NEW DELHI, – Director of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Chaitanya Prasad called Bangladesh’s nomination as a “Country of Focus” in the festival this year “very special for IFFI because of celebration of 50 years of India-Bangladesh diplomatic relations”

“IFFI is extremely honoured and privileged to have Country Focus segment from Bangladesh…it is an effort to build a bridge of excellence through cinema post pandemic,” he said at a media conference last evening on the sideline of screening films at the festival.

Taking part in the discussion, Bangladeshi eminent film maker Tanvir Mokammel described this year as a befitting one as it marks the 50th anniversary of liberation of Bangladesh as well as the diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.

“We are happy that Bangladesh is the country of focus this year in IFFI and we would like to thank the organizers immensely for that”, he said.

The Country of Focus is a special segment that recognizes the cinematic excellence and contributions of the country. As a part of the opening ceremony of the section, Bangladeshi film maker Tanvir Mokammel’s `RupsaNodirBanke‘was screened today at Inox here in Panaji, Goa.

The 51st edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) began in Goa, India’s southwestern coast and an offshore island, on Saturday amidst a dazzling ceremony celebrating the joy of cinema. The festival is popularly known as “Goa Film Festival”.

Bangladesh as the “Country of Focus” in the festival will get scope to screen 10 Bangladeshi feature films during the nine-day long India’s biggest film festival showcasing the country’s cinematic excellence and contributions to the world of cinema.

India’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar opened the festival on Saturday while Chief Minister of Goa Pramod Sawant and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Mohammad Imran were present on the occasion.

A total of 126 films from 60 countries will be showcased in International sections while 85 films out of these will be premiere screenings, including 7 World Premieres, 6 International Premieres, 22 Asian Premieres and 50 Indian Premieres in the festival.