Films important tools of breaking down boundaries between nations, cultures: PM

The Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, has said the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) contributes to the important task of breaking down boundaries between nations and cultures by showcasing films in different languages and from diverse cultures.
Extending his warm greetings and good wishes for the 10-day long 43rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2012) beginning from Tuesday, Singh said, over the years, IFFI has emerged as a major event on the calendar of international cinema.
"The festival also provides a significant platform for Indian cinema in a variety of languages, enabling it to emerge as a distinct genre in world cinema," he added.
Information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari in his message said 'this year promises to be especially significant, for we are celebrating hundred years of Indian Cinema'.
"The 43rd edition of the festival introduces new and exciting sections enhancing experience of the participants. This year, as part of country focus, there is a specially curated package of films from turkey representing the exciting new trends in Turkish cinema that are making mark internationally," said Tewari.
"In addition, the festival has put together a Retrospective of the works of the Academy Award winning Danish director Susanne Bier; the films of the much acclaimed and innovative icon from South Korea Kim Ki-Duk, and that of the influential and prolific producer of films, Ashok Amritraj," he added.
Tewari further said 'the IFFI also salutes contributors to cinema across the world who shaped international movements'.
Information and Broadcasting Ministry Secretary Uday Kumar Varma said that this year's festival seeks to celebrate the cinemas of different genre.
"The bouquet includes, among others a section on Eastern Mysticism, a section on films from Turkey and a section on animation films. In the Homage section, we pay tribute to the icons by showcasing their seminal works that have left an indelible print on the art of filmmaking," said Varma.
"The retrospective presents influential films from Denmark, South Korea and USA from their celebrated filmmakers," he added
IFFI Director Shankar Mohan said 'with advances in digital technology, the documentary form is being reinvented in significant and curious ways'.
"Furthermore, the advent of 'reality television' has made us rethink some of the ways in which fiction is integrated with an inherently documentary form. Keeping some of these aspects in mind, the festival especially focuses on documentary films this year," he added.
Goa is all set to enthrall the audience with a rich bouquet of national and international films at the 43rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2012).