The 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is all set to begin from 20th October onwards in Goa, and if you love the movies then IFFI 2018 is the right place to be. A lot of people from across the India and world overtakes 10 days Filmy holiday to be in Goa to witness the biggest celebration of movie mania is taking place this month in the most fun-loving part of our country.
According to the loudspeaker media press release, The 49th International Film Festival of India unfolds on 20th November in Goa. With 217 films from around the world, it’s the biggest, widest collection of world-class cinema that film buffs can savor. And what’s more, it’s more inclusive and much more diverse than it has ever been.
Still wondering why you should pack your bags and head to Goa? Here’s what makes IFFI 2018 the perfect cocktail of cine action, excitement, and relaxation.
1. Films Galore
This is a tricky one. With a vast selection of movies from over 68 countries, you’ll be reeling under the cinematic magic of the best filmmakers currently in business. IFFI 2018 will showcase critically acclaimed movies like The Wild Pear Tree by Nuri Bilge Ceylan OR Climax by Gaspar Noe OR Ash is the purest white by Zia Zhangke OR Shoplifters, the 2018 Palme d’Or winning film by Hirokazu Koreeda OR…. We could keep going. There are gems spread all over and there’s something for every one of you.
2. Watch Oscar Entries
The 2018 edition will have the highest number of Oscar-nominated films. 16 selected entries have been curated across the various sections of the festival. Get straight into the 1970s drug trade in Columbia with the award-winning Birds of Passage or dive into the austere times of the 1950s Cold War in Poland where a love story is brewing. There’s plenty more to watch.
3. Celebrate a Legendary Filmmaker
Commemorate the legacy of legendary Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman this IFFI 2018. The Wild at Heart Master in His Craft: Retrospective section of Ingmar Bergman takes you on his journey through his lens and inspiration. IFFI 2018 will be showcasing 7 of the best films from his filmography. These films include Summer With Monika, Wild Strawberries, The Seventh Seal, Persona, Autumn Sonata, Fanny and Alexander, and Saraband. In addition to these 7 films, a documentary on Bergman titled ‘Bergman Island’, directed by Marie Nyrerod which presents the master behind the camera has also been included in this section.
4. Get Sporty on Screen
Sports fans will definitely love IFFI 2018. As an extension of the Khelo India Campaign, select biopics will be part of the open air screenings. Films like Gold, Mary Kom, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, 1983, MSD: The untold story and Soorma are part of the selection.
What’s more, your favorite stars will be there to present their films. In addition to Akshay Kumar who will be present for the opening ceremony, stars like Chitrangada Singh and Shaad Ali, Producer and Director respectively, Soorma; Reema Kagti, Director, Gold; Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Director, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag: Abrid Shine, Director, 1983; will be present for the screenings.
5. Learn from the Best
Apart from watching the best directors ignite their imaginations onscreen, you can watch the professionals discuss and share their skills and journeys with you. Masterclasses by renowned filmmakers and the industry will be hosted throughout the festival schedule. Pick your choice of workshops with Prasoon Joshi, Dan Wolman, Anil Kapoor, David Dhawan, Varun Dhawan, Kaushik Ganguly, Srijit Mukherji, Anupama Chopra, Rajeev Masand, Jason Hafford, Meghna Gulzar, Gauri Shinde to mention a few.
6. Goa, what else!
An excuse to visit Goa is always a good reason. The sun and sea is forever calling you out for a relaxing holiday. Make the most of your break by enjoying a host of movies as well. You can choose from the serious to the pure entertainers, the choice is yours. And you can always chill by the beach in the evening for a break in between your movie watching spree.
So what are you waiting for? Head out and book your ticket to the cinemas this November.
The 49th International Film Festival of India begins on Tuesday, 20 November 2018 and ends on Wednesday, 28 November 2018, in Panaji, Goa.
BY RAJESHREE GHADGE
