMC Building, Goa, was dedicated to the Media by the CEO, Entertainment Society of Goa & Ameya Abhyankar, on the occasion. The CEO informed that RFID cards have been issued this year to monitor the footfalls & popularity of the films. He further added, on line facility to book tickets for films have been introduced this year. This ticket booking needs to be redeemed at least two hours before the screening of the film, on dedicated redemption counters, specially set up for the purpose. To facilitate speedy filing of stories by the media, IFFI this year has collaborated with Vodafone to offer 200 mbps speed over the WIFI.

He further added that for the general public, 2 events have been planned located in the area between Kala Academy & the Children’s Park. Named as “Goa High Street”, the event will showcase Goan culture, cuisine, merchandizing & music. At the other event named “Children Film Village”, films for youngsters will be screened. Furthermore, as a showstopper, IFFI is introducing “Projection Mapping”, a visual delight at the old GMC Building, Goa, every evening. This will entertain the visitors & passer – by to the area with a visual treat.

IFFI, the oldest film festival of Asia, is going to have a line -up of esteemed personalities from across the globe, including with legendary Korean filmmaker Im Kwon Taek being honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Opening Ceremony on 20th Nov, at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Goa.

Centenary Indian Film Personality of the Year – 2016, legendary singer Padma Bhushan S. P. Balasubrahmaniam will also be felicitated at the opening ceremony for his remarkable, extraordinary & exceptional journey in Indian cinema as a singer, actor & producer. He has been one of the most prolific singers of the country with over 40,000 song recordings to his credit.

This festival tries to give the young & aspiring film makers a platform where they get to learn & interact from industry greats. IFFI 2016 will have gala screenings, including 4 World Premieres & 6 International Premieres. With 26 Asian premieres & 104 Indian premiers the 47th IFFI promises to bring the best of cinema from year 2015 & 2016.

The festival will open with a gala opening ceremony, followed by the opening film, AfterImage, the last masterpiece by the legendary Polish writer & director, who passed away last month, late Andrzej Wajda.

The Indian Panorama section will be inaugurated by the Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, M. Venkaiah Naidu on 21st Nov, 2016 at INOX – II. 2nd time in a row, the Indian Panorama will open with a Sanskrit film, Ishti, while non – feature section will open with the film, Ima Sabitri.

Pluis Fernandez & Prakriti Maduro starrer, Tamara, directed by Elia K Schneider, will be the mid – fest film. This 9 day film fest will conclude with the screening of The Age of Shadows, a film by Kim Jee Woon.

As announced, the Republic of Korea is the focus country of IFFI 2016 & South Korea’s Ambassador to India His Excellency Hyun Cho will grace the opening ceremony. Interesting and acclaimed work of contemporary stalwarts of Korean Cinema like, Sang – ho Yeon, Zhang Lu & Lee Joon Ik will be screened at the festival.

IFFI 2016 in collaboration with the International Council for Film, Television & Audio – visual Communication (ICFT), Paris & UNESCO will also present the ICFT – UNESCO Gandhi Medal to a film, which reflects the ideals of peace, tolerance & non – violence.

The special tribute section of IFFI 2016 honors Polish filmmaker Andrzej Wajda & Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, both passed away early this year.

IFFI for the 1st time will screen films for specially – abled children with special audio described technology under the Accessible India Campaign / Sugamaya Bharat Abhiyan & a special package of 20 award winning short films based on the Swachh Bharat theme.

The 47th International Film Festival of India brings the best of films from across the globe promising a wonderful 9 day carnival of World Cinema.

The Life Time Achievement Award winner, Mr. Im Kwon Taek addressing a press conference, at the 47th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2016), in Panaji, Goa on November 20, 2016. 2016.

Internationally acclaimed Korean film director & writer, Im Kwon Taek is being conferred with prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” award at IFFI2016.
Regarded as the father of Korean cinema for his long & prolific career and his work on Korean themes & subjects, Im Kwon Taek has been honoured with several national & international awards. Addressing the press in Goa today, Im Kwon Teak said that he is very happy to receive such an honour, but he personally feels that he has not created a masterpiece yet and this award is a message to make better films in the future to come.

His career spans more than 5 decades and he has made more than 100 films. In 2010, Im directed his 101th feature, Hanji & his 102th feature, Revivre in 2014, which was presented in non – competition section of Venice Film Festival. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award at Asian Film Awards in 2015.

Talking about the Indian cinema, Im Kwon Taek said that he is fond of the work of Shahrukh Khan and liked 3 Idiots & Slumdog Millionaire. Responding to a question on influence of India on Korean films, he informed that he too has made a film on Buddha & reincarnation. It would be a great opportunity to co -produce films with India, he added.

Sharing his experience with media, the Director said that he visited India 2 decades ago to attend a festival in Trivandrum. At that time he felt like returning home due to cultural difference, but once back home he missed the distinct culture of India.

Im Kwon Taek, was born in 1934 in Jangseong, Jeollanamdo. He made about 50 films within a decade, when he studied a variety of film genres including melodrama, musical, action cinema, thriller & comedy from Hollywood & Hong Kong cinema. He was recognized as the leading director of Korean cinema in 1980s.

In 2000’s, he directed Chunhyang (2000), the first Korean film in the competition of Cannes Film Festival & Chihwaseon (2002) that won the “Best Director” Award in Cannes.