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IFFI'98

IFFI'99

31^st IFFI INAUGURATED

    The Government is going to take suitable measures to fight the menace of video piracy, which is posing a great threat to the film industry. The Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Arun Jaitley said this while speaking at the inauguration of the 31^st International Festival of India here today. He said that the film industry has great potential as foreign exchange earner for the nation and it is entitled to same facilities that information technology industry is getting.

    Expressing his privilege for being associated with the world of art, Shri Jaitley said cinema speaks universal language and does not recognise geographical boundaries. It is the most accepted mode of entertainment and also reflects social concerns of the day. We in India have special attachment of films and produce maximum number of films. Welcoming the Chief Guest, Shri Soumitra Chatterjee, the Minister said that he is the doyen of Bengali Cinema, a multi faceted personality who through his excellence from cinema to theatre to poetry has left immense influence on cinema lovers all over the world.

    Present on the occasion was also smt. Shiela Dikshit, the Chief Minister of Delhi. Speaking on the occasion she appealed to the Government to import better films from various parts of the world to enable the people to watch good cinema. Shri Soumitra Chatterjee, the Chief Guest on the occasion said that the IFFI has always provided an opportunity to extend the horizon of cinema industry. It is a meeting place for cinema lovers from all over the world and goes a long way in fostering the spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation in today’s world full of animosity and ethnic disturbances. Smt. Malti Sahai, Director, Directorate of Film Festival said that the 31^st International Film festival of India is the first international festival in the new millennium worldwide. The THALI girl, famous film personality Karishma Kapoor assisted in lighting of the ceremonial lamp on the occasion. ‘Life is to whistle’ a Cuban Film was screened as the opening film on the occasion. A video film simultaneously on three screens, celebrating Indian cinema and its relationship with its audiences was also screened at the inauguration.