The Information and Broadcasting ministry on Wednesday launched the official anthem and radio jingle for the golden jubilee edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI), scheduled to take place in Goa from November 20 to 28.
The anthem, inspired by the nine ‘rasas’ (emotions) of the Natya Shashtra and an amalgamation of scenes from prominent movies and dance ‘mudras’, has been developed by noted dancer Geeta Chandran and Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Cage.
The audio-visuals of the anthem have been directed and produced by National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) under the guidance of I&B Ministry and the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF).
The 50th International Film Festival of India, 2019 will witness over 200 films from 76 countries. With the screening of 26 feature films and 15 non feature films in Indian panorama section, around 10,000 people and film lovers are expected to attend and participate in the golden jubilee edition.
Interestingly IFFI, in its 50th year dedicates a section for Films, released in 1969, that turns 50 this year. These include National Award winning Films from all parts of India and bring in its fold, all the Indian Film Industry. The package includes Films in Odiya, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Assamese and Malayalam.
This edition will also see the launch of a number of new categories of awards. Rajinikanth, legendary actor will be honoured with a special award, ‘Icon of Golden Jubilee of IFFI’ while French actress Isabelle Hupert will be conferred the lifetime achievement award.
The 50th edition will also showcase 50 films by women directors and 200 foreign films of which 24 are in the race for Oscar nominations.