By Harish Sharma*
Goa, November 23, 2023: The third day of the 54th IFFI brought forth a celebration of cinematic restoration, insights into acting as a transformative tool, a showcase of Goan cinematic excellence, discussions on the impact of documentary filmmaking, strategies for Oscars, and nominations for the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal.
Cinematic Restoration & New Film Announcements
Director Ketan Anand praised the meticulous restoration efforts led by the Indian Government and the NFDC. Anand lauded the restoration of classic films, highlighting the technology and effort involved in frame-by-frame restoration. He shared plans for ‘Haqeeqat 2,’ a sequel to the classic film ‘Haqeeqat,’ and announced an upcoming web series honouring the iconic Dev Anand.
Pankaj Tripathi’s Enlightening Masterclass
Renowned actor Pankaj Tripathi conducted an enlightening masterclass. He emphasized the transformative power of acting, delving into the intricate relationship between acting and empathy. Tripathi’s insights on aligning the body and mind for natural acting resonated deeply with the audience.
Goan Cinematic Showcase
A specially curated package of Goan films premiered, showcasing narratives deeply rooted in Goan culture. Films like ‘Gathan,’ ‘#MOG,’ ‘Crazy Mogi,’ ‘Maarwat,’ ‘Peace Lily Sand Castle,’ ‘The Witness,’ and ‘Yashoda’ captivated audiences, offering a mosaic of storytelling and cultural richness unique to Goa. Each film brought forth diverse themes, exploring relationships, societal norms, and the essence of humanity.
Insights on Documentary Filmmaking
An illuminating masterclass on Indian documentaries’ global presence featured eminent filmmakers. Discussions highlighted the essence of factual storytelling and its ability to connect through shared human experiences. Filmmakers emphasized the need for support systems and distribution channels to elevate documentaries to a broader audience.
Navigating the Path to Oscars
A captivating discussion unfolded on strategies for winning Oscars. Industry veterans shared insights on film distribution, national representation, storytelling, and the significance of Indian films gaining global recognition. Emphasis was placed on nurturing a robust ecosystem for films aiming at the prestigious Academy Awards.
Celebrating Peace
The festival witnessed a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring principles as ten films from across the globe were nominated to compete for the prestigious ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal. The ten notable films competing for the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal are:
‘A House in Jerusalem’ by Muayad Alayan (Palestine, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Qatar, 2022)
‘Citizen Saint’ by Tinatin Kajrishvili (Georgia, 2023)
‘Drift’ by Anthony Chen (UK, France, Greece, 2023)
“It’s Sira” by Apolline Traoré (France, Germany, Senegal, 2023)
‘Kalev’ by Ove Musting (Estonia, 2022)
‘The Prize’ by Paul Fauzan Agusta (Indonesia, 2022)
‘The Sugar Experiment’ by John Tornblad (Sweden, 2022)
‘Mandali’ by Rakesh Chaturvadi Om (India, 2023)
‘Malikapuram’ by Vishnu Sasi Shankar (India, 2022)
‘Rabindra Kabya Rahasya’ by Sayantan Ghosan (India, 2023)
A Cinematic Metaphor – ‘Dignity’
Greek actor Athanasios Chalkias, the lead actor of the Greek film “Dignity,” shed light on the film’s thematic essence. He emphasized that the pursuit of wealth often corrodes familial relationships, a sentiment that resonates not only within families but also among nations, potentially leading to conflict and war. The was film screened under the Cinema of the World category at the festival.
*harishsharma1@gmail.com
