IFFI 2022 concludes with a glittering ceremony in Goa

Panaji: The 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) ended in Goa last evening. The closing ceremony was held at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium near Panaji. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant were present on the occasion. 

A host of film personalities also graced the occasion which included Akshay Kumar, Asha Parekh, Ramesh Sippy, Ayushman Khurana, Manushi Chhillar, Rana Duggubati, Sharman Joshi, Khushbu Sundar.

Speaking on the occasion, I&B Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said IFFI not only entertained but also educated us and tickled our humour and refined their senses. He added that IFFI opened up a nuanced world of cinema for audiences across the region, both young and old, new and festival veterans. 

Mr Thakur said that the 53rd IFFI had many new initiatives undertaken which included honouring France as focus country to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two. Countries. He further added that for the first time IFFI had a technological park showcasing the latest technology and equipment in filmmaking. 

He said that for the first time 75 young film-makers selected from all over the country took part in the 53-hour challenge to make film on the idea of India at 100. He said for the first time a special dedicated section on Manipuri films was incorporated in IFFI to celebrate 50 years of Manipuri cinema.  

Mr Thakur added that the commitment to give emphasis and platform to Regional cinema is strong as Regional cinema has gone to National and International levels. The Minister concluded that the goal of Government is to build an enriching filming ecosystem and a future-ready Industry in India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra



Modi.

Telugu Megastar Chiranjeevi was been conferred with the Indian Film Personality of the Year award. Over his four and a half decade career he has worked in over 150 films in Indian cinema in the Telugu, Tamil and Hindi languages. Speaking at the event, he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for congratulating him for this award. He further added that he is very happy at this honour given by IFFI and Government of India. He said that few recognitions are special and this award is one amongst them.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the Brand of Goa is now synonymous with Brand IFFI. He added that State Government is making all efforts to add new dimensions to film festival each year to make it more vibrant. He said that people of Goa love art and culture and state is most hospitable destination.

The coveted Golden Peacock Award for Best Film was bagged by the Spanish language film 'I have Electric Dreams' directed by Valentina Maurel. The Best Director award was given to Nader Saeivar for Turkish film ‘No End’. 'Vahid Mobasheri' has won the ‘Silver Peacock’ award for 'Best Actor (Male)' for the film ‘No End’. Daniela Marin Navarro was given ‘Silver Peacock’ award for the 'Best Actor (Female)’ for the film 'I Have Electric Dreams'. 

The Special Jury Award was conferred on Director 'Lav Diaz' the film 'When the Waves are Gone'. Iranian film “Nargesi” directed by Payam Eskandar bagged the ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal. 'Best Debut Feature Film of a Director' was given to 'Asimina Proedrou' for the Greek film 'Behind the Haystacks'. The Telugu movie “Cinema Bandi” directed by Praveen Kandregula received a special mention in the Best Debut Feature Film category.  

The ceremony concluded with cultural performances by Troupes from Goa, North East, Prince Dance Group and others.