AFC opposes Govt. Official Nominations at IFFI , Demands Allocation of Seat to Deserving Filmmaker

ITANAGAR I October I 18 :

The Arunachal Film Collective (AFC) strongly opposed the nomination of two government officials from the Department of Information and Public Relations to participate in the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, from November 20-28, 2024.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, had extended invitations to 10 budding filmmakers from each Northeastern state to participate in this prestigious event.

“We are dismayed to learn that two seats, which were meant to provide aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to learn and grow through exposure to the global film industry, have instead been allocated to departmental officials,” AFC lamented in a press release.

Stating that Arunachal Pradesh’s filmmakers already face significant challenges in gaining exposure and access to national and international platforms, AFC observed that IFFI could presents a rare and invaluable opportunity for them to engage with leading professionals in the industry, broaden their horizons, and hone their craft.

The decision to nominate government officials in place of filmmakers undermines this initiative and deprives our talented and emerging filmmakers of a chance to benefit from this experience,” it added.

The AFC demanded the immediate cancellation of these officials’ nominations and urged that the seats be rightfully allocated to deserving filmmakers.

“Our state has a wealth of untapped creative talent, and we believe that opportunities like IFFI should be prioritized for those within the film community who will most benefit from it. The AFC remains committed to advocating for the growth and recognition of filmmakers in Arunachal Pradesh and will continue to work toward ensuring that our voices are heard on national and international platforms,” the AFC added.