Mumbai International Film Festival returns to audiences: 18th edition will have an unforgettable experience in 5 cities
MIFF offers an opportunity to Indian creators to capture the imagination of the world: I&B Secretary Shri Sanjay Jaju Documentary Films is part of a vast industry that has the ability to inform, inspire, introspect and entertain - Mr. Sanjay Jaju
The 18th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) for short films, documentaries and animation films is all set to have its grand opening tomorrow, promising to appeal to the audience and industry professionals alike.
the main purpose of organizing such festivals
Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, at a press conference to give the participants a glimpse of the rich experience that awaits and unveiled the various cinematic treasures of the festival, said that the main purpose of organizing such festivals is not only to promote cinema, but also to consider and encourage current and socio-economic issues.
It is a big industry which has huge economic and employment potential in our country.
Hinting at the growing market for documentaries and short films, Mr. Sanjay Jaju said that this documentary is a huge industry worth US$ 16 billion globally which showcases the power of informing, inspiring, introspecting and entertaining this genre. Apart from the documentary, we have a highly talked about and dynamic VFX segment which also includes the animation segment. It is a big industry which has huge economic and employment potential in our country. We are happy that this segment is part of MIFF this year.
The main objective is to create intellectual property within our country in the field of animation
Highlighting the entry that our country has made in the animation and VFX industry, the secretary added that Indian VFX characters like Chhota Bheem and Chacha Chaudhary have become known to the world and they prove that Indian stories have the power to resonate globally. The main objective is to create intellectual property within our country in the field of animation, which should go a long way. This is an opportunity for many of our manufacturers to come up with ideas that will capture the imagination of the world.
60 countries are participating through their films and other programs
Mr. Sanjay Jaju announced that next week MIFF will have 314 films from 59 countries, eight world premieres, five international premieres, 18 Asia premieres and 21 India premieres in 61 languages. 60 countries are participating through their films and other programs.At the opening ceremony, the Sri Lankan government is showcasing their cultural heritage, while the Argentine government is showcasing the talent of its country at the closing ceremony.The MIFF is not just for India. It’s about the world. It provides opportunities for filmmakers from all over the world.
This year's festival marks the launch of the Doc Film Market for the first time
Announcing some innovative initiatives at MIFF, the secretary said that this year’s festival marks the launch of the Doc Film Market for the first time, which is a dedicated market for independent filmmakers to find buyers, sponsors and collaborators for their projects.
For the first time, MIFF has roped in ‘The Commandant’s Shadow’, a midfest film directed by Daniela Volkar, which has added a new dimension to the festival’s offering.
In order to further promote inclusiveness and accessibility, he said that MIFF 2024 is making its venues fully accessible to all and is screening special films for persons with disabilities in partnership with NGO SWAYAM.
In another phase, simultaneous MIFF screenings and red carpet events will be held in five cities – Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune and Delhi where viewers can enjoy parallel screenings, bringing the magic of world-class cinema closer to film lovers across India.
The festival has taken an important step by inviting students
Informing about the Ministry’s efforts to promote future filmmakers, the Secretary said that this year the festival has taken an important step by inviting students from major film institutes like FTII, SRFTI and IIMC. This will provide them an opportunity to engage themselves in the festival and learn from industry leaders and networks. – With budding filmmakers learning from each other and from masters, experts and legends who have already made their mark at the festival. MIFF has a tradition of producing many great filmmakers. He said the main objective is to create champions for the future and give them an opportunity to grow up.
The opening ceremony will screen the FTII student short film
Mr. Sanjay Jaju added that the opening ceremony will screen the FTII student short film “Sunflowers Knew First”, which rose to glory at the 77th Cannes Film Festival this year. “India’s improvement in our soft power is a reality and is going to be encouraged by these speculative makers who are going to be a part of MIFF next week. ” We are a vast, diverse country with a large number of languages and creators in all these languages. In the age of social media, there are many producers who have not even gone to cinema schools. But they have a huge influential network and hold promise in the content they create. All such people will get a chance. There are several government schemes to promote independent filmmakers.
Conclusion
Earlier in the press conference, Shri Prithul Kumar, Managing Director, NFDC presented a PPT on various features of the 18th MIFF 2024. Find the person who lifts the curtain here. Read more
