Panaji: 39TH International Film Festival of India Inaugurated
Pics by Kalakruti
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (MR)
Panaji, Nov 23: The celebrated actress of Hindi film screen, Rekha lighted the traditional lamp to lift the curtains on the International Film Festival of India 2008 at a special ceremony at the Kala Academy Complex on Saturday evening. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Governor, Dr S S Sidhu, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting (additional charge), Mr Anand Sharma and the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat.
Stating that Goa is her favourite place, and would be her future home, Rekha, in her short speech acknowledged Panaji as the best venue for holding the country's international film festival.
Earlier, the Governor, in his speech said that social realism with all its good points should be zealously maintained while making films. Terming the IFFI as celebration of magic of cinema, Dr Sidhu expressed hope that the festival would, some day overshadow the Cannes Film Festival.
Observing that films and cricket are two passions of the nation, Dr Sidhu said that he himself has a collection of 10 best Indian films, two of which have Rekha in them - `Umrao Jaan' and `Silsila'.
Bollywood actress Amrita Rao seen compering the Inaugural ceremony of the 39th International Film Festival of India in the Dinanath Mangueshkar auditorium at Kala Academy in Panaji on Saturday.
Veteran bollywood actress Rekha seen during the Inaugural ceremony of the 39th International Film Festival of India in the Dinanath Mangueshkar auditorium at Kala Academy in Panaji on Saturday.
Veteran bollywood actress Rekha seen lighting the traditional lamp to mark the inauguration of the 39th International Film Festival of India in the Dinanath Mangueshkar auditorium at Kala Academy in Panaji on Saturday.
Also seen Union minister for state Anand Sharma, Governor Dr S S Sidhu, Telugu actress Ileana D'Cruz and others.
Veteran bollywood actress Rekha seen during the Inaugural ceremony of the 39th International Film Festival of India in the Dinanath Mangueshkar auditorium at Kala Academy in Panaji on Saturday.
Veteran bollywood actress Rekha along with Goa Governor Dr S S Sidhu seen during the Inaugural ceremony of the 39th International Film Festival of India in the Dinanath Mangueshkar auditorium at Kala Academy in Panaji on Saturday.
Telugu actress Ileana D'Cruz seen during the Inaugural ceremony of the 39th International Film Festival of India in the Dinanath Mangueshkar auditorium at Kala Academy in Panaji on Saturday.
The jury member team of the 39th International Film Festival of India.
Veteran bollywood actor Randhir Kapoor seen compering the Inaugural ceremony of the 39th International Film Festival of India in the Dinanath Mangueshkar auditorium at Kala Academy in Panaji on Saturday.
Marathi/Bollywood actor Sachin seen compering the Inaugural ceremony of the 39th International Film Festival of India in the Dinanath Mangueshkar auditorium at Kala Academy in Panaji on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sharma said that films in the country today are burdened with a major responsibility of portraying contemporary issues like communal violence and terrorism, and our film-makers have shown great restraint in handling these emotive and divisive issues.
Stating that the explosion of technology is playing a meaningful role in present-day cinema, Mr Sharma stated that the medium of cinema connects civilisations and continents. The Indian cinema is evolving over last nine decades and making its presence felt,? he observed, pointing out that many Indian films inspired our people to stand in dignity against the oppression and tyrannical rule. The Chief Minister stated that the international film festival will facilitate interaction between film-makers, critics, students of cinema and film lovers and said the event is committed towards the cause of good cinema by getting package of good films from and outside the country.
The I&B secretary, Ms Sushma Singh also spoke on the occasion. The director of film festivals, Mr S A Khan, in his welcome address said the IFFI is now recognised at par with the best festivals in the world and is a beautiful blend of Indian cinema with the world cinema. He also expressed satisfaction that the local population would now be able to enjoy the Indian section of movies at the film festival.
The members of the international jury for the competition section of the IFFI 2008 namely Peter Chan, noted film-maker from Korea, Lav Dias, film director from Philippines, Iranian actress, Niki Karimi, Indian actress, Tabu and Marco Muller, who is the festival director of the Venice International Film Festival, were introduced to the audience.
The luminaries of the film world including Randhir Kapoor, Sachin and Iliana D'Cruz, besides the Speaker of the state assembly, Mr Pratapsingh Rane were present in the audience. Film actress, Amrita Rao, compered the event.
A special show of the period Chinese film `Warlords' directed by Peter Chan was held for invitees after the inauguration of the mega film event. Chan, introduced the film.