The season of festivals is around the corner! Ohhh the lights, the people, the energy, the lineup of films, the stories. Film festivals are the perfect spots for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their work, interact with fellow filmmakers, directors and actors and explore cinema and fellow filmmaker’s work. So without any further due. Let’s dive into, no no. Let’s roll! Through the 5 film festivals for you and most importantly for cinephiles you to attend, experience the world of cinema and explore new stories and more.
1 Behala International Film Festival
Bengal is popularly known for its art. Be it music, dance or cinema. The Bengali cinema has also produced some of the gems, that have shined across the globe and set an example in the world cinema. Join the festivity where the most talented minds in Bengali cinema will witness your work at the Behala International Film Festival!
Here is what awaits you at the festival:
Cultural Dance Extravaganza: The evening will be opened with mesmerizing cultural performances performed as a depiction of Bengal’s rich culture
Award Distribution Ceremony: Numerous categories of awards, honouring the unwavering dedication and creative spirit of filmmakers and other artists and professionals in this industry, will be awarded.
Hear from some of the most respected and influential celebrities of Bengali cinema. From their insights to their experiences and stories, they will leave you inspired and connected to the magic of movies.
More than a film festival, it is a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Don’t miss this unique event on 14th September at Sarat Sadan, Behala, Kolkata 700034, India, Kolkata
2 Prithvi Theatre Fest
The legendary cultural spot for plays in Mumbai, Prithvi Theatre. A sacred place for pilgrims also known as aspiring actors, writers & directors. From November 3 to November 13, the theatre is hosting its yearly Prithvi Theatre Festival, which will feature at least two new plays each day.
This is the ideal chance to spend these November nights at the outdoor theatre, where you may sit on the stairs and look at the film in its pure state for the first time. You should check out the bookshop there as well while you’re there.
Debut performances of never-before-seen plays are presented at the well-run PTF. In addition to plays and music and dance performances in English, Hindi, and Marathi, there will also be some Urdu, Punjabi, and Hinglish performances.
This time, there are quite a few shows to look forward to, including Naseeruddin Shah reciting his favourite poems aloud, a play by Rage Productions called Iron about a daughter visiting her mother in prison after 15 years, performances by the Nooran Sisters, and a show called “Flamenco-Kathaa,” which combines kathak and flamenco, a Spanish social dance style
3 International Film Festival Of India (IFFI)
It’s that time of year again—IFFI 20th-28th 2024 —when the sun-kissed beaches of Goa receive an additional sprinkling of stars! With the greatest in Indian and international film, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is back and hotter than a summer in Goa. Hold on, though. IFFI is an experience, and it seems like a huge event that you won’t want to miss this year.
Imagine watching films from all over the world in exotic Goa—cinema under the stars, anyone? Whether you’re a hardcore film buff or just someone who loves a good story, IFFI 2024 is the place to geek out over movies, discover hidden gems, and even meet like-minded movie lovers. Plus, where else can you catch a French art-house film and then discuss it over a spicy Goan fish curry?
4Jaipur International Film Festival(JIFF)
The largest competitive film festival in the world for fiction films is called JIFF. Every year in January, the city hosts the Jaipur International Film Festival, which is the fastest-growing film festival globally. JIFF has grown to become a well-known global film festival that takes place in Rajasthan annually. The film festival aims to support emerging filmmakers and promote the exchange of ideas, expertise and between India and other countries within the framework of their own social and cultural ethics.
Although the film festival is organised usually in January, this is especially for fellow filmmakers and cinephiles to submit their films, as the submissions are open till October 15 2024. There are different categories like Short documentary film, feature film( fiction), short fiction, short animation and more. Even while film festivals are now a regular occurrence in most nations, the majority of them mainly serve a niche audience and provide entertainment
5Dharamshala International Film Festival
Dharamshala is a city encircled by cedar trees and situated on the Himalayan border, making it even more deserving of study. Filmmakers Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam established DIFF in 2012 intending to advance independent media, art, and filmmaking in this Himalayan area. It has become very well-known in the past several years.
The films that are screened at this festival provoke viewers’ thoughts and make a lasting impression. Since DIFF operates on the premise that competition is not the healthiest way to appreciate excellent films, it does not give awards. Instead, they try to teach the local population critical thinking skills through community outreach programs and other discussion sessions.
From November 7–10, 2024, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, will host the 13th edition of DIFF. Prepare yourself to see highly regarded films that include the breathtaking Himalayan landscape.
Film festivals are a mix of creativity, narrative, and culture that goes beyond simply celebrating motion pictures. Given India’s long history of filmmaking, these festivals allow audiences the chance to see unique films and engage in thought-provoking dialogue. There is something for every style of moviegoer at these events, from experimental flicks to popular Bollywood releases. They encourage you to immerse yourself in a cinematic universe, interact with other enthusiasts, and experience the storytelling magic that makes Indian cinema genuinely unique as film festivals take place throughout the nation. Don’t miss it—be ready to go on an incredible cinematic adventure! Follow things2do for more updates.