55th IFFI unveils ‘Safarnama’: A captivating journey into India’s cinematic legacy

The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa has drawn attention with its exhibition “Safarnama: The Development of Indian Cinema.” This multimedia exhibition is a golden opportunity for cinephiles and students to explore India’s cinematic heritage.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting organized this exhibition to highlight the history and rich tradition of Indian cinema. On Thursday, the exhibition was inaugurated by Ministry Secretary Sanjay Jaju alongside renowned actor-producer Akkineni Nagarjuna at the Kala Academy in Panaji.

Jaju emphasized that Indian cinema began with the film Raja Harishchandra during British colonial rule and has maintained its cinematic vision. This exhibition aims to honor that legacy and showcase it to the youth, especially students, to cultivate an interest in cinema and cultural values.

Actor Nagarjuna stressed that Indian cinema transcends language barriers and is a true reflection of the country’s diverse culture. He also acknowledged the lasting legacy created by cinema legends like his father Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, and Tapan Sinha.

The exhibition is dedicated to four icons of Indian cinema – Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Tapan Sinha, and Akkineni Nageswara Rao – marking their centenaries. It features curated content and rare archival materials, including posters, videos, and memorabilia, honoring their contributions to shaping Indian cinema.

The exhibition was curated by Studio Grins, a Delhi-based production and event management company. Studio Grins’ Managing Director Gopi Krishna Sahay noted that visitors would gain a deeper understanding of Indian cinema’s history and rich traditions, while Director Swati Srivastava highlighted the blend of knowledge and technology displayed.

Running from November 20 to 28, 2024, “Safarnama” explores Indian cinema’s evolution from its early days to contemporary innovations, incorporating cutting-edge technology like projection mapping, virtual reality, augmented reality, digital quizzes, and puzzles.

Additionally, the Ministry launched the animated series KTB – Bharat Hai Hum, Season 2, based on freedom fighters, which will stream from December 1 across various platforms. This series will be available in 12 Indian languages and 7 international languages, ensuring global reach. The event also saw the release of a theme song celebrating the future of Doordarshan and Prasar Bharati’s new OTT platform, Waves.