Goa: Nagarjuna Akkineni attends IFFI 2024, says "I am here to pay tribute to my father"

Panaji (Goa) [India], November 20 (ANI): South star Nagarjuna Akkineni appreciated the efforts of the government of India for providing a platform to young filmmakers at the 55th International Film Festival of India in Goa.

He also shared that he is attending the festival "to pay tribute" to his father Akkineni Nageswara Rao on his 100th birth anniversary.

Nagarjuna said, "A lot of young filmmakers are coming now and a platform like this where they can show their films. It's fantastic. The Government of India and the Ministry of Information are doing this."IFFI 2024 will present over 180 international films from 81 countries, including 16 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 43 Asian premieres and 109 Indian premiers. With the selection of celebrated titles and award-winning films from the global circuit, this year's festival is set to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

He added that this time the participation is very big and a number of international films are part of the festival "This shows the power of Indian cinema and I am very happy they are all coming here to India to showcase the cinema," said Nagarjuna.

Notably, the organisers have planned to come up with an extensive tribute program to honour the 100th birth anniversaries of four Indian Cinema Legends: Actor-Filmmaker Raj Kapoor, Director Tapan Sinha, Telugu Cinema star Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), and Singer Mohammed Rafi, as per Variety.

The ace star said that he is at IFFI 2024 to pay tribute to his father Akkineni Nageswara Rao,"I am overwhelmed and one of the main reasons I am here to pay tribute to my father. This is his 100th birthday and he has been an inspiration for us and the new people."Nagarjuna's wife Amala Akkineni, who arrived to attend the mega event, said, "It's wonderful to be here at the International Film Festival of India in Goa. So, I'm looking forward to giving honour to my father-in-law Akkineni Nageswara Rao and to a screening of our film. So I'm really looking forward to it and meeting all the delegates."Earlier, while addressing the media at the Curtain Raiser Press Conference in Goa, CM Pramod Sawant informed that Goa is all set to host the 55th edition of IFFI and is ready to welcome the delegates to the grand festival of films.

He said that IFFI 2024 has received a record 1,676 submissions from 101 countries, a testament to the festival's growing international standing. IFFI 2024 will present over 180 international films from 81 countries, including 16 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 43 Asian premieres and 109 Indian premiers. With a selection of celebrated titles and award-winning films from the global circuit, this year's festival is set to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

"There will be a special segment on Goan Films in which 14 films will be screened, celebrating local talent and culture, said Sawant.

'Sky Lantern' competition will be showcased on the route of the IFFI parade and cash rewards will be given to the participants. IFFI parade is being organized on November 22 from the ESG office venue to Kala Academy, he informed.

The theme of IFFI 2024, 'Young Filmmakers: The Future is Now', underscores the importance of fresh voices in shaping the future of world cinema.

New Award "Best Indian Debut Director" has been instituted to recognize, young filmmaking talent across the country which has been aligned with the theme of IFFI focused on 'Young Filmmakers'. 5 films from a total submission of 102 films will compete for this award. The prize contains a Certificate and Cash Prize of Rs. 5 lakhs to be given at the closing ceremony.

Australia will be the Country of Focus, showcasing a dedicated film package and fostering collaboration with India through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Screen Australia and NFDC. The festival will be Opening with an Australian Film Better Man by Michael Gracey which offers a captivating glimpse into the life of the iconic British popstar Robbie Williams.

The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to 'Philip Noyce', the celebrated and awarded Australian director, known for his exceptional storytelling and mastery in creating suspenseful, culturally resonant films. Noyce's filmography includes iconic films like Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, Salt, The Saint, The Bone Collector and many more. His collaborations with celebrated actors like Harrison Ford, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Denzel Washington, and Michael Caine, underscore his lasting impact on cinema.

In the Best Feature Film Debut Director award category, 5 International and 2 Indian Films will compete for the coveted Silver Peacock, 10 lakh Indian rupees as a cash prize and a certificate.

Best Web Series (OTT) Award has received 46 entries this year compared to 32 last year. Certificates and a cash prize of 10 Lakhs will be given as prize money to the winning series, which will be announced in the closing ceremony.

IFFI 2024 will also champion diversity and inclusion with 47 films directed by women and 66 works by young and debut filmmakers, reflecting the festival's commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices. The Women in Cinema section will highlight emerging talent and the significant contributions of female filmmakers.

IFFI 2024 will host the 1st IFFiesta, an entertainment extravaganza, enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the festival, through the magic of film, music, dance, food, art, and interactive experiences.

The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is taking place in Goa till November 28. (ANI)