The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), founded in 1952, is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. Held annually in the beach town of Goa, in the Western Coast of the country, the festival aims at 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.

The festival is conducted jointly by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Government of Goa. The 42nd edition of IFFI being scheduled to be held in Panaji, Goa from 23 November to 03 December 2011.

The festival is to headed by Shankar Mohan, who is officially appointed by Government of India, as the Director of the 42nd edition.

The Vision

‘Ayam bandhurayam neti gananā laghuchetasām, Udāracharitānām tu vasudhaiva kutumbakam’

(Extract from the Vedic scripture Maha Upanishad, meaning ‘One is my brother and the other is not – is the thinking of a narrow-minded person. For those who are broad-minded, liberals, or noble people, the entire world is a one big family.’)

Nothing exemplifies the Indian notion of non-violence and peaceful coexistence as ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the phrase in which the IFFI and its theme are rooted.

The History

The 1st edition of IFFI was organized by the Films Division, Government of India, with the patronage of the first Prime Minister of India. Held in Mumbai from 24 January to 1 February 1952, the Festival was subsequently taken to Madras, Delhi Calcutta and Trivandrum. In all it had about 40 features and 100 short films. In Delhi, the IFFI was inaugurated by Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on 21 February 1952.

Since its beginnings in 1952 the IFFI has been the biggest event of its type in India. Subsequent IFFI’s were held in New Delhi. From the 3rd edition in January 1965, IFFI’s became competitive. It was since then moved to Trivandrum, capital of Kerala. In 1975 the Filmotsav, non-competitive and to be held in other filmmaking cities in alternate years, was introduced. Later, Filmotsavs were merged in IFFI’s. In 2004 the IFFI was moved to Goa from Trivandrum. Since then the IFFI has been an annual event and competitive.

Film Submissions

Submissions for the 42nd International Film Festival of India are now open. Films from all continents produced between 1st September 2010 and 31st August 2011 are eligible for competition. The grand prize is the legendary Golden Peacock and a cash prize of Rs. 40,00,000 ($ 90,000 USD approx.) to be shared between the director and the producer.

For complete information on submissions, visit IFFI website on www.iffi.nic.in

Trivia

• The first IFFI was held in 1952, American director Frank Capra attended as a part of the US delegation Capra visits India, 1952

• On the eve of IFFI2006, journalist and author Mario Cabral e Sa's book Location Goa, highlighting Goa's contribution to the Hindi film world, was released on 21 November 2006.

• In 2006, Goa hosts the International Film Festival of India for 11 days from November 23 to December 3. India's smallest state, a seaside attraction, has been host to the annual festival since 2004. This brings in more visitors to the State, and also coincides with the novenas and feast of the sixteenth century Basque missionary-saint Francis Xavier.