In the luminous presence of much-admired film personalities and passionate cine-enthusiasts, the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was declared open in the scenic coasts of Goa on yesterday evening. Colourful cultural programmes showcasing cultural synergy and diversity of India enthused all, and made a grand start to nine days of celebrating creativity and cinematic brilliance. Ending the long wait of cinephiles across the world, the 55th version of IFFI commenced with the screening of renowned Australian filmmaker Michael Gracey’s feature film ‘Better Man’.
Some of the brightest stars of cine-world were felicitated in the presence of cinema-worshippers in the gala opening ceremony, which was hosted by popular film personalities Abhishek Banerjee and Bhumi Pednekar. Film stalwarts Subhash Ghai, Chidanand Naik, Boman Irani, R K Selvamani, Jaideep Ahlawat, Jayam Ravi, Ishari Ganesh, R. Sarath Kumar, Pranita Subhash, Jackky Bhagnani, Rakul Preet Singh, Randeep Hooda and Rajkummar Rao were felicitated for their immense contributions to cinema.
Following Indian traditions, the film festival was ceremonially inaugurated by watering of a coconut sapling by the Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant in the presence of dignitaries like Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Secretary Information & Broadcasting Sanjay Jaju, Spiritual Guru, Sri Ravi Shankar Festival Director Shekhar Kapur, Chairman CBFC Prasoon Joshi and Chairman Prasar Bharati Naveneet Kumar Sehgal among others.
On the occasion, Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant said that Goa and IFFI are literally synonymous. “When you think of IFFI, you remember Goa, and when you think of Goa, you remember IFFI”. Dr. Sawant, on behalf of all Goans, extended a warm welcome all the festival delegates to Goa, said Dr. Sawant
