Beloved Bollywood stars graced the red carpet at grand inauguration of 55th IFFI Goa. Festival opened a central stage for World Cinema celebrating India’s cultural and cinematic heritage.

-Swati Bhat

PANAJI: The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) kicked off with a burst of cinematic energy on Wednesday, as the opening film Better Man, directed by Michael Gracy, set the tone for a celebration of art, culture, and cinema in Goa. The Australian biopic, which chronicles the tumultuous and inspiring life of British pop sensation Robbie Williams, was a fitting tribute to resilience and stardom.

The star-studded opening ceremony, held at the festival’s main venue, saw prominent figures from the world of cinema in attendance, including renowned filmmakers Shekhar Kapur, Subhash Ghai, and actor Nagarjuna. The event was also graced by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

In his recorded message played during the inauguration, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted India's growing role in the global film landscape. He emphasized that technological advancements and the expansion of the creator ecosystem are helping India become a pivotal player in the evolving creator economy.

"IFFI has become an important milestone in the development of the Indian film industry," said Vaishnaw. "With our vibrant creator economy, India is producing innovative content that showcases the richness of its heritage, culture, and languages. Young filmmakers are presenting Indian stories in fresh, engaging ways that resonate with global audiences."

Vaishnaw also pointed out that IFFI serves as a vital platform for aspiring filmmakers, offering them an opportunity to form new collaborations and explore creative possibilities. A key highlight of this year’s festival is the Film Bazaar, an industry-focused segment that aims to connect emerging talent with established professionals, providing a space for collaboration and the exchange of ideas that could shape the future of cinema.

As the festival unfolds over the next nine days, IFFI promises to be a dynamic gathering of global filmmakers, artists, and film lovers, further solidifying its reputation as one of the most prestigious cultural events in India.

Enchanting Illumination: Introducing ANCA's Firefly Furniture Collection.

New Delhi [India], February 19, 2024: Anca proudly introduces its latest masterpiece, the Firefly Furniture Collection, a magnificent set created to add magic and charm to any area. Inspired by the mesmerising sparkle of fireflies, this collection embodies the fleeting beauty of moments, perfectly integrating natural beauty with modern design to create a sense of wonder in entertainment settings.ANCA will showcase its latest entertainment collection at India Design ID 12th Edition.

The Firefly Furniture Collection, fittingly named "Firefly - The Dance of Illumination," attempts to embody the essence of inspiration and brilliance that fireflies symbolize. Each beautifully crafted piece within the collection embodies elegance, utility, and a touch of enchantment.

In the dining area, guests are welcomed by a natural daylight ceiling with stained green oak paneling, creating an outdoor ambiance indoors. The dining table, ornamented with a pyrite top and a gunmetal-colored dining cabinet encrusted with green agate gems, acts as a sculptural centerpiece, while the experimental dining set allows guests to revel in culinary delights amidst fine settings.

The bar room, known as the Blue Bar Room, oozes refinement and appeal with smoked grey fluted walls, a graphite metal mosaic bar counter, and lit display pedestals embellished with blown glass accents. Hand-stitched barstools in blue faux crocodile leather and brushed tweed cloth lend luxury to the space.

In the living area, curved wall panels with marble incorporation create serenity, while the centerpiece beneath the Firefly chandelier exhibits three unique pieces, each featuring red tiger eye, acrylic sandwiched glass, or concentric marquetry veneer tops. Plush sofas upholstered in layers of crushed fabrics and aluminum lounge chairs offer comfort and style, making this room excellent for parties or leisure.

Anjali Goel, the founder of ANCA since 1985, remarked, "The Firefly Furniture Collection surpasses the realm of mere furniture; it's an immersive experience--an ode to moments drenched in the mesmerising glow of fireflies. With its flawless synthesis of contemporary design and natural attractiveness, this collection metamorphoses entertainment spaces into mesmerising realms, where every element adds to a memorable environment."

