Latest news with #InternationalFilmFestivalofIndia
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Transparency concerns over closure of Margao's Ravindra Bhavan
Margao: The closure of the Pai Tiatrist auditorium of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, until June 15 for roof repair works has raised questions about transparency in govt expenditure, following revelations about conflicting information regarding previous roof repair work. Former Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) governing body member, Vishal Cacode, pointed to a July 24, 2024 legislative assembly reply stating that roof repair work was already completed at an expenditure of Rs 40 lakh. This has prompted questions about why additional repairs are now necessary. However, chairperson of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, Rajendra Talak , sought to clarify the situation, categorically denying that any roof repairs were undertaken during his two-year tenure. 'The allegations that the roof repairs were already done are baseless,' Talak said. He explained that the roof was leaking when he assumed charge and that govt procedures take time to implement. Talak said that the PWD maintains the property and conducts repairs only after holding an inspection. 'The work got delayed because of the early onset of the rains,' he said, adding that progress reviews are conducted every two days to expedite completion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The chairperson assured that tiatrists and other event organisers have been taken into confidence and will be given priority once the venue reopens. Following the current roof repairs, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, will close again for two months for renovations ahead of the International Film Festival of India (Iffi). Addressing concerns raised by the theatre artistes' community, Talak maintained that no structural modifications would be carried out, and that the auditorium's acoustics or layout would, therefore, not be affected in any way.
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Lights, camera, inaction: In Arunachal, first batch of Film and Television Institute has a rough start
Eight years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the institute, the first batch of students arrived at the Film and Television Institute, Arunachal Pradesh (FTI AP) in March this year. Two months in, most students are on academic strike after finding that the institute was far from ready to welcome them: From incomplete classrooms and technical infrastructure to hostels and even the main gate of the campus still under construction. The FTI AP is an academic institute under the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, administered by the prestigious Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata. It is slated to be the first national institute of its kind after SRFTI and FTII Pune and is located in Jote, 24 kilometres from Arunachal Pradesh capital Itanagar. Offering two-year PG diploma courses in screen acting, screenwriting and documentary cinema, it completed its three-stage admission process for the first batch in October 2024. Fourteen faculty members, all experienced hands in the industry, have been brought on board the institute, including filmmakers Bishnu Dev Halder and Dominic Sangma, and actor-academic Meenu Hooda. However, as months passed, the new students found themselves without information on when the session would commence. 'The institute told us that classes on the campus would begin after we all went for the IFFI (International Film Festival of India) in November. We attended the festival, but for three more months, there was no clarity on when we would be called to the campus. In January, they suddenly said they would begin some online modules, but we said we had enrolled for a campus experience,' said one of the students. In an email correspondence with students in January this year, the institute authorities said the campus was not 'fully ready for handover' and that nine of the 23 structures in the master plan were being readied for basic needs for the first semester. Two months later, the batch of 45 students was called to the campus in March to begin a semester initially meant to start in December 2024. 'When we came, we found that the hostels were not ready. The boys stay in the guest house and transit block, and the girls in the faculty quarters. That is manageable. But the biggest issue is that the classroom theatre (CRT), where our classes are supposed to be held, is not ready. The ground floor of the library is not ready, and the first floor has been divided into two halves with a curtain. On one side is the library, and on the other, 45 students have classes. The practical component of the acting course has not been possible because the performance lab is not ready. And then on the weekend, we had 12-13 hours of power cuts. The institute authorities do listen to our concerns, but the work is just not happening. We don't have a main gate or a boundary wall. We haven't even been given student ID cards,' said another student. The students declared an 'indefinite academic halt' starting May 15, citing 'months of sustained administrative apathy and broken promises regarding even the most basic infrastructural and academic necessities.' The institute's Deputy Registrar Deepak Kumar attributed the lack of readiness to delays by the Central Public Works Department, which is tasked with constructing the campus. 