54th International Film Festival Of India, Goa.

FIAPF Accredited Competitive, Feature Film Festival (20th- 28th November, 2023)

Since 1952, India has hosted 53 International Film Festival of India (IFFI) both competitive and non-competitive. The festival became an annual event from 1975 onwards. The 54th edition of the festival which includes a competition for feature films by Directors from all Continents will be held in Goa.

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Festival Regulations

The Festival is being organized by The National Film Development Corporation of India Ltd (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India in collaboration with the State Government of Goa and the Indian Film Industry. The Festival is recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). 54th IFFI will have theatrical screenings of selected films at different festival screens in Goa. It may also screen films on its official digital platform during the festival in Goa, subject to the prevailing conditions.

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1. Objectives:

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The Whole World is One Family) Celebrating the Joy of Cinema

The Festival aims at providing a common platform for film-makers of the world to project their excellence in 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 co-operation among people of the world.

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2. Date and Place:

The 54th edition of IFFI will be held from November 20th – 28th, 2023 in Goa, India.

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3. Festival Programmes:

The festival programme is broadly divided into the following categories: -

i) International Competition for Feature Films (up to 15 numbers. Up to three Indian Films will be selected for this section. Fiction Films with a minimum duration of 70 minutes and above).

ii) Non-Competition (World Panorama) - for feature films from around the world (Films with a minimum duration of 70 minutes and above).

iii) Country Focus & other specially curated packages (Indian & Foreign) and Special Screenings/Gala Premieres.

iv) Indian Panorama - for Indian feature films, Indian Panorama Regulations 2023 will be applicable.

v) Technical Workshops/Masterclasses/other Interactive & Academic Sessions/Panel Discussions/Talent Hub etc. both virtual and physical.

vi) Film Bazaar: IFFI also hosts the Film Bazaar, South Asia's largest and One of Asia's most prolific Film Markets showcasing rich content to potential buyers from different countries across the world.

vii) National Film Development Corporation Ltd (NFDC) reserves the right to exclude films that are not in conformity with the philosophy and objective of the festival, which could offend the feelings/susceptibilities of any participating country, or are likely to promote discrimination of any kind.

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4. International Competition

Films entered in the International Competition MUST fulfil the following conditions:

• a) Films must be fiction, feature-length films should not be not less than 70 minutes in duration and in original language sound-track with English Subtitles.
• b) They must have been completed between 1st September 2022 and 31st August 2023. Eligibility will be determined by the declaration made by the entrant in the film entry form. For International films, where no proof is available, the date of the first theatrical screening will be considered as completion date/self-declaration by the applicant.
• c) Except for Indian films, the entries in this section should not have been released/ shown on virtual/ OTT platforms/ physically in India or presented in any other Indian Film Festivals before.
• d) In the case of co-productions, the entrants must comply with article 15.3 of the Festival’s regulations and therefore have the right to sanction the participation of the film in The International Competition and also sanction the authority to receive awards, if the film wins any.
• e) Entrants must agree that if their film/films win any of the Golden and/or Silver Peacock Awards, all screenings thereafter will acknowledge the Award(s) on the film itself.
• f) Foreign Films for International Competition will be recommended by the Festival’s Preview Committee. Upto three Indian film entries in International Competition will be identified by the Indian Panorama Jury at the time of final selection of Indian Panorama Films for IFFI 2023. The Festival Director holds the right to consider the films that are not accepted for the International Competition as entries for the ‘World Panorama'/Cinema of the World” Section. However, the consent of the entrant shall be sought before selection and inclusion in the festival programme.
• g) The competition will be held subject to the acceptance of a maximum of fifteen eligible films from different Continents/Countries. If selected for the International Competition, the entrant whose films would be awarded will be requested permission to provide the festival with a region-free PAL DVD/Blu-ray of the film for archival purposes.
• h) The Jury for the International Competition will consist of a Chairman and not less than two and not more than four other members, of which one member will be from India.
• i) The decisions of the jury will be taken by a simple majority of the members present and voting. The jury can evolve its own rules for the assessment of the entries. The Managing Director, NFDC and/or his representative can attend the jury deliberations but shall neither participate nor vote.
• j) No person having taken part in the production or having any commercial interest in a competitive entry may be on the jury. All members of the jury will refrain from releasing any articles or reviews to the press concerning the film submitted for their judgment until the results of the final selection have been formally announced at the closing function.
• k) Once the film has been selected and the right holder confirms her/his agreement, the film in the official programme shall not be withdrawn from the festival programme before or during the event.
• l) The National Film Development Corporation Ltd may organize screenings of the IFFI award-winning films in various other festivals held under its responsibility. The right holders of IFFI award-winning films will be requested permission for any screening of their film in such a framework.
• m) The following prizes will be given away:

