Speaking to PTI here, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Uday Kumar Varma said there will be a special section which the international and the Indian audience can look forward to which is titled 'Soul of Asia'.
"This is a section in Cinema and mysticism which shall screen films on the philosophical themes of Buddhism and mystic tradition of Asia. There will be nine films in this section," Varma said.
Among the films that will be screened in this festival are titled "Confucious", "Light of Asia", "Meeting with Remarkable Men", "Mystic Iran", "Samsara", "Spring Summer Fall Winter and Spring", "The Buddha", "The Burmese Harp" and "The Great Pilgrim".
Varma also said that American director Ang Lee's latest venture "Life of Pi" which is based on Yann Martell Booker prize-winning novel has been chosen as the opening film of the festival.
He said that the festival which would showcase films from nearly 40 countries will close with a screening of Mira Nair's movie "The Reluctant Fundamentalist".
Speaking about the decision to select "Life of Pi" as the opening film, Varma said the screening at IFFI in Goa would also be the world premiere of the movie.
"This is a film from a very celebrated director. He has directed three very very famous movies, one is 'Sense and Sensibility', the second is 'Brokeback Mountain' and the third is 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', Varma he said. (More)