In a bid to broaden its horizon in the wake of rapidly evolving global media landscape and recognizing the influential role of digital streaming giants in shaping contemporary cinema, the Ministry of information and Broadcasting has for the first time greenlighted major OTT platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Sony Pictures Network India, and Viacom, for the inclusion in the upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
The 56th edition of IFFI is slated to be held from November 20-28 at Goa. The ministry has also constituted the Steering Committee which sees an expansion from existing 16 members to 31. The committee, which will be chaired by Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw, will have Chief Minister of Goa Pramod Sawant as the Co-Chairman.
The Steering Committee works towards the planning and execution of the festival by roping in senior officials from the Government of India and the Government of Goa, along with participants from the Indian and international film industry.
The Committee has been entrusted with a wide range of responsibilities, including recommending sections for festival programming such as masterclasses, workshops, and cultural events; selecting the Country of Focus in consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs. It also suggests names for the International Jury, recommending recipients of the prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Indian Film Personality of the Year Award.
Meanwhile veteran film maker and writer Shekhar Kapur has been appointed as the Festival Director for the 56th edition of the festival. The non-official members include Anil Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Chairman CBFC Prasoon Joshi, A. Sreekar Prasad, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Dil Raju, Santosh Sivan, Shankar Mahadevan, Suhasini Maniratnam, and representatives from leading OTT and media networks including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Sony Pictures Network India, and Viacom, among few others.