Elaborating further, Jaitley said Cinema as medium in the country had matured, there was corporatization of the industry making it more professional and vibrant. The Minister reiterated the efforts being made by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to mainstream the National Film Heritage Mission as a policy initiative. This would ensure the preservation of the record of Indian cinema digitally.Jaitley also highlighted the importance of Goa being made the permanent venue of the International Film Festival of India in the context of its hospitality, growth, natural beauty and cultural diversity. Manohar Parrikar, Union Defence Minister, who was present on the occasion, said that all efforts would be made to host the next edition of IFFI at the permanent venue.
Also speaking on the occasion, Secretary I&B, Bimal Julka said that IFFI aimed to nurture, encourage and inspire Indian Cinema and introduce it to the world outside as well as many audiences within the country. Each edition of IFFI facilitated new strategies thereby ensuring enriched, enhanced and enlarged viewing experience. The vision of IFFI was to provide a common platform to project the excellence of the film art. With China being the focus country, Julka said a special package on contemporary Chinese cinema had been created at the festival.
In his address, the Chief Guest for the function, Amitabh Bachchan traced the evolution of Indian Cinema through its various facets touching upon the iconic films in different periods and the dominant themes.Bachchan highlighted the role and relevance of Indian Cinema in the context of India’s diversity and plurality.