(I) Best Film

• a) A Cash prize of Rs. 40,00,000/- to be shared equally between the Director and Producer.
• b) Director is to be given the Golden Peacock and a Certificate in addition to the cash component.
• c) Producer to be given a Certificate in addition to the cash component.

(II) Best Director

Silver Peacock, Certificate and a cash prize of Rs.15,00,000/-

(III) Best Actor (Male)

Silver Peacock, Certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 10,00,000/-

(IV)Best Actor (Female):

Silver Peacock, Certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 10,00,000/-

(V)Special Jury Award

Silver Peacock, Certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 15,00,000/- given to a film (for any aspect of the film which the jury wishes to award/acknowledge) or an individual (for his/her artistic contribution to a film). The award, if given to a film, will be given to the Director of the film.

(VI) Award for Best Debut Feature Film of a Director

• a) Silver Peacock, certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 10,00,000/- (To be given to a director for his/her best first feature film to recognize and encourage the most promising new directorial talent in world cinema).
• b) Out of the entries received for this category of award, up to five non-Indian (foreign) films will be shortlisted by the Preview Committee. The festival holds the right to consider the films that are not shortlisted for this category as entries for the World Panorama Section of the Festivals.
• c) First feature film of a director selected under Indian Panorama is also eligible for this Award. Indian film entry for the Award for the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director will be identified by the Indian Panorama Jury from the selected films for Indian Panorama 2023. A maximum of two such films can be recommended by the Indian Panorama Jury at the time of the final selection of Indian Panorama Films for IFFI 2023.
• d) Films entered for Award for the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director MUST fulfil the following conditions: -
• i) Films must be first fiction, feature-length films, not less than 70 minutes in duration in original language sound-track with English Subtitles. Films in English need not be subtitled.
• ii) They must have been completed between 1st September 2022 to 31st August 2023 (For Indian Feature Films, dates will be applicable as per Indian Panorama Regulations 2023). Eligibility will be determined by the declaration made by the entrant in the film entry form. For International films where no proof is available, the date of the first theatrical screening will be considered the completion date.
• iii) Except for Indian films, the entries in this section should not have been released/ shown in India or presented in any other Indian Film Festivals before.
• iv) In the case of co-productions, the entrants must comply with article 15.3 of the Festival’s regulations and therefore have the right to sanction participation of the film for this award and also sanction the authority to receive awards, if the film wins any.
• v) Entrants must agree that if their film/films win the Award, all screenings thereafter will acknowledge the Award on the film itself.
• vi) If shortlisted for competing for this award, the entrant(s) - must provide a DCP (Non- encrypted, DCI Compliant-J2K Intrope or SMPTE in 24 fps) with EST for festival screenings - must agree that in case of winning an award, they will provide the festival with a region free PAL DVD/Blu-ray copy of the film for archival purposes.
• vii) The winner of the award will be recommended by the International Jury of IFFI 2023 to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.

(VII) Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Cinema

This prestigious award, instituted in the name of the legendry filmmaker the Satyajit Ray, consisting of a cash prize of Rs. 10,00,000/-, certificate, shawl, Medal (Silver Peacock) and a scroll, is conferred upon a master film-maker/film technician/film personalities for his/her outstanding contribution to cinema. The festival every year invites a film maker/ film technician/ film personalities of repute for this award.

(VIII) Indian Film Personality of the Year Award

This prestigious award consisting of a cash prize of Rs. 10,00,000/-, certificate, shawl and Medal (Silver Peacock) is conferred upon an Indian film personality for his/her outstanding contribution to Indian Cinema.

