The 55th edition of the IFFI continues to bridge the worlds of art, culture, and entertainment. On Thursday, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and renowned actor-producer Akkineni Nagarjuna Rao inaugurated the multimedia exhibition ‘Safarnama: Evolution of Indian Cinema’ at Kala Academy
The exhibition highlights India’s rich cinematic tradition and aims to inspire a new generation of cinephiles by showcasing the evolution of Indian cinema.
Honoring Cinematic Heritage
During the inauguration, Shri Jaju reflected on the beginnings of Indian cinema, dating back to Raja Harishchandra during colonial rule.
India, even then, managed to foster a cinematic mindset, which has been preserved and celebrated to this day. This initiative salutes our rich heritage and introduces young students to the cultural values embedded in our cinematic historySanjay Jaju- Secretary, I &B
Shri Nagarjuna shared his sentiments, stating, “For me, cinema is Indian, transcending language barriers.”
He also honored the legacies of legendary figures like his father, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, alongside Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, and Tapan Sinha, whose contributions continue to define Indian cinema.
Spotlight on Cinematic Legends
The ‘Safarnama’ exhibition features four dedicated galleries honoring the cinematic icons whose centenaries are being celebrated this year:
Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Tapan Sinha, and Akkineni Nageswara Rao Rare archival materials, including posters, videos, and memorabilia, offer a deep dive into the lives and works of these trailblazers.
The exhibition provides a vibrant narrative of Indian cinema’s journey—from its early days to modern innovations. Enhanced by cutting-edge technology such as projection mapping, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), digital quizzes, and puzzles, ‘Safarnama’ offers an interactive experience for visitors of all ages.
A Unique Educational Opportunity
Running from November 20 to 28, 2024, the exhibition is expected to draw large crowds, particularly school students. It aims to serve as an educational platform, introducing young minds to the legacy and cultural richness of Indian cinema.
Launch of ‘KTB - Bharat Hain Hum’ Season 2
Adding to the celebrations, Jaju also launched Season 2 of the animated series KTB - Bharat Hain Hum. This series, centered on Indian freedom fighters, will be available starting December 1st on platforms like Doordarshan, Netflix, Prime Video, and WAVES, as well as on Akashvani radio and Spotify podcasts.
The series will be accessible in 12 Indian languages—including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali—and seven international languages, including French, Spanish, and Arabic, ensuring global reach across 150 countries.
A Tribute to the Past, A Step Toward the Future
The inauguration of ‘Safarnama’ and the launch of ‘KTB - Bharat Hain Hum’ reflect IFFI’s commitment to celebrating cinematic heritage while embracing technological innovation. With its dynamic exhibitions and cultural initiatives, IFFI 2024 promises to be a landmark event in the world of cinema.
Stay tuned for more updates from the festival as it unfolds in the scenic heart of Goa.