Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau interacts with Media in Goa on Preparations for the 55th International Film Festival of India
As a prelude to the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024, Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, Shri Dhirendra Ojha and Director General, PIB West Zone, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, Ms. Smita Vats Sharma interacted with media persons in Panaji. Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau New Delhi, Government of India, Shri Dharmendra Tiwari, was also present on the occasion.
The interactive session with media professionals was organsied at Goa to discuss media facilitation plans and preparations for the upcoming 55th IFFI. The discussion highlighted key initiatives for the media during IFFI, scheduled to take place from 20th to 28th November, 2024.
Director, PIB Goa, Shri Nana Meshram, welcomed the attendees followed by a detailed presentation by DG, West Zone, Ms. Smita Vats Sharma. The presentation outlined the communication strategies for IFFI 2024, focusing on key media facilitation initiatives and resources available for the media during the festival.
PrDG, Shri Dhirendra Ojha, addressed the gathering, providing critical information regarding media accreditation and the overall mandate of PIB at the festival. He informed the attendees that PIB had put in place a comprehensive process for media registration and accreditation and also updated them about its current status.
Shri Ojha also spoke about PIB’s broader role in supporting the media during IFFI, especially in terms of press conferences, coverage of important events and media facilitation. He emphasized that PIB would continue to provide comprehensive media services, including well-equipped spaces for interviews, live streaming of key events, and real-time information dissemination through various channels such as LED Screen Updates, WhatsApp group notifications, Press Releases and Social Media posts.
He also urged the media to extend their full cooperation, stating that the success of IFFI 2024 depends on the active participation of all stakeholders. “Together, we can take IFFI to new heights,” Shri Ojha said. “Your support and collaboration are essential in ensuring that the festival garners the recognition it deserves on a global scale.”
In her remarks, Ms. Sharma emphasized the vital role of the media in enhancing the visibility of IFFI globally and discussed the various tools and systems PIB will use to support media engagement, including real-time updates, multimedia releases, and dedicated media spaces. She noted that media accreditation would be completed ahead of the festival, with passes being distributed from 18th November 2024 onwards. She assured the media that all necessary provisions would be in place to ensure the festival runs smoothly from a communication perspective.
Ms. Sharma also highlighted the various intiatives of PIB for this edition of IFFI. For the first time, digital content creators will have the opportunity to register separately, recognising their growing influence in the digital media space. Additionally, a Certificate Course in Film Appreciation in association with Film and Tel Institute of India, will be offered, aimed at enriching the media’s understanding of cinema and fostering greater coverage of the festival. In line with its commitment to inclusivity, PIB will also make press releases available in Konkani, ensuring that local audiences are informed and engaged.
Following the presentation, a Q&A session took place, where media representatives asked questions and shared suggestions and feedback on the registration process, media facilities, and overall festival coverage.
The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Shri Dharmendra Tewari, Additional Director General, PIB, who expressed gratitude to all attendees for their participation and commitment to the success of IFFI 2024. Joint Director, PIB Mumbai, Shri Sayyid Rabeehashmi, Assistant Director, PIB Mumbai, Ms. Nikita Joshi and Field Publicity Officer, CBC Panaji, Shri Riyaz Babu were also present.
The session, was attended by media representatives from Print, Electronic and Digital media from across Goa.
On the sidelines of the interaction, Principal Director General, PIB, Shri Dhirendra Ojha, also undertook an overview of the PIB preparations for IFFI and visited the PIB Media Centre at the IFFI venue.
