Cinematic Olympic Theme at JIFF Starting January

Jaipur, The organizing committee of the 17th Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF), set to be held under the Cinematic Olympic theme, has released the first list of nominated films. JIFF founder and director Hanu Roj stated that this year's festival will emerge as a special attraction not only for India but for the global cinema community. JIFF is the world's largest competitive film festival for fiction films, showcasing films that no other festival screens. Two more lists of nominated films will be released later. This year, audiences in Jaipur will have the opportunity to watch the finest films from India and around the world.

A jury comprising 30 members from 12 countries has selected 170 films from 41 countries in 9 categories for the first list after three months of watching films from 77 countries, totaling 1,651 entries. Last year, 157 films from 29 countries were included.

JIFF spokesperson Rajendra Boda shared that the selected films for competition across 9 categories include 36 feature fiction films, 12 documentary feature films, 87 short fiction films, 13 short documentary films, 16 short animated films, 1 mobile film, 1 web series, 3 songs, 1 dialogue and 6 student films.

The nominated films include those that have already created a buzz on the screen as well as upcoming films that are expected to make a splash. A total of 36 feature films from 14 countries will be showcased to the audience on the big screen. Some notable films include:

Sister Mid Night, directed by Karan Kandhari, is a dynamic feature fiction film blending comedy and drama in a captivating narrative. Produced as an international collaboration between India and the United Kingdom, the film employs both Hindi and English to bring its diverse cultural elements to life. The story navigates unique intersections of humor and pathos, promising audiences an engaging exploration of universal themes with a fresh perspective.

With a stellar cast led by renowned actress Radhika Apte alongside Masashi Fujimoto and Daemian Greaves, Sister Mid Night invites viewers into an immersive experience crafted through sharp storytelling and compelling performances. The film stands as a noteworthy addition to contemporary cross-cultural cinema.

Burkha – The Veil, directed by Hiren Bora, is a sensitive and profound feature fiction film that reflects the realities of rural Assam. In Assamese, the film narrates the inspiring story of Reshma, a young girl living in a small village on a river island in the Brahmaputra.

Reshma’s father, Aminul, insists on her early marriage and having children, rather than allowing her to go to school. The village elder, Mulla Gaonbura, harbors lecherous intentions and plans to make her his fourth wife. However, an honest teacher, Hafeez, helps Reshma realize her dream by enrolling her in school. In retaliation, Mulla Gaonbura spreads false rumors about Hafeez, ultimately driving him to take his own life. Despite this tragedy, a few village youths support Reshma, and she eventually emerges from the veil of ignorance into the light of knowledge. Burkha – The Veil presents an inspiring journey of struggle and courage, shedding light on social issues and the complexities of tradition.

META – The Dazzling Girl, directed by Prasanth Mambully, is a groundbreaking feature fiction thriller from India, featuring PRANITA WAGHCHOURE. This innovative film stands as the world’s first faceless, languageless, and wordless single-character survival story, uniquely crafted to captivate audiences across the globe. Without a single line of dialogue, META offers an unparalleled cinematic experience, transcending language and cultural boundaries to deliver a universally engaging story. This daring experiment in non-verbal storytelling positions META – The Dazzling Girl as a one-of-a-kind, immersive thriller, where the silence speaks volumes in its tale of survival and resilience.

Quiet Life, directed by Alexandros Avranas—renowned for his award-winning film Miss Violence, which claimed four accolades at the Venice Film Festival, including the Silver Lion for Best Director—marks a powerful exploration of the rare and deeply unsettling Resignation Syndrome. This debut fiction piece by Avranas is an intense, politically charged film that tackles the emotional and social implications of the syndrome with raw honesty and impact. Premiering at Venice Orizzonti this year, Quiet Life is a visceral, thought-provoking experience that challenges audiences to confront difficult truths. With its profound narrative and stunning direction, the film is set to be a formidable contender on the international awards circuit, promising a lasting impression on viewers worldwide.

Quiet Life, directed by Alexandros Avranas—renowned for his award-winning film Miss Violence, which claimed four accolades at the Venice Film Festival, including the Silver Lion for Best Director—marks a powerful exploration of the rare and deeply unsettling Resignation Syndrome. This debut fiction piece by Avranas is an intense, politically charged film that tackles the emotional and social implications of the syndrome with raw honesty and impact. Premiering at Venice Orizzonti this year, Quiet Life is a visceral, thought-provoking experience that challenges audiences to confront difficult truths. With its profound narrative and stunning direction, the film is set to be a formidable contender on the international awards circuit, promising a lasting impression on viewers worldwide.

Get ready for the upcoming Hollywood release Reagan, a biopic that delves into the life of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. This film offers a comprehensive exploration of Reagan’s journey, highlighting his remarkable transition from a Hollywood actor to a significant political figure.

Maria Callas - Monica Bellucci: An Encounter is an elegant multilingual biopic documentary that brings a Franco-Italian essence to the screen. Featuring Monica Bellucci, the film takes audiences on an emotional journey through the life of legendary opera singer Maria Callas. Bellucci reflects on her own theater career and finds deep connections to Callas’ legacy, lending a personal and contemplative layer to the story.

The festival will be held from January 17 to 21, 2025 in Jaipur at the Rajasthan International Centre and INOX GT Central.