IFFI 2017 International Cinema Catalogue

FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
48 TH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF INDIA
MESSAGE
Over the years, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has created a firm place for itself in the
global Film Festival calendar. Organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting,
Government of India, IFFI has become one of the most important Film Festivals in the Asian region.
In this 48th edition of the Festival, we are delighted to be presenting a strong International and Indian
film programme.
This year, IFFI 2017 is proud to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to the prolific filmmaker, writer
and director, Mr. Atom Egoyan, whose works have been viewed and loved the world over. IFFI is also
elated to honour the legendary actor, Shri Amitabh Bachchan with the Indian Film Personality of the
Year Award for his tremendous contribution to Indian and global cinema.
The Festival is also delighted to open this year’s edition with renowned filmmaker Majid Majidi’s ‘Beyond
The Clouds’ and close with the well-regarded filmmaker, Pablo César’s ‘Thinking of Him’. An Iranian
Master makes his first film outside his own country and chooses to do so in India. An Argentinian
director chooses to link his country with India through a bond between major literary figures of the two
countries. Both the films reflect true Indo-international collaborations and the Make in India outlook:
filmmakers from opposite ends of the earth coming to India, not only as an extraordinary location but
also as an inspiring subject. What better way could there be of book-ending this truly International Film
Festival, that is also truly Indian at heart?
The Country Focus on Canada has been taken forward in association with Telefilm Canada and with
collaboration from the Toronto International Film Festival. We also have a selection of films from the
“Biennale College” of the Venice International Film Festival.
We are confident that all of you will enjoy the carefully curated programme of the best of international
and Indian films, many of which are being presented in the country for the first time, including some
cinematic landmarks in the Restored Classics.
Additionally, the Panel Discussions and Master Classes with industry and thought leaders form one of
the core pillars of this year’s Festival.
We also urge all of you to experience the Mixed Reality Sidebar which includes a special VR package
put together for you, in addition to the various other new initiatives in this edition, aimed at “Celebrating
the Future of Cinema”.
On behalf of the entire team of IFFI 2017, I wish you all a great Festival experience.
(Sunit Tandon)