Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Thakur said that IFFI opened up a nuanced world of cinema for audiences across the region, both young and old, new and festival veterans.

The Minister remarked that the 53rd IFFI concluded by making many beginnings. Selecting France as ‘Country of Focus’ reciprocating Cannes’ Country of Honour status given to India by France,

Nurturing and promoting the enlightened appreciation and ardent love for films, the 53rd International Films Festival of India draws to a conclusion with a star studded grand ceremony at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Goa. 

Welcoming guests to the colourful and vibrant valedictory ceremony, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Thakur said that IFFI opened up a nuanced world of cinema for audiences across the region, both young and old, new and festival veterans. “IFFI not only entertained but also educated us. IFFI tickled our humour and refined their senses”, he said.

“Over the last nine days, IFFI curated the screenings of 282 films clocking 35000 minutes of viewing time. The festival featured 183 international films and 97 Indian films in 65 international and 15 Indian languages from 78 countries worldwide. Over 20 Masterclasses, In-Conversation sessions and a long list of celebrity events were held, out of which several sessions were accessible not just physically but even virtually.” Anurag Thakur.

The Minister remarked that the 53rd IFFI concluded by making many beginnings. Selecting France as ‘Country of Focus’ reciprocating Cannes’ Country of Honour status given to India by France, Technological Park that showcased the latest innovations from the world of cinema, 53 hour challenge to 75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow, specially curated package for Manipuri cinema are some of them, he added.

Looking into the future editions of IFFI, he said that our goal is to build an enriching filming ecosystem in India and a future-ready industry that will have the full support of the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.