“Interactions within this mini-world congregating at Goa will facilitate deeper understanding and.."

The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has said that IFFI, the International Film Festival of India, promotes an invigorating synergy between delegates from different nations and societies, united by cinema. Describing IFFI as the biggest film festival of India, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that “the interactions within this mini-world congregating at Goa will facilitate deeper understanding and new learnings in the world of art”.

Swati Bhat

In his message, the Prime Minister observes that IFFI and Indian cinema have carved out a niche for themselves on the global stage. “Films in different Indian languages are reaching out to a larger international audience and are being increasingly appreciated across the world.”

The Prime Minister has also shared his thoughts on the role of cinema in both reflecting as well as shaping social dynamics. “For over a century now, cinema has captured the imagination of people the world over. Cinema reflects the social dynamics of our times as well as shapes it.”

The Prime Minister speaks also about the narrative power of films in bringing about social transformation and the rich history and art of storytelling in Indian languages. “Films have a unique ability to transcend barriers and establish an emotional connect with the audience. Movies entertain, educate or even inspire people through their powerful storytelling. Their efficacy in becoming a vehicle of social transformation is truly unparalleled. India is blessed with a rich and diverse culture, an amalgamation of tradition with the modern. The history and art of storytelling in various Indian languages ranging from prose, poetry, music, dance, plays, dramas to cinema, enables us to celebrate our vibrant socio-cultural landscape.”

The Prime Minister states that Goa is the perfect venue for the festival and that it will inspire festival delegates to come up with new ideas to enable cinema to reach an ever-expanding audience. “With its beautiful nature and vibrant culture, Goa provides the perfect backdrop to host the IFFI. I am sure that Goa will spur the creative imagination of the participants, inspiring them to come up with new ideas to help cinema expand its outreach to an ever-growing audience.”

The Prime Minister wishes the 53rd edition of IFFI to be a resounding success.

#thecommunique #tc #tcn #IFFI #IFFGoa #IFFIWood #event #PMO

Get inspired by 'Dhabari Quruvi', the tale of the rise of a tribal phoenix from the ashes #IFFIwood

IFFI 53 presents the first feature film in Indian film history to have a star cast comprising only indigenous people

Tanveer Mir

She rises from the ashes, to fearlessly proclaim the exclusive right she has on her body and the decisions involving it. Yes, you would not want to miss the chance to be inspired, by the elevating story of girls belonging to a tribal community in Kerala.

The fascinating story is brought to us by 'Dhabari Quruvi', the first film in the history of Indian cinema to star only people from indigenous communities. Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Priyanandan, the film also has the distinction of having been shot completely in the tribal language of Irula.

The film is being presented at the 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India, which is set to open in Goa on 20th November, 2022. And yes, the 104-minute-long feature film is all set to have its world premiere in the Indian Panorama section of IFFI.

Portrayal of indigenous people in Indian cinema has often been criticised for its failure to look beyond stereotypes. Amidst a cinematic tradition and culture which may not have done justice to the true identity and culture of tribal peoples, Dhabari Quruvi is expected to stand out as a candle spreading founts of newfound hope and inspiration. Set against the background of tribal rituals and culture, the film invites viewers to join the tempestuous journey of a tribal girl as she battles convention and seeks to free herself from the chains with which society had tied her lot.

In Irula language, Dhabari Quruvi means 'a sparrow with an unknown father'. The mythological bird, which is part of the tribal folklore, captures the untold tales of the unseen people who suffer quietly, who yearn to break the shackles of injustice, whose agonies and struggles the film seeks to bring to light.

So, who are the actors who bestow the film with the honour of having a unique star cast? They are around sixty people, belonging to Irula, Muduka, Kurumba and Vaduka tribal communities of Attappadi, a scheduled tribe hamlet of the southern Indian state of Kerala. Quite a few of them had not ever seen a film in their entire life.

The actors were selected from an acting workshop conducted at Attappadi in which around 150 people participated. Meenakshi, Shyamini, Anuprasobhini and Muruki play main roles in the film. The cast also includes Nanjiyamma, the tribal woman from Attappady who got the 68th National Film Award for Best Female Singer last year.

Dhabari Quruvi has bagged URF world record for being the only feature film starring only tribals. The film has also been selected to the International Film Festival of Kerala.

Producer: Ajith Vinayaka Films, Aevas Visual Magic Private Limited

Screenplay: Priyanandanan, Kuppuswamy M, Smitha Sailesh, K.B. Hari and Lijo Panadan.

Cinematographer: Aswaghoshan

Editor: Ekalavyan

Don't miss this unique film at IFFI 53. It is set to touch delegates’ hearts on November 24, 9.30 AM onwards, @ INOX Panjim Audi 2.

#iffi #iffi53 #iffigoa #iffiwood #event #entertainment

IFFI 53 to Celebrate Contemporary Mexican Cinema

Mexico is a country known for its vibrant culture and storied history. Today, another addition to the country’s ever growing cultural heritage is its cinema. Legends such as Alejandro González Iñárritu, Guillermo del Toro, Alfonso Cuarón and Carlos Reygadas, have produced world class films and won international critical acclaim. The 53rd IFFI also celebrates Mexico and its cinema with the screening of 7 Mexican films in various categories.

Swati Bhat

Still from ‘Red Shoes’

The 2022 Mexican Film Red Shoes will be competing with 14 other films in the International Competition segment, winner of which is awarded the coveted Golden Peacock. Red Shoes directed by Karlos Eichelmann Kaisar is a film about a farmer who lives an isolated life, receiving the news of his daughter’s death. The film progresses as the farmer tries to navigate through an unfamiliar and alien world to try and bring his daughter’s body home. Among the multiple award nominations the film has received, it was in contention for the Audience Award at Venice International Film Festival.

Also, in the running for the award for ‘Best Debut Feature Director’ is the Mexican film Island of Lost Girls directed by Ann-Marie Schmidt and Brian Schmidt. The film is a thrilling story of three sisters who find themselves trapped in a sea cave battling gigantic waves and supernatural creatures. The film was screened at the Moscow International Film Festival as well as the Fantasia Festival.

Still from Island of ‘Lost Girls’

Other films of Mexican origin marking their presence at IFFI 53 are Blanquita, Sol's Journey, Eami, Pinocchio and Huesera.

#thecommunique #tc #tcn #iffi #iffigoa #iffi53 #iffiwood