International Film Festival of Shimla 2024 Inaugurated with Grandeur

Shimla, August 16, 2024: The scenic city of Shimla came alive as the three-day International Film Festival of Shimla (IFFS) commenced with a grand opening on August 16, 2024. Dr. Pankaj Lalit, Director of the Department of Language & Culture, Himachal Pradesh, inaugurated the event at the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex. The festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of global cinema, with participation from 27 countries and 22 Indian states.

In his inaugural speech, Dr. Lalit highlighted the importance of such cultural events in promoting Himachal Pradesh as a premier destination for arts and cinema. He also inaugurated a special photo gallery tribute to iconic actors Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand, celebrating their centenary year. The festival’s first day featured the screening of 105 films, showcasing a diverse range of genres and styles.

National Award-winning actress Seema Biswas was the celebrity guest at the festival. She engaged in an insightful interactive session with the audience, sharing her experiences in the film industry and discussing the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. Biswas praised the festival’s role in supporting independent and regional filmmakers.

The IFFS also included a special section, BACHPAN, dedicated to children’s cinema, with curated films specifically for young audiences. Additionally, simultaneous screenings were held at Model Central Jail Kanda and Model Central Jail Nahan for inmates, further expanding the festival’s reach.

Festival Director Pushp Raj Thakur emphasized the significance of the event in providing a platform for both local and international filmmakers to showcase their work. The festival will continue over the next two days, featuring an array of screenings, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.