IFFI 2024, 13: OOH La La Gala prèmieres and bouncers to protect the carpetbaggers

Gala premieres have become the most glamourous part of IFFI after it moved to Go, in 2004. They do draw audiences and photographers, but the regular film critic and film journalist is kept away from them. Camera and microphone men and women, who never bark but only byte, are the persons for whom this ceremony is engineered. Bouncers and other security personnel accompany the film team, as they are first led to the VIP room, then escorted towards the carpet, which cordons off many an enthusiast who would like to get up close with them. Then they give their bytes while a compere rules over the proceedings.

Inside INOX, they are led to another VIP area, where drinks (beverages) and snacks are served. Here the security gets tighter and tighter, with the authorities feeling that some uninvited guests may consume some of the snacks or get too close to the glamour women and glamour men. So, only persons with VVIP badges are allowed inside. Then they enter the auditorium, where they are introduced to those who are seated and are anxiously awaiting the start of the film. But a Q and A session or brief (not always) speeches about the film and the contributions of the film are eulogised. And then, the cinema gets dark, for the film to light-up the screen. The part about their appearances and speeches is sometimes deferred to after the film has been shown, especially if they are late, or some key individuals from the unit have not reached yet, but are expected to arrive later, after long flights.

At this IFFI, the 2024 Gala Premieres will span various genres, languages, and cultures, featuring nine World Prèmieres, four Asia Premières, one India Prèmiere, and one exclusive showcase.

From gripping crime thrillers to heartwarming family dramas and thought-provoking social narratives, this year’s lineup will consist of a rich diversity of languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Malayalam, and Telugu, cementing IFFI 2024 as a truly inclusive celebration of global and regional cinema.

Notable titles include The Piano Lesson, Zero Se Restart, Saali Mohabbat, Snowflower, Pune Highway, Hazzar Vala Sholay, Pahlila Manus, The Mehta Boys, Jab Khuli Kitaab, Hisaab Barabar, Mrs, Pharma, Vikkatakavi, Headhunting to Beatboxing, Moana 2, and The Rana Daggubati Show. These films promise to push boundaries, explore new storytelling formats, and offer a rich tapestry of experiences that highlight the power of cinema to unite and inspire. The schedule is as follows:

Apologies for some names being incomplete. This is due to fact that formatting differs from stage to stage.