54th International Film Festival of India: Techniques and History of Filmmaking

Films create a magical world of the unknown; you never know what lies within the composition of the story unless you complete watching it! That’s exactly the beauty of cinematic experiences. From Indian classics to internationally acclaimed dramas, films communicate the unheard emotions of life. One way to celebrate creativity and collaboration is to attend the 54th International Film Festival of India or IFFI 2023!

Goa International Film Festival 2023 is a prominent platform for film enthusiasts, directors, producers, budding filmmakers, actors and everyone involved in the industry!  The global festival is one of the best ways to recognize the beauty of cinema. The International Film Festival of India is your entryway to dive into the world of lights, cameras and action. Let’s get into complete details before you book Treebo hotels for the beach destination.

History of IFFI

The International Film Festival of India started its journey in 1952. Initially, the aim was to offer a platform for filmmakers to represent their creations. However, as time evolved, IFFI gained global prominence. It was after 1975 that the festival was celebrated annually. 

It attracted significant personalities in the film industry to showcase their work. National Film Development Corporation of India along with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting together conduct this extravaganza festival in Goa. In today’s time, IFFI is all about films, workshops, lively discussions, creative stalls and interactive sessions.

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Top-Rated Film Screenings for the 54th International Film Festival of India 

From Bollywood classics to International horror, you can find a plethora of masterpieces at the festival. The films are divided into different categories offering a spectrum of perspectives and views for the audiences. Here’s everything you need to know about IFFI film categories.

1. Festival Kaleidoscope 

Different film festivals recognize the iconic creations and you get to see them at the Goa Film Festival. Under the Festival Kaleidoscope category, you can spectate world-renowned films covering a wide range of genres and emotions. Some of the films include Anatomy of a Fall, Close Your Eyes, Cobweb, Concrete Utopia and Essential Truths Of The Lake. 

2. Docu-Montage

Documentaries have been a crucial part of the film industry. You get an opportunity to delve into varied subjects of concern through these special creations. So, do not forget to watch AI:African Intelligence, And The King Said, What A Fantastic Machine, Luto and Revenge: Our Dad The Nazi Killer.

3. Integrade

At times, cinematic experiences are beyond your expectations. That’s exactly the kind of film you will get to see at the 54th International Film Festival of India. IFFI 2023 brings a series of such creations including Omen, Once Within a Time and Divinity. 

4. Animation

In today’s time, animated films have an equal level of art and thought to convey meaningful messages. Dive into the era of soothing characters with films like 3 Little Kungpoo Goats, Bim, Four Souls Of Coyote and Sirocco And The Kingdom Of The Winds.

5. Macabre Dreams

You know of suspense and thrill mostly through films that communicate what is the history of today. Macabre Dreams includes films that exude vibes of stimulating energies and terror fused with incredible scripts. You can watch Lumberjack The Monster, Sorcery, The Cuckoo’s Curse and We Have Never Been Modern. 

6. Cinema of the World

As you attend the Goa Film Festival, get ready to experience the mysteries of the world. Whether it is the cultural significance of a country or romance, this category allows you to witness a plethora of perspectives, genres and storytelling skills. Some of the films include A Golden Life, A Ravaging Wind, A Real Job and Blind At Heart.

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7. Restored Classics 

Selected films stay in your heart and that’s when the category of Resorted Classics takes you back in time. The popular section includes Bees Saal Baad (1962), Bidyapati (1937), Chorus (1974), Shadows Of Forgotten Ancestors (1965) and The Exorcist (Extended Director’s Cut).

8. UNICEF x IFFI

To keep in mind the importance of childhood and its coexistence in society, UNICEF with IFFI 2023 brings a collection of thoughtful films. These films throw light on the vital aspects of societal responsibilities and their effects on children. Well-curated films include Damu, For The Sake Of Ava, Gandhi & Co., Peacock Lament and Singo.

Venue, Date and Timings for IFFI 2023

The venue includes 4 different locations for the screening of films – INOX Panjim, INOX Porvorim, Maquinez Palace and Z Square Samrat Ashok. You can easily watch your favourite films at these locations.

The 54th International Film Festival of India begins on 20th November 2023 and will last till 28th November 2023.

The events for most of the days begin by 9:00 AM and can last till 11:30 PM in Goa.

