Panaji, Goa: The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is set to transform Goa into a cinematic hub from November 20 to 28, attracting cinephiles and industry professionals from around the world. Running alongside IFFI, the 18th edition of Film Bazaar, from November 20 to 24, will offer a valuable platform for filmmakers to connect, collaborate, and present their work to an international audience.
A major highlight this year is the return of the Viewing Room at the Marriott Resort, which will feature a curated selection of films from India and South Asia. With screenings scheduled from November 21 to 24, the Viewing Room serves as a networking and distribution hub for filmmakers at various stages of production, allowing them to showcase their projects to global film programmers, distributors, sales agents, and investors. This year’s Viewing Room Library will offer 208 films, including 145 feature films, 23 mid-length films, and 30 short films. Additionally, 12 titles co-produced by NFDC and 10 restored classics from NFDC-NFAI will be available for viewing.
The Film Bazaar Recommends (FBR) list is set to spotlight 27 projects, including 19 feature films, 3 mid-length films, 2 short films, and 3 restored classics. This selective list aims to amplify promising projects, with filmmakers given the chance to pitch directly to industry leaders such as producers, distributors, and festival programmers.
Prithul Kumar, Managing Director of NFDC, expressed excitement for the FBR selections, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the selections for FBR, which celebrate the creativity and passion of filmmakers. This initiative is not just about recognition; it’s about empowering storytellers to share their visions with the world.”
Throughout the festival, FBR-selected projects will engage in open pitching sessions, an opportunity for filmmakers to connect with potential collaborators and secure vital support for their films. It’s worth noting that films in the FBR list or Viewing Room are not permitted to use the Film Bazaar logo in their promotional materials.
With this vibrant blend of screenings, pitching sessions, and networking opportunities, IFFI and Film Bazaar 2024 promise to highlight the richness of South Asian cinema and provide emerging filmmakers with a global stage to share their stories.
