Celebrated Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who serves as festival director of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa, has outlined his vision for the 2024 edition, emphasizing a shift away from comparing Indian cinema to Western standards.
“For a long time, at every festival, we’ve kind of looked down upon ourselves as though Indian cinema needs to catch up to the West, and that’s a narrative that I want to change,” says Kapur.
The director points to India’s historical ability to adapt Western technology, from the early days of the first Indian feature “Raja Harishchandra,” to modern digital platforms. “Right from ‘Raja Harishchandra,’ when we first made our first film, we actually adopted what is a completely Western technology of cameras and showing a projection, and became the largest filmmaking community in the world. There’s something about our population that takes to audiovisual storytelling in leaps and bounds.”
Kapur’s strategy for IFFI 2024 centers on three main pillars: celebrating Indian cinema on its own terms, honoring audiences, and establishing IFFI’s unique identity among international festivals.
“Let’s celebrate our audiences,” says Kapur, recounting how Indian moviegoers have historically embraced cinema despite challenging viewing conditions. He notes that IFFI’s location in Goa is significant, describing it as “the most celebratory place in India.”
Speaking about his vision for audience takeaway from the festival, Kapur emphasizes a shift in perspective: “Do not look upon us as iconic figures that you have looked up to. We’re serving you. You’re part of our creativity.”
The festival will feature increased youth programming and technology-focused classes, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence in filmmaking. Kapur sees AI as “the most democratic technology” to emerge in the film industry.
Regarding international participation, Kapur aims to facilitate greater cultural exchange while maintaining India’s distinct voice. “We’re bringing more and more international people so we can swap stories, rather than allow one culture to become the major narrative of the world.”
IFFI 2024 will also expand its Film Bazaar market to include more interactions between different Indian language industries and international participants.
