At the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the National Film Development Corporation Limited presented the second edition of "Gala Premieres." This segment has been meticulously crafted to connect film stars with the audience, celebrating global cinematic artistry and bringing forth an extraordinary selection of films, all while upholding the festival's core ethos. The Gala Premieres segment was launched during the 53rd edition of IFFI to add more glitz and glamor to the festival, allowing the public to see their favorite stars up close. It was a huge success, drawing in large audiences, with mainstream films from across the globe gracing the red carpet and attending the gala premieres.

The segment was designed to connect cinema to reach the roots of India, providing a platform for filmmakers and delegates to interact and build global friendships. It added inclusiveness where Indie art meets glamour, and diverse talent connects with the industry. True to the festival ethos, the Gala Premieres had directors, in attendance, with cast supporting the auteur. This year, a total of 9 Gala Premieres were screened and up to 80 Red Carpets were held across all sections, including Indian Panorama, International Cinema, Restored Classics, etc.

The Dignitaries at Gala Premieres

Gala premieres witnessed a star-studded extravaganza with the presence of some of the biggest names in the film industry. Mr. Salman Khan graced the event for the premiere of "Farrey," directed by the talented Soumendra Padhi, adding a touch of glamour and charisma to the red carpet. Pankaj Tripathi and Parvathy Thiruvothu, joined by the cast, marked the world premiere of "Kadak Singh," a captivating film directed by Annirudha Roy Chowdhury.

The festival continued to shine with the presence of Vijay Sethupathy and Aditi Rao Hydari, accompanied by the team of "Gandhi Talks," directed by Kishore Pandurang Belekar. Superstar Arya made his mark with the Amazon Original series "The Village," directed by the talented Milind Rau. The renowned Siddharth Randeria added his charm to the occasion for the film "Hurry Om Hurry," directed by Nisarg Vaidya. Nawazuddin Siddiqui made a notable appearance for "Rautu Ki Beli," directed by the skilled Anand Surapur.

The red carpet also witnessed the dynamic duo, Naga Chaitanya and Parvathy Thiruvothu, gracing the event for the Amazon Original series "Dhootha," directed by the acclaimed Vikram K. Kumar. Akshay Oberoi captivated the audience with his presence for "Dil Hai Gray," directed by Susi Ganeshan. The festival concluded on a high note with the stellar presence of Vijay Raghavendra, Bhavana Rao, and Shruti Prakash for "Grey Games," directed by the talented Gangadhar Salimath. This year's IFFI was not just a celebration of cinema but a confluence of talent, creativity, and cinematic excellence.

Films showcased in Gala Premieres

Red Carpet Highlights

The team managed and executed up to 80 red carpets for various segments, namely Indian Panorama, International Cinema, Restored Classics, Masterclass/In-Conversation, Opening Film, Mid-fest film, Closing film, and Gala Premieres. This involved tasks such as managing media at the entrance of the red carpet, playing timely music during each red carpet walk based on the film/segment the celebrity represented, scripting for each film/team that walked the red carpet, brainstorming on fun Q&A or activities related to the celebrities' respective films presented at IFFI, briefing and coordinating with each anchor, managing celebrities for one-on-one interviews, and coordinating their participation in PIB press conferences. Additionally, the team escorted the celebrities safely to the Audi/Press Conference room/Lounge and then back to their cars

PR & Social Media Coverage

The team wrote social media bytes/scripts for the main cast and crew of each film under the Gala Premiere segment. These were then posted on all the social media handles (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube) of NFDC and IFFI to create buzz among the audiences and encourage them to register for IFFI. Additionally, the team successfully persuaded celebrities with millions of followers to accept collaboration requests on Instagram. This strategy resulted in maximum and effective reach, ultimately contributing to an increase in registrations.

Audiences Reception

Audi seating capacities and delegates filled for Gala Premieres The Gala Premiere titles selection process was significantly enhanced through a meticulous and thorough approach. The IFFI committee, in line with the language mandate set by the Ministry, prioritized films with a focus on regional content possessing universal appeal. This criterion ensured a diverse and inclusive representation of cinematic narratives, promoting cultural richness and artistic diversity. The exemption of certain films from the committee for screening purposes further attested to the rigorous evaluation process undertaken.

Notably, these selections considered various factors, including the overall cast, which had garnered millions of impressions on social media, reflecting the IFFI's commitment to showcasing films with broad audience appeal and cultural significance. Audience attendance for Gala Premieres was notable, with 81% of delegates in attendance. The remaining seats were filled by the film team and media professionals, resulting in a houseful turnout for all the Gala Premieres.