Robbie Williams Film ‘Better Man’ to Open India’s IFFI Fest, Phillip Noyce Set for Lifetime Honor

As a seasoned film enthusiast with decades of cinematic adventures under my belt, I can wholeheartedly say that the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is shaping up to be an unparalleled celebration of global cinema this year! The lineup is simply breathtaking – from the Asian premiere of Michael Gracey’s “Better Man” about British pop sensation Robbie Williams, to the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award being bestowed upon the illustrious Phillip Noyce.

Michael Gracey’s film “Better Man,” a portrait of British pop sensation Robbie Williams, is scheduled to debut as the opening movie for the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). This Australian production will mark its Asian premiere and commence the festival from November 20th to 28th in Goa.

Renowned filmmaker Philip Noyce (“Clear and Present Danger,” “Salt,” “Rabbit-Proof Fence”) will be honored with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at the festival. This Australian director, who has worked extensively with Harrison Ford, Nicole Kidman, and Angelina Jolie, is now part of IFFI as they highlight Australia as their main focus country for the festival.

In this competition segment, a total of 15 films are contending for the Golden Peacock accolade. The international jury is headed by Indian filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker. Accompanying him on the jury panel are Singaporean writer-director Anthony Chen, British producer Elizabeth Karlsen, Spanish producer Fran Borgia, and Australian editor Jill Bilcock.

The Indian Panorama segment will display 25 fictional full-length films and 20 documentaries, highlighting the nation’s rich linguistic variety. Randeep Hooda’s “Swatantrya Veer Savarkar,” filmed in Hindi, will kick off the documentary section.

This year’s event highlights budding film directors with the motto “The Present Belongs to Youth,” and it introduces a fresh accolade for Best Debut Indian Director. The festival has broadened its burgeoning filmmakers program, Tomorrow’s Creative Minds, by increasing its participants from 75 to an impressive 100 rising stars.

At IFFI, more than 180 international films from 81 different countries will be shown, including 15 world premieres. The festival has expanded by adding six new theaters to its venue selection and launching “IFFiesta”, a vibrant entertainment zone located along Goa’s riverfront.

This program honors notable figures from Indian cinema such as Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Tapan Sinha, and Akkineni Nageswara Rao by showcasing restored classics of their work and hosting exhibitions dedicated to them. Established industry professionals like A.R. Rahman, Prasoon Joshi, Shabana Azmi, Mani Ratnam, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Noyce, and John Seale will conduct workshops and participate in discussions during the event.

Festival director Shekhar Kapur emphasized at a recent press event in New Delhi, “Since just 5% of our population engage with film, we hold a significant responsibility to foster this concept. Although theatrical film may be waning in significance, it’s crucial that we preserve its essence. This is something we should cultivate without overstating its importance, as storytelling remains paramount.

Once again, Film Bazaar, the largest film market in South Asia (November 20th-24th), will take place during IFFI for its 18th edition. This time, it welcomes Jerome Paillard, a former head of Cannes Marche du Film, as an advisor. The event will exhibit over 350 film projects and arrange buyer-seller meetings along the waterfront promenade in Goa. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) is teaming up to encourage greater industry involvement.

2024-11-11 11:46

Robbie Williams Film ‘Better Man’ to Open India’s IFFI Fest, Phillip Noyce Set for Lifetime Honor

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