Robbie Williams film 'Better Man' to open at IFFI on November 20

New Delhi: Australian filmmaker Michael Gracey's Better Man, a semi-biographical movie on the life of pop icon Robbie Williams in which he is depicted as a chimpanzee, will be the opening film at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) starting in Goa on November 20.

At the festival where Australia is the focus country, IFFI will also honour renowned Australian Filmmaker Philip Noyce, a director with a mastery in creating suspense and exceptional story-teller, with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to world cinema.

The film festival, which ends on November 28, will have centenary celebrations of four Phalke Awardee Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Tapan Sinha, and Akkineni Nageswara Rao through a series of tributes, screenings, and interactive events, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju told a press conference.

"This year IFFI has received 1,676 submissions from 101 countries, and over 180+ international films from 81 countries have been selected for the festival. This year IFFI will present 15 world premieres, 40 Asian premieres, and 3 international premieres. Australia will be the Country of Focus for IFFI 2024 and the festival will open with Better Man'," Jaju said.

‘Better Man’ premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival on August 30 and it will have its Asian premiere at the IFFI. In the film, Williams is portrayed as a chimpanzee, performed by Jonno Davies using motion capture.

Jaju said they are introducing several new curated sections this year including a section called, 'Rising Stars' which will celebrate emerging directors. Another section would be 'Mission Life', highlighting eco-conscious cinema

The section 'The Creative Minds of Tomorrow' has been scaled up and this time it is going to have 100 budding filmmakers showcasing their skills. A new award, the 'Best Indian Debut Director Award' , was introduced to encourage fresh voices and talent across the country, he said.

On the accessibility front, he said Svayam has agreed to be accessibility partner and IFFI would ensure that the festival is inclusive and accessible for all cinephiles.