Schedule for Masterclasses and Conversations in Goa International Film Festival

The 54th International Film Festival of India is an inspirational event where you get to learn about filmmaking, acting, technology and a lot more. The Goa Film Festival also opens doors for top-rated masterclasses, discussions and energetic sessions. You can easily book hotels in Goa to attend your favourite discussions and masterclasses. Let’s understand the schedule to better plan the journey.

21st November, 2023

1. Ae Watan Mere Watan 

What an amazing opportunity to hear the iconic people from the industry- Karan Johar, Kannan Iyer, Apoorva Mehta and Aparna Purohit, everyone will adore the stage with meaningful conversations. As they share the history and evolution of cinematic experiences, you can take away significant remarks from them.

Timing: 11:00 AM

2. The Archies – Made in India

Are you ready to encapsulate scenes for this living in-conversation event? The sessions highlight the making and impact of comic feature films. It also sheds light on the emotional perspectives of films. Top speakers include Jon Goldwater, Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti and Sharad Devarajan.

Timing: 2:30 PM

3. No if, no but. Only Jatt 

After the incredible success of Gadar 2, Sunny Deol elevates your time at IFFI 2023. This in-conversation event allows you to observe the actor, his vision and his involvement in the cinema through these years.

Timing: 5:00 PM

22nd November, 2023

1. Masterclass on Film Direction

Are you a filmmaking enthusiast or love to direct short stories? If yes, you sure need to attend the masterclass at Goa Film Festival 2023. It is an appreciative effort of the platform to guide budding filmmakers about ideas, visual representation, language and narratives. The class shall be conducted by Brillante Mendoza, a Philippine director.

Timing: 10:30 AM

2. Living the Character

As the name suggests, two brilliant actors Vijay Sethupathi and Kushboo Sundar get together for an in-conversation event. It allows you to view the world of imagination, perspectives and acting through the lens of shining stars.

Timing: 12:30 PM

3. Madhur Bhandarkar with Taran Adarsh

What when you get to witness energetic yet practically cinematic conversations at the International Film Festival of India? That’s what happens when a filmmaker like Madhur Bhandarkar shares his ideas of film concepts with the film critic, Taran Adarsh! It is when you learn about entertainment, societal expectations from films and how films influence people at large.

Timing: 2:30 PM

4. Reality to Screen

What gives you goosebumps in theatres are also stories that have happened in real life! The platform of the Goa Film Festival allows you to listen to such powerful storytelling ideas. As reality is displayed on the screen, audiences get to observe the depth of cinematic charm. Top speakers include Kay Kay Menon, Babil Khan, Divyendu Sharma, R Madhavan, Tanya Bami, Shiv Rawail and Aayush Gupta.

Timing: 5:00 PM

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23rd November, 2023

1. Pankaj Tripathi with Mayank Shekhar

You simply cannot deny the charm of the national award winner Pankaj Tripathi. This in-conversation event allows you to learn about the actor’s life, his contribution towards the cinema and the impact of scripts in the modern world. You also get to hear the witty conversations of Mayank Shekhar, the film critic.

Timing: 12:30 PM

2. Indian Documentary on the World Stage

Documentaries are now a part of education as well as information. In the new era of learning, this conversation event talks about the advent of fresh ideas. The discussion involves 5 different documentaries with popular speakers like Kartiki Gonsalves, RV Ramani, Miriam Chandy Menachery, Sai Abishek and Nilotpal Majumdar. 

Timing: 2:30 PM

3. The Road to Oscars 

Who doesn’t want to have an Oscar being one of the highest achievements? The 54th International Film Festival of India allows you to know everything about Oscars. The speakers include Guneet Monga Kapoor, Carter Pilcher and Resul Pookutty. 

Timing: 5:00 PM

24th November, 2023

1. Crafting Webseries

Thousands of creators across the globe have contributed to the world of web shows. This interesting discussion allows you to delve into the world of OTT platforms and how the narratives are presented. Speakers include Manoj Bajpayee, Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K, Apoorva Bakshi and Srikrishna Dayal.

Timing: 2:30 PM

2. Dazzling the Screen

Cinematic art is what allows a film to reach its intended audience. The 54th International Film Festival of India features prominent individuals known for their creative talks. Dolly Ahluwalia, Vaishnavi Reddy, and Preetisheel Singh D’Souza are such people you may see imparting their extensive knowledge.

Timing: 5:00 PM

25th November, 2023

1. Brendan Galvin with Tarsem Singh

The beautiful combo of cinematography and filmmaking makes it possible for films to reach massive audiences. That’s how Brendan Galvin, a famous cinematographer shares his vision with Tarsem Singh, a filmmaker. The amusing conversations will let you discover the impact of a cameraman, angles and collaborative efforts.