'At the time of admissions, in coordination with the CPWD, we got a timeline of when essential buildings would be ready to welcome students. So, admissions and the construction work were happening simultaneously. We admitted the students, but the CPWD could not complete the work. Once students are admitted, we can't go back. While we waited, some classes were done online, but students were not happy with that, and rightly so. We are in constant touch with them, and the Chief Engineer has said that the girls' hostel, a CRT classroom and a performance lab will be ready by the end of the month,' he said. The CPWD's Executive Engineer in Itanagar cited reasons tied to the location of the campus as factors slowing down the progress of work in the institute. 'There are certain reasons for this. One is the remote location, where even mobile network is an issue. Because of the lack of local labour, all the labour is coming from outside Arunachal, which also brings with it Inner Line Permit issues. Materials are not easily available. There are two small bridges required to be taken to the site, so the construction material has to be loaded in small vehicles. All of this has contributed to work being slower than required, but it is progressing, and we handed over 10 of the 21 buildings, after which the students were brought to the campus,' said Executive Engineer Devesh Budhani. 'We explored the option of shifting the students to Kolkata or Pune, but they don't have enough infrastructure there to accommodate all of them. We have a monsoon break in June, and we hope they will be able to deliver some more buildings by the end of that,' said Deputy Registrar Kumar. Another demand the students have raised is fee concessions because of the lack of facilities. Kumar said that the proposal has been forwarded to the ministry for consideration. In a detailed response to The Indian Express's query about concerns raised by students, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that 'while there have been delays, the institute is closely coordinating with CPWD, the contractor and state departments to expedite the process'. 'Buildings are being handed over in a phased manner, and full completion is expected by December 2025,' it said. The process for finalising the institute's 'official name' is still underway, after which students will be given their ID cards, and a logo, website and social media handles will be published, it said. The ministry added that the institute is working on addressing other student concerns, such as electricity and water supply, and internet connectivity.
India Gazette
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Bharat Pavilion inaugurated at 78th Cannes Film Festival
Cannes [France], May 15 (ANI): The Bharat Pavilion was officially inaugurated at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on Thursday, marking yet another significant step in India's growing global cinematic footprint. The inauguration was graced by dignitaries, including Shri Shekhar Kapur, acclaimed filmmaker and Festival Director of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and National Film Development Corporation (NFDC); veteran actor Anupam Kher; and Anne-Louise Mesadieu, Paris Region elected official, Ambassador, and Special Delegate for Diplomatic Relations, as stated in the press note by the team of organisers. Their presence in the ceremony highlighted the deepening ties between Indian cinema and global audiences. In her address, Anne-Louise Mesadieu welcomed the Bharat Pavilion to Cannes and expressed admiration for India's rich cinematic history and its ability to tell stories that transcend borders. As per the press note, she emphasised the importance of such cultural bridges in fostering global understanding and diplomacy. She said that the French government is available to ease and facilitate co-productions with India. In his inaugural address, Shekhar Kapur highlighted the transformational power of cinema and India's evolving role as a creative powerhouse on the world stage. The ceremony featured the much-anticipated launch of the IFFI 2025 poster and trailer. 'IFFI's new poster is a reflection of 'convergence of creativity and technology', India is ready to embrace technology and play a dominant role in the Global content creation space', said Gautam Bhanot, GM, Film Promotion (Festivals, Market and International Participation), NFDC India, while explaining the philosophy behind the new IFFI poster as stated in a press note. One of the key highlights was the launch of the India Film Guide, a comprehensive resource that showcases India's vast filmmaking talent, incentives for international co-productions, and filming locations. The attending dignitaries launched the guide, symbolising India's openness to global collaboration. Veteran actor Anupam Kher delivered a special address, sharing heartfelt reflections on the journey of Indian cinema and his personal experiences representing India internationally. 'I am eight years younger than my country, and we grew together. We have really, really done very well. This is my first time in Cannes, I am so happy to be here in the Mahakumbh of cinema.' Kher said as quoted in a press note. Adding a soulful touch to the occasion, renowned Indian singer Astha Gill, known for her hit songs like DJ Wale Babu, Kamariya from Stree, and Naagin, moved the audience by singing Saare Jahaan Se Achha. Also present on the dais was Shri Rupjyoti Brahma Karjee, Consulate General of India, Marseille, whose support has been instrumental in fostering Indo-French cultural cooperation along with Sreerag Mukundan, OSD, Films, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India and Ravi Kottarakara, President, South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce. The Bharat Pavilion, organised by NFDC and FICCI under the aegis of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India, at Cannes continues to serve as a vibrant platform for promoting Indian cinema on a global scale, connecting filmmakers, distributors, and audiences from around the world under one cultural umbrella. (ANI)
