Indian Panorama gives independent film makers a chance to showcase their talent: Venkaiah Naidu

The day after the grand inauguration of the 47th International Film Festival of India in Goa, the Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Venkaiah Naidu opened the Indian Panorama featuring 26 feature and 21 non-feature films.

"We are here today to celebrate the boundless power of the creative medium of cinema," said Shri Naidu.

He further said that Indian Panorama presented a platform for young, aspiring and independent film makers from India to showcase their craft to an audience from across the world.

Shri Naidu said the Indian Panorama 2016 had extended entries to uncensored films as well with an aim to encourage the participation of latest films from across the country.

The jury of Feature Films, headed by well-known Director and Producer, Shri Rajendra Singh Babu, has selected 26 films out of 230 eligible entries. Whereas, in the Non-Feature films jury chaired by well-known documentary filmmaker Shri Arvind Sinha has picked 21 films out of 199 eligible entries.

For the second consecutive year Panorama opens with a Sanskrit film. Directed by G Prabha, 'Ishti', is the opening Feature film of Indian Panorama 2016.

Manipuri film 'Ima Sabitri', directed by Bobo Khuraijam as the opening Non Feature film of Indian Panorama 2016.

This year's 47th edition of Indian Panorama had received a total of 429 eligible feature and non-feature film submissions from 29 states across the country.

Out of this 26 feature films and 21 Non-feature films (including the Best Feature and Best Non Feature films from 63nd National Film Awards, 2015), distinguished by cinematic, thematic and aesthetic excellence are selected for inclusion in the Indian Panorama.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the Feature Film Jury Shri Rajendra Singh Babu said "the jury was impressed by new subjects, new ways of storytelling, not only by the veterans but also by the high talented young directors". Mr. Babu further suggested that since the number of entries under Indian Panorama is ever increasing, a two tier- primary and final, selection process should be evolved.

Non Feature Film Jury Shri Arvind Sinha said "We got to see some very interesting films from young film makers giving an overview of many issues and cinematic forms. Some exceptional films from the North East made the cut including the opening film 'Ima Sabitri". The selection was truly panoramic."

The International Film Festival of India is conducted jointly by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Directorate of Film Festivals and the Government of Goa.