(a) whether the 47th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was organised by the Government recently;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the aims and objectives of the IFFI;
(c) whether the Government has taken many new initiatives to promote Indian cinema in the International film festivals;
(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the benefits derived therefrom till date; and
(e) the further steps taken/being taken by the Government to promote regional films in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING [(COL RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (Retd.)]:
(a) and (b): The 47th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was organized in Goa during 20th – 28th November, 2016. During the Festival, over 270 foreign and Indian films were screened. The other features of the Festival were master classes, workshops, in-conversations, co-production sessions and technical sessions conducted by the master filmmakers and technicians from across the world on various aspects of cinema.
IFFI has the objective of providing a common platform for the cinemas of the world to project the excellence of the film art; contributing to the understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations in the context of their social and cultural ethos; and promoting friendship and cooperation among people of the world. IFFI also aims to nurture, encourage and inspire Indian cinema and introduce it to the world outside as well as within the country.
(c) to (e) : The Government has recently introduced Film Promotion Fund for providing financial assistance to filmmakers whose films are selected in any competitive section of an international film festival of repute or India’s official nomination for Academy Awards under Foreign Film Category. This initiative would help independent filmmakers to promote their work across the globe and encourage them to produce quality cinema. We have not received any application for providing financial assistance till date.
Under the Indian Panorama section of International Film Festival of India (IFFI), forty seven feature and non-feature films of different Regional/State languages are selected for screening. The Government also organizes several Indian Panorama film festivals in India and abroad to promote and showcase cinema from all regions of the country.
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