(IX) ICFT UNESCO – Gandhi Medal Award

IFFI 2023 in collaboration with the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication (ICFT), Paris, will present a special ICFT prize consisting of the UNESCO Gandhi Medal awarded to a film which reflects the ideals promoted by UNESCO - especially: Tolerance, Intercultural Dialogue & Culture of Peace.

Broad guidelines for the selection of the films for the UNESCO Gandhi Medal:

• a) Have a strong ethical component.
• b) High aesthetic value.
• c) Exhibit artistic excellence in screenplay, film technique and music.
• d) Attract a wide audience, especially among youth, whose view of media is distorted by violent imagery and showy techniques which are devoid of intelligence and critical discernment.
• e) Additionally include an educational component to cope with the flood of inappropriate imagery commonly marketed.
• f) Awareness of the role of the filmmaker in confronting a declining society; because it is recognized that cinematographic and video images are much more powerful than any other means of communication.

IFFI Preview Committee shall recommend upto 7 films for this award’s competition from the entries received in the International Cinema section. While up to 3 Indian films for this Award’s competition will be shortlisted by Indian Panorama Jury from the entries in the Indian Panorama Section.

The Gandhi Medal Award Jury members nominated by ICFT UNESCO shall recommend this award from the films entered in this competition. The Award consists of a Certificate and a medal given by ICFT UNESCO.

• n. Recipients are to agree that the concerned professional will receive the award in person, if the film/he/she wins any award. National Film Development Corporation Ltd reserves the right to cancel the cash component in case of the awardees not being able to present him/her at the award ceremony on the closing night. For any reason the awardee is not able to personally attend, he or she should immediately in writing, nominate an immediate family member or from the film-its Producer or Director.

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5. Non- Competition (World Panorama)

a) Films must be feature-length films not less than 70 minutes in duration in original language soundtrack with English Subtitles. Films in English need not be subtitled.
b) They must have been completed after 1st September 2022.
c) If selected for the World Panorama Section, the entrant(s) must provide a 35 mm print or a DCP with EST and optical sound-track or originally shot in a digital format for festival screenings.
d) Films that have been presented in earlier editions of the International Film Festival of India, or already screened in India, will be excluded, unless previously agreed to by the Managing Director NFDC, in exceptional cases.

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6. Entry Deadlines

The deadline for receiving applications and preview material is 31st August 2023.
 

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7. DVD Screeners for Selection

The Online/ Blu-ray /DVD screeners with English subtitles should reach the National Film Development Corporation Ltd, New Delhi office before the above-mentioned date along with a duly completed online Entry Form (available on our website). Inscribe 'No commercial value for Cultural purposes only' on the parcel. The Festival will not bear the cost of transportation of preview material, unless upon the entrant’s request and at his/her own expense.

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8. Entering films in the festival

Film producers, distributors, their duly authorized representatives or duly authorized Government organizations/agencies of the participating countries may enter their films for the International Competition, World Panorama and Country Focus Sections in the Entry Form.

a) Indian Films may submit their applications through the Indian Panorama, which will be opened and advertised in all the national dailies. The same will be available on the official website of the festival (https://www.iffigoa.org or https://nfdcindia.com) as well.
b) Enquiries for Film Bazaar may be addressed to the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). The contact address: Director, Film Bazaar
National Film Development Corporation
Discovery of India Building,
Nehru Centre, Dr Annie Besant Road,
Worli Mumbai- 400 018- India.
Ph: 022-66288295, Fax: 022-24952262
Email: [email protected]
c) National Film Development Corporation Ltd may also invite films which it considers of interest.
d) The Form, duly filled in, separately for each film proposed to be entered, should reach the National Film Development Corporation Ltd by August 31st, 2023 through the online entry route at www.iffigoa.org. In case of the day being a holiday, the next working day will be considered as the deadline.

