The oldest international event for non-feature films in South Asia, the Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentary, Short Fiction and Animation Films, got off to a colourful start in Mumbai last evening. The 16th edition of the biennial festival will have screening of a wide variety of films in competition sections, departed legends of documentary and animation genres. <br />''<br />''The festival will also have masterclass sessions and workshops, addressed by renowned national and international film editors, animators and drone cinematographers. AIR correspondent reports that in this year, the Mumbai International Film Festival has received over 700 registrations in the national and 144 registrations in the international categories, of which 48 and 29 films have been shortlisted, respectively. The week-long festival will culminate on 3rd February. Addressing the august gathering of diplomats, film-makers and jury members, during the opening ceremony yesterday, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate change, Mr. Babul Supriyo said, documentaries and short films are a source of rich cinematic history which interests and inspires generations to come.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">A special sculpture and photo exhibition-cum-demonstration commemorating 150</span><sup>th</sup><span style="color: #222222;"> Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Centenary of Satyajit Ray will be added attractions in the festival this year. Participation of young adults with intellectual challenges with their short films will also be held in this edition. Meanwhile, during the glittering opening ceremony yesterday, the coveted Dr. V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred on Dr. S. Krishnaswamy, one of India's most senior and active filmmakers, for his lifelong, invaluable contribution to non-fiction film-making. </span><br />