The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) plans to expand their programming schedule from next year by including more master-classes and 'in-conversation' series with acclaimed filmmakers from around the world.
The recently concluded 47th edition of the festival in Goa saw a host of national and international directors interact with audience and share their filmmaking experience.
"We see IFFI not just as a festival which screens films but also as a place from where aspiring filmmakers can learn from the masters. So we would be expanding our master classes and 'in-conversation' series from next year," C Senthil Ranjan, director, IFFI, told PTI.
The festival also plans to invite technicians, apart from the filmmakers, so that cinephiles can have a wholesome experience of the event.
"We are also very keen to have technicians on board from next year on a huge scale. We will expand our programming that way so that people who love cinema can have a wholesome experience," he added.
The country focus this year at IFFI was the Republic of Korea, which also held co-production workshops at the festival.
Senthil feels such collaborative efforts between two nations can be of huge help to come up with films.
"We had several co-production workshops this year which I think will sow the seeds for new international production between India and other countries, including Korea."
Iranian film "Daughter" helmed by Reza Mirkarimi won the coveted Golden Peacock Award at IFFI while the Korean film "The Throne" bagged the special jury award, at the closing ceremony last night.
This year at the festival, Indian films no longer needed a censor certificate to be showcased in the 'Indian Panorama Section'. Senthil says the decision will be permanent and won't be changed.
"Our idea is to reach out to as many new films made in India as possible. Our condition is that the un-censored films should not be taken to any other film festival before IFFI. This clause will be continued.
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