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bharat Pavilion inaugurated at 78th Cannes Film Festival
The Bharat Pavilion was officially inaugurated at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on Thursday, marking yet another significant step in India's growing global cinematic footprint. The inauguration was graced by dignitaries, including Shri Shekhar Kapur, acclaimed filmmaker and Festival Director of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and National Film Development Corporation (NFDC); veteran actor Anupam Kher; and Anne-Louise Mesadieu, Paris Region elected official, Ambassador, and Special Delegate for Diplomatic Relations, as stated in the press note by the team of organisers. Their presence in the ceremony highlighted the deepening ties between Indian cinema and global audiences. In her address, Anne-Louise Mesadieu welcomed the Bharat Pavilion to Cannes and expressed admiration for India's rich cinematic history and its ability to tell stories that transcend borders. As per the press note, she emphasised the importance of such cultural bridges in fostering global understanding and diplomacy. She said that the French government is available to ease and facilitate co-productions with India . In his inaugural address, Shekhar Kapur highlighted the transformational power of cinema and India's evolving role as a creative powerhouse on the world stage. The ceremony featured the much-anticipated launch of the IFFI 2025 poster and trailer. "IFFI's new poster is a reflection of 'convergence of creativity and technology', India is ready to embrace technology and play a dominant role in the Global content creation space", said Gautam Bhanot, GM, Film Promotion (Festivals, Market and International Participation), NFDC India, while explaining the philosophy behind the new IFFI poster as stated in a press note. One of the key highlights was the launch of the India Film Guide, a comprehensive resource that showcases India's vast filmmaking talent, incentives for international co-productions, and filming locations. The attending dignitaries launched the guide, symbolising India's openness to global collaboration. Veteran actor Anupam Kher delivered a special address, sharing heartfelt reflections on the journey of Indian cinema and his personal experiences representing India internationally. "I am eight years younger than my country, and we grew together. We have really, really done very well. This is my first time in Cannes, I am so happy to be here in the Mahakumbh of cinema." Kher said as quoted in a press note. Adding a soulful touch to the occasion, renowned Indian singer Astha Gill, known for her hit songs like DJ Wale Babu, Kamariya from Stree, and Naagin, moved the audience by singing Saare Jahaan Se Achha. Also present on the dais was Shri Rupjyoti Brahma Karjee, Consulate General of India, Marseille, whose support has been instrumental in fostering Indo-French cultural cooperation along with Sreerag Mukundan, OSD, Films, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India and Ravi Kottarakara, President, South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce. The Bharat Pavilion, organised by NFDC and FICCI under the aegis of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India, at Cannes continues to serve as a vibrant platform for promoting Indian cinema on a global scale, connecting filmmakers, distributors, and audiences from around the world under one cultural umbrella.
NDTV
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Pune Highway Trailer: Jim Sarbh And Amit Sadh In A Gripping Tale Of Friendship And Murder
Quick Take Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. The trailer for "Pune Highway" premiered on Friday, featuring Amit Sadh and Jim The film is directed by Bugs Bhargava Krishna and Rahul daCunha. "Pune Highway" is set to release in theaters on May 16, 2025. Mumbai (Maharashtra): The trailer for the upcoming murder-mystery thriller Pune Highway, which stars actors Amit Sadh and Jim Sarbh, was unveiled by the makers on Friday. The film, directed by Bugs Bhargava Krishna and Rahul daCunha, is a mystery drama based on a well-known play of the same name. It was shown at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) last year and received a great response from the audience. The story follows the lives of three childhood friends whose quiet getaway takes a dark turn when they discover a dead body. What starts as a normal trip turns into a tense and emotional journey filled with fear, guilt, and questions about trust. Have a look here: Sadh, as per a press note from the team, said, "This film has been an incredible experience, one that comes closest to Kai Po Che in my career trajectory. It's a story about how ordinary people unravel when they're thrust into extraordinary circumstances." Director Bugs Bhargava Krishna added, "We wanted to capture how one unexpected moment can unravel everything you think you know. The film navigates fear, guilt, and survival, and we hope the audience enjoys piecing together the mystery just as much as we did crafting it." Rahul daCunha, who co-directed the film, added, "The play still gets an amazing response from people when they watch it. Our goal was to make a mystery that has multiple layers and also delves into human behavior when loyalty and trust are put to the test." The film also features Anuvab Pal, Manjari Fadnnis, Ketki Narayan, Sudeep Modak, Abhishek Krishnan, Swapnil Ajgaonkar, and Shishir Sharma in key roles. The film is set to hit theaters on May 16, 2025.
