Prakash Javadekar says, IFFI not just government’s responsibility, film industry should also participate

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar on Saturday urged the film industry and other sectors to collaborate with the government in organising the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the annual film extravaganza, Javadekar said there is a requirement of active participation from non-government sectors in such events.

“Every year, IFFI is organised by the central government and Goa government. Why? There should be participation from the film industry and other industries as well.

“Just because it’s the government’s responsibility to ensure thriving atmosphere and promotion of arts and culture, doesn’t mean the government should do everything” Javadekar said in his address.

He also extended an invitation to private players, hoping for their participation in the future editions of the festival.

The 51st edition of IFFI



kickstarted here today after it was postponed in November 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. It will run till January 24.

The ceremony was held at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium here.

The festival is being organised in a “hybrid mode”, where delegates can participate and watch films and events virtually.

Javadekar said the hybrid edition, which will also have physical screenings, is a testimony to the festival’s ability to adapt to changing times.

“Films will be screened across seven theatres, but the online access will be there for all the delegates. Newspaper circulation was affected due to COVID, but their digital engagement grew massively.

“So these are changing times of evolving technology which we are benefiting from,” he added.

Javadekar also announced that the Indian Personality of the Year Award will be conferred to veteran actor- filmmaker Biswajit Chatterjee.