About Anca: Anca, formed in 1985 is a bespoke furniture manufacturing firm, famous for its creative approach to furniture design, merging current aesthetics with timeless elegance. With a commitment to workmanship and quality, Anca designs furniture sets that inspire and captivate, enhancing homes with sophistication and beauty.

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Unveiling FURA's Celebration Sapphires: An Exclusive Look into the Journey of Coloured Gemstone Jewellery

FURA Gems, a worldwide recognised coloured gemstone mining company, proudly launches its Mine-to-Market program in India.

This programme features a gorgeous collection of pink sapphire jewellery created in conjunction with world-renowned manufacturers, including Jewelex, Kama Jewellery, KGK, Laxmi Diamond, Midas Diamonds, Sanghi Jewellers, Priority Jewels, and Caara. The collection will originally be offered countrywide through six major retailers: SENCO, PNG, KHIMJI, Talla Jewellers, Abhushan Diamonds and Gold, and Batukbhai Sons Jewellery.

The choice to launch this programme in India was driven in part by the country's developing jewellery market, which is regarded as one of the fastest growing and most promising in the world, with double-digit growth expected in the coming years. Furthermore, a recent market research study commissioned by FURA Gems demonstrates the high demand in India for coloured gemstone jewellery, with 70% of jewellery consumers expressing a desire to purchase at least one item containing coloured gemstones within the next two years.

The launch is bolstered by powerful marketing that takes a digital approach to the market via an excellent video starring Saiyami Kher. Pink sapphires are positioned as the modern symbol of love for women who realise that their first relationship is with themselves, setting the groundwork and having a magical effect on all partnerships. The film's plot revolves around the concept of love, starting with self and progressing to 'all', making 'love' an everyday celebration. The campaign appeals to the modern woman's sophisticated sense of love. The advent of the pink sapphire line, coinciding with the season of love, provides a new channel for self-expression.

Shetty emphasised the company's commitment to quality and creativity, saying, "We have collaborated with eight leading Indian manufacturers to create contemporary pink sapphire jewellery designs tailored for the modern woman." Our Mine-to-Market programme ensures total traceability, giving consumers trust and confidence in their purchase."

Notably, FURA's pink sapphires are recognised by their distinctive fluorescence, which increases their colour brilliance. "Our Mozambique mines have regularly produced high-quality rubies and pink sapphires with a distinct glow that makes them highly attractive for jewellery manufacturers around the world. Geological investigations reveal that these mines provide guaranteed output for the next 50 years, making them a uniquely valuable asset for the corporation," Shetty explained.

FURA's mine-to-market programme will give its partners comprehensive marketing support, ranging from vital market research to above-the-line advertising, public relations, robust digital marketing, and below-the-line marketing, including in-store support (training and display materials).

Dev Shetty, Founder and CEO of FURA Gems, expressed his excitement about the launch of FURA Celebration Sapphires, stating, "Origin-certified Pink Sapphires present a tremendous opportunity for the Indian retail jewellery industry, catering to customers' desires for uniqueness, value, and superior quality." Pink sapphires have gained substantial market momentum globally, notably among premium manufacturers extending their collections of valuable coloured gemstone jewellery. Given India's large consumer base, which is increasingly aware of global trends, it's a natural step for FURA to expand its market presence in the region. Shetty went on to say, "India's enduring affinity for vibrant colours makes it an opportune moment to reignite their passion for precious gemstones."

"Over the following year, we intend to spend heavily in the sector alongside our jewellery partners, expanding the programme to include Australian Sapphires. As the program's starter and enabler, we will collaborate closely with the best producers and retailers to establish a strong, responsible, and traceable business," stated Rupak Sen, Chief Marketing Officer of FURA Gems.

To further enhance the mine-to-market service, each piece of jewellery is accompanied by the Provenance Proof Blockchain technology, which ensures traceability to the mine of origin and strengthens FURA's position as a reliable choice for gemstone connoisseurs.

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