The 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) began today with a gala opening ceremony in Goa. <br/><br/>The opening ceremony, which was organised at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Bambolim this evening, began with a spectacular performance by the Drums of India. <br/><br/>The festival was inaugurated by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. <br/><br/>Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, State Governor Mridula Sinha and a host of film personalities were present on the occasion. <br/><br/>These include Shahid Kapoor, AR Rehman, Anupam Kher, Sridevi, Subhash Ghai, Prasun Joshi and Vishal Bhardwaj.<br/><br/>Speaking on the occasion, I&B Minister Smriti Irani said, India is a country of celebrations, festivals and young energy, and IFFI represents that. She said, the government's endeavour has been to invite filmmakers from all over the world.<br/><br/>Mrs Irani also thanked all those who have been part of IFFI's journey. Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar announced that in 2019, when IFFI completes 50 years, it will be held at a new world class state of the art venue in Goa. He assured all 6,000 delegates that the state government will leave no stone unturned to make their stay in Goa comfortable and enjoyable.<br/><br/>Around 200 films from 82 countries will be screened during the nine-day extravaganza in Panaji. Apart from 20 Oscar-nominated movies, this year's festival will have over 10 Asia premiers, 3 world premieres and 64 India premiers of international films. <br/><br/>'Beyond the clouds' by legendary Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi was the opening film, while Indo-Argentine film 'Thinking of Him' by Pablo C'sar will be the closing movie.<br/><br/>26 feature films and 16 non-feature films belonging to different languages and regions will be screened in the Indian Panorama Section of the festival. Veteran actor Sridevi will inaugurate the Indian Panorama tomorrow. <br/><br/>Vinod Kapri-directed Hindi film Pihu will be the opening movie in the feature film category, while Pushkar Puran by Kamal Sawroop will open the non-feature film category of Indian Panorama.<br/><br/>IFFI will also screen two movies – Hindi Medium and Secret Superstar – for visually impaired persons with special audio-described technology. Seven award-winning films from BRICS countries will also be screened at the festival.<br/><br/>To ensure greater participation of local Goan audience, the IFFI will have a Bioscope Village where non-delegates can watch the movies.<br/><br/>Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan will be honoured with the personality of the year award at the concluding ceremony of the festival on the 28th of this month. <br/><br/>This year, Canada is the focus country and will be presenting a package of its 8 best recent films. Acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan will be honoured with a lifetime achievement award at IFFI.

48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has begun at Goa's capital Panaji. <br/><br/>During the nine-day extravaganza, around 200 films from over 80 countries will be screened. <br/><br/>Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan inaugurated the festival at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Bambolim this evening. <br/><br/>Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani was present at the inaugural function. Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan will be honoured with personality of the year award at the festival. <br/><br/>This year, Canada is the focus country and will be presenting a package of its 8 best recent films. <br/><br/>Acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan will be honoured with a lifetime achievement award at (IFFI).