By Utpal Borpujari / New Delhi
The 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), to be held Goa during November 20-28 promises to be a veritable treat for cinema lovers, with 212 films from over 68 countries, including some of the biggest films of this year, being showcased in it.
IFFI, which will celebrate its golden jubilee next year and is one of the oldest film festivals in the world, will open with the world premiere screening of Julien Landais-directed “The Aspern Papers” in the presence of its stars, Golden Globe winner Jonathan Rhys Meyers Oscar-nominated actress Joely Richardson and Morgane Polanski.
Among the films screened will be 15 that are official Oscar entries from their respective countries for the Best Foreign Language statuette.
This year the Israel will have the honour of being in the Country Focus section comprising a package of 10 films from the country. The section will open with “The Other Story” by Avi Nesher.
The Lifetime Achievement Award of IFFI will be given to Dan Wolman from that country, and famous Israeli actor Alon Aboutboul, seen in Hollywood films like Rambo III, Munich, Body of Lies and The Dark Knight Rises will be a special guest as part of Israel delegation.
IFFI will also pay tribute to the master Ingmar Bergman on his 100th birth anniversary by showcasing seven of his best films and a documentary on him titled “Bergman Island” directed by Marie Nyrerod.
The much-coveted International Competition section of the festival will include 15 films, including three Indian entries chosen from the Indian Panorama section, while the prestigious Festival Kaleidoscope section has 20 critically-acclaimed films that have scored big in major film festivals across the world.
The International Competition jury comprises noted film personalities John Irvin, Adrian Sitaru, Robert Glinski, Anna Ferraioli Ravel and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
The World Panorama section of the festival has 67 films, including four world premieres, two international premieres, 15 Asia premieres and 60 India premieres.