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9. Final Screening Materials

a) 35mm prints/DCPs/final screening material along with a Blu-ray/DVD of the selected films for exhibition in the festival must reach the festival Office in Goa on or before 15th October 2023. The Festival prefers online transfer of DCPs with KDMs for the entire festival period. If sent through physical mode, prints should only be sent through the official freight handlers of the festival, as per the instructions given by the festival print unit. National Film Development Corporation Ltd will not be responsible for any repercussions arising from deviation of the print dispatch instructions issued by the print unit.
b) After the conclusion of the festival, the final screening materials if received in physical form, shall be returned through air- freight or diplomatic channels, as per specific written instructions received from the film right holder. The festival would bear only one-way freight. Wherever previously agreed upon by the festival, the festival will also be undertaking the actual cost of return freight charges (both ways) but will not be liable for payment of customs, duties, freight handler's fees etc., outside India. It will be borne solely by the film recipient.

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10. Insurance

The Insurance of prints in transit from the country of origin to the National Film Development Corporation Ltd and from the National Film Development Corporation Ltd to the country of origin will be the responsibility of the entrant. The National Film Development Corporation Ltd will insure the prints against damage, partial and total, by fire, theft or any other unnatural causes from the moment it takes delivery of the prints to the moment it hands them back to the concerned airline/agency for dispatch, in conformity with Addendum 1 of the FIAPF Regulations for International Film Festivals. Technical complaints regarding the returned screening copy must be reported to the festival in writing within 5 days of being received.

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11. Freight and Other Charges

a) The prints and DVD's should be sent "freight pre-paid" i.e. at the sender's cost. After the Festival, the prints will be returned to the senders by air freight at the cost of the National Film Development Corporation Ltd.
b) The National Film Development Corporation Ltd will not pay any charges other than the air-freight charges. It may also be noted that the National Film Development Corporation Ltd cannot reimburse any freight or other charges in foreign currency, unless previously agreed to in writing.
c) The National Film Development Corporation Ltd will not bear freight or any other charges for unsolicited films, Videos or DVDs sent to it if these are not selected for screening in the Festival.

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12. Subtitling

Films will only be screened in their original language/version with English Subtitles. Non English films without English subtitles will not be screened at the festival and they will also not be electronically subtitled by the Festival.

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13. Screening

a) The films being screened at IFFI would either be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification, India or have obtained an exemption under Section 9 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
b) The accepted film will not be shown outside the Festival city by the National Film Development Corporation Ltd, without written consent of the right holder.
c) The Festival proposes to have a maximum of five screenings per selected film as per FIAPF Regulations for International Film festivals and for the competitive specialized festivals which allow for a maximum of five screenings per film.

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14. Excerpts for Television

For the promotion of films entered in the Festival on television, producers/authorized entrants are requested to supply four excerpts of the film(s) entered, each of a maximum of three minutes, to the National Film Development Corporation Ltd. High-Resolution uncompressed video of the same may be sent in a DVD format.
 

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15. General

a) Classroom and advertising films are not eligible for participation in any section.
b) Final screening material must comply with technical standards specified by SMPTE for screening at International Film Festivals. National Film Development Corporation Ltd reserves the right to refuse screening if found otherwise.
c) The participants must ensure that they have the right to participate in the International Film Festival of India with regards to parties connected with the production /distribution of the participating film and /or other right holders/licenses.
d) Participation in the Festival implies acceptance of these Regulations.
e) The Managing Director of National Film Development Corporation Ltd will decide all matters not expressly provided for in these regulations but in conformity with the provisions of the International Regulations for film festivals and his decisions shall be final and binding on all Parties.

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16. Correspondence and Shipping Address:

DCP/DVD screeners for the selection & all film prints sent through diplomatic channels can be sent to the following office in New Delhi.

Managing Director
International Film Festival of India
National Film Development Corporation Ltd
Siri Fort Auditorium Complex
August Kranti Marg, Khel Gaon
New Delhi 110 049, India.
Tel: + 91 11 2649352|56
E-Mail: [email protected]

All correspondence, publicity materials, DCP, DVDs and film print of the selected films should be addressed to:

Managing Director
International Film Festival of India
National Film Development Corporation Ltd
Siri Fort Auditorium Complex
August Kranti Marg, Khel Gaon
New Delhi 110 049, India.
Tel: + 91 11 2649352|56
E-Mail: [email protected]

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