♦ Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on 20 November 2023. The opening ceremony was held at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Bambolim. The opening movie of this year’s IFFI was the British film ‘Catching Dust’. This ceremony will conclude on 28 November 2023.

♦ Thakur said, this year’s IFFI has received 2926 entries from 105 countries, which is three times more international submissions than last year. He said, 13 World Premieres, 18 International Premieres, 62 Asia Premiers, and 89 India Premieres will be screened during the festival. 

♦ Veteran actor Madhuri Dixit was given the Special Recognition to Bhartiya Cinema award for her contributions to the Indian film industry.

♦ Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to legendary Hollywood actor and producer Michael Douglas at the closing ceremony of IFFI.