The 41st edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), billed by organisers as the most cash-rich in the world, will be inaugurated here Monday by railway minister Mamata Banerjee.
“This year we have five awards worth a total of `9 million. This is the highest amount for any film festival. Also, for the first time, we are introducing two additional silver peacock awards — for best actor and actress,” director of the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) S.M. Khan said here.
The information and broadcasting ministry’s DFF along with the Entertainment Society of Goa, a government wing, organises the annual event.
“Around 300 films from 61 countries will be screened during the 10-day festival at 11 venues in the state,” chief minister Digambar Kamat said.
He added that 18 films, including three from India, will compete for five awards in the competition section. The best film would be awarded a Golden Peacock and `40 lakh. The best director would be awarded a Silver Peacock and `15 lakh.
The best actor and actress would each be given a Silver Peacock and `10 lakh.
The winner of the special jury award would get a Silver Peacock and `15 lakh, a statement said. In another first for this year’s festival, renowned artists will hold special sessions — called “Master Classes”.