Mumbai: The 17th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival for documentary, short fiction and animation films (MIFF-2022) began with an opening ceremony in Mumbai on Sunday.
Speaking via a video message, the Union Minister for Information And Broadcasting Anurag Thakur said, “Documentary cinema creates the most significant impact. It not only educates, inspires and motivates a change in the society but also acts as a tool that transcends cultures and boundaries.”
This edition will offer around 400 films from across the world. Out of these, 102 films will be screened under the competition category-35 in international competition and 67 in a national competition.
The minister also mentioned that MIFF provides a platform where documentary filmmakers from all over the world get to exchange ideas and explore the possibilities of co-productions and marketing of documentary, short and animation films. He added that this opportunity eventually broadens the vision of the film-makers vis-à-vis world cinema.
Speaking in this context, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Piyush Goyal said that those who produce art films, documentary films and animation films are kind of a 'Start-Up' seeding new ideas and play the role of messengers in the country.
He said there are multiple avenues like the silver screen, television, OTT, etc, available to spread the message across the world, thus allowing such ‘start-ups’ to become ‘Unicorns’.
Goyal said that Lata Mangeshkar was an inspiration for many artistes and musicians & through art she took India’s history, tradition and heritage to the world. “Let us explore ways as to how we can institutionalise Lata Didi’s role for the country, the city of Mumbai and the Cinema world itself."
The Minister of State for Information And Broadcasting, Dr L. Murugan in his address spoke about the efforts made to promote Indian Cinema globally. He also pointed out how India has made a greater presence at the Cannes Film Festival and said Shaunak Sen’s film "All That Breathes" made India proud by winning the best documentary award.
The minister said that the government has announced incentives for international filmmakers and co-productions, especially for feature films, animation films, documentary films and web series. “AVGC sector promotion is happening in a great way. The prime minister (PM) called for Digital India and Startup India and the Indian contingent at Cannes showcased our culture and ethos,” he proudly recalled.
The seven-day festival was organised by the Films Division of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and inaugurated by Piyush Goyal.
