Panaji, (Goa) [India] Nov 19 (ANI): The 49th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) themed on 'New India' is all set to launch in Goa on Tuesday.

A 90-minute power-packed programme incorporating elements and narratives of the rich and diverse kaleidoscope of the Indian film heritage and industry will kick start IFFI. Audiences will be welcomed to an array of on-stage scintillating performances by mainstream Bollywood artists, with Actor Sonu Sood doing an action-packed set, which will be followed by a romantic number from Shilpa Rao.

The opening ceremony will also showcase 'The Aspern Papers' directed by Julien Landa.

From A-list actors and directors such as Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, Julien Landais, Chin Han among others, Governor of Goa Mridula Sinha, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore and Chairperson, Film Certification Appellate Tribunal Prasoon Joshi will grace the event with their presence.

The ceremony will also witness the launch of the Film Facilitation Office, an initiative by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The 49th edition of the festival will showcase 212 films from over 68 countries that will reflect the diversity of taste.

In this edition, the Country of Focus will be Israel. Ten films will be showcased in collaboration with the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai. The opening film for the Country Focus Section is 'The Other Story' by Avi Nesher. A special presentation of Tunisian films will also be showcased.

Masterclasses and in-conversations will be held by renowned celebrities from the movie industry including Prasoon Joshi, Dan Wolman, Boney Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, David Dhawan, Varun Dhawan, Kaushik Ganguly, Srijit Mukherji, Anupama Chopra among many other prominent faces.

This year the film festival will also pay homage to Late actors Shashi Kapoor, Sridevi, late political leader M.Karunanidhi and Late filmmkaer Kalpana Lajmi. Also, a special package for Visually Impaired Children will be organised with special screenings with the aid of audio description. The festival will even showcase 'Sholay' and 'Hichki' under this section. (ANI)

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