The 42nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has been inaugurated at Ravindra Bhavan auditorium in Margaon, Goa on Wednesday evening.

The much acclaimed film actor, Shahrukh Khan along with the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ambika Soni and Goa Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat formally lighted the traditional lamp signaling the commencing of the 10 day long magnanimous extravaganza.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Ambika Soni said that with each passing year the festival is turning into more of an International People’s Festival as the participation of cine lovers is rising.

The Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni gave away the life time achievement award to eminent French Film Maker, Bertrand Tavernier.

Portuguese film, The Consul of Bordeaux, was the opening movie of the event. The Indian panorama section will kick off with screening of the Malayalam film ‘Urumi’, on Thursday. More than 150 movies from 65 countries will be screened during the festival.

The whole Ravindra Bhavan was full of delegates and participants from across the world giving a true picture of the theme of the festival, ‘Vasudheva Kutumbkam’ meaning the Whole World is One Family.

Shahrukh Khan while applauding the efforts of all those who worked hard to successfully put up the show said that cinema is an art of story-telling and Indian cinema is doing marvelous job in brining and uniting the people through it.

Later, Eminent French Film Maker, Bertrand Tavernier was presented with a Life Time Achievement Award by I&B Minister, Ambika Soni amidst big applauds from the audience.

Portuguese film, The Consul of Bordeaux, was the opening movie of the event. The Indian panorama section will kick off with screening of the Malayalam film ‘Urumi’, on Thursday. More than 150 movies from 65 countries will be screened during the festival.