Mumbai: "International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has become a platform for film directors from all over the world to showcase their work. I am sure that India will become a hub for co-production, post-production, film shooting, content, and also for the technology partners," said the union minister for information & broadcasting and youth affairs & sports Anurag Thakur, during the inauguration ceremony of the 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India at Panaji, Goa.

Thakur added that his vision is to make India the most sought-after destination for film shoots and post-production, backed by the talent of our people and the innovation of our industry leaders.

The minister went on to say that his vision for IFFI isn't limited to a single event, but rather what IFFI should be when India celebrates its 100th year of independence, when we switch from Amrit Mahotsav to Amrit Kaal. "We aim to make India a powerhouse of content creation, especially regional cinema, by scaling up regional festivals. India can be the post-production hub of the world by leveraging the immense tech talent amongst our skilled youth," he added.

"For the first time, gala premieres of Indian, global, and OTT films will be held at IFFI, including the premiere of the fourth season of the globally acclaimed series Fauda, which features some of the biggest Israeli stars in the world today. I would also like to share that the next season of this show will also be launched at IFFI," Thakur added.

The minister further congratulated celebrated Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saura for winning the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award this year. He also announced that the Indian Film Personality of the Year award will be conferred to South Indian actor Chiranjeevi.

While sharing the achievements, Thakur pinpointed the importance of the Film Bazaar, which is being organised on the sidelines of IFFI. "For the first time, IFFI has augmented the scope of the 'Film Bazaar' by introducing 'Country Pavilions,'" he added.