Timing: 12:30 PM

2. Passion of Storytelling 

Every storyteller wants to portray feelings on the screen to their audience. That’s how the globe has seen the emergence of young filmmakers willing to narrate distinctive stories. This in-conversation event lets you explore the futuristic thoughts of Sagar Puranik, Nikhil Mahajan, Rajdeep Paul and Jasmeet K. Reen.  

Timing: 2:30 PM

3. Raising Finance

Here’s an amazing opportunity for budding filmmakers to understand the crux of making and budgeting films. The Goa Film Festival has a special session only to let you discover the many layers of budgeting and monetizing funds in the right way. It includes key speakers like Boney Kapoor, Allu Aravind, Firdausul Hasan, Prithul Kumar, Sunitha Tati and SR Prabu. 

Timing: 5:00 PM

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26th November, 2023

1. Rani Mukherji with Bharadwaj Rangan

Rani Mukherji is one of the top actors who has made significant contributions to blockbuster films. This is an in-depth interview in which Bharadwaj Rangan, editor-in-chief and film critic, will discuss the actor’s career and time in the profession. This lighthearted discussion will undoubtedly be lively and humorous.

Timing: 11:30 AM

2. Digital Preservation Forum

Here’s your chance to understand the tech-savvy world of the Indian Cinema. An incredible session by Theodore E. Gluck throws light on the technological aspects of filmmaking. Theodore E. Gluck shares his witty conversations and is set to talk about motion picture preservation and restoration. 

Timing: 5:00 PM

27th November, 2023

1. Woman Power in Indian Cinema

The iconic International Film Festival of India 2023 brings along sparkling conversations about women in the industry. You can engross yourself in thought-provoking ideas that impact the cinema in today’s date. The discussion will allow you to explore the challenges and futuristic opportunities for women. The speakers for the event include Ashwini Iyer Tiwari, Modhura Palit and Shweta Ventak Mathew.

Timing: 11:00 AM

2. The Villains

You must have seen how bravely the hero defeats villains in most of the Indian films. That’s exactly the beauty of villains in Indian Cinema. Interestingly, you get an opportunity to learn about the deep-rooted characteristics of villains and how they approach different roles in different films. You can witness the impactful talks of Rangeet, Gulshan Grover, Raza Murad and Kiran Kumar. 

Timing: 2:30 PM

3. Vidya Balan with Vani Tripathi 

Vidya Balan is known to deliver unconventional roles with utmost grace and elegance. This in-conversation event with Vani Tripathi who is also an actress sheds light on the role of women in the industry. Both actresses gear up to discuss their milestones, achievements and life stories at IFFI 2023.

Timing: 5:00 PM

28th November, 2023

1. One World Cinema 

Imagine what happens when the world of Bollywood and Hollywood meet together. This is one of the prominent events of the Goa International Festival. Two award-winning filmmakers, Michael Douglas and Shailendra Singh share their valuable insights about the similarities and differences in the cinema. You must attend this lively conversation where two countries share distinctive perspectives about the big screen.

Highlights of IFFI 2023

• Witness more than 190 films being a part of the 54th International Film Festival of India of different genres, languages and country origin.
• The Goa Film Festival begins with an opening film called Catching Dust, continues with a mid-film called About Dry Grasses and ends with the film called The Featherweight. 
• The world-famous Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award is to be presented to Michael Douglas for his commendable contribution in the industry.
• The International Film Festival of India also includes a special section for OTT films. These films shall be awarded for their excellent performances.
• IFFI 2023 also has a special section of Accessible Films for specially-abled audiences.
• Different stalls and pavilions at IFFI 2023 include the VFX & Tech Pavilion, Knowledge Series and Book to Box Office.
• It has some of the best attractions for all age groups including photography booths, food stalls, open-air screenings, IFFI 2023 merchandise and the Goa Carnival. 

Apart from the highlights, the International Film Festival of India also includes the celebration of different Indian cultures. You can find a plethora of different visually appealing experiences, discussions, games, events and a children’s play area too.

54th International Film Festival of India brings you a mesmerizing fusion of learning and growing. The platform is a step towards the dreams of many filmmakers across the globe. Goa Film Festival 2023 sure is an action-packed festival for unmatched cinematic experiences, conversations and technology.