A session on Oscar Retrospective followed by the screening of Casablanca was held on day 1 at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Goa.
Moderated by Journalist and film critic Naman Ramachandran, the session had the Festival Director, ADG, Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF), Chaitanya Prasad along with the editor of American film editor who also worked on the restored version of Casablanca, Ms. Carol Littleton.
On asked about the idea behind curating a section on Oscar Films, Mr. Prasad said, “We have grown up watching these films and admiring them. To be able to see these films on big screen is an experience in itself. All age group people sitting here in the theatre to watch the film says it all.”
Carol Littleton spoke about how there is a huge effort behind Oscars. “We work throughout the year. There are Outreach programmes, Workshops, seminars to make technicians technically sound. We also look at science of making films. Artistic and scientific sides both are important for making a film.” She said.
Talking about how there are wide numbers of Academy members from around the world now, Littleton said, “People can become academy members online by getting two recommendations of academy members. It’s open for worldwide members who have credits and the mastery. We are looking at participation from around the world.”
Ms. Littleton also congratulated Mr. Prasad on choosing such wide range of amazing films. “The Film Festival has Romantics, Comedies, Musical etc You have touched different genres, that is not easy. I think you are going to have success.” She concluded.
On the occasion of the 50th year of International Film Festival of India, the festival announces a special section which celebrates some of the most outstanding films which have won the Best Film award at the Academy Awards also known as the Oscars. The Section has been aptly named as the Oscar Retrospective.
All these films have not only won the Best Film award but also had been nominated in other categories at the Oscars and have amongst them won quite a number of awards.The films in this category are some of the most popular and evergreen Hollywood classics which cinephiles and film enthusiasts would love to eagerly watch on the big screen at the 50th IFFI. IFFI always has been a platform that celebrates films from across the world and the festival take this opportunity to pay humble respect to some of the classics of all time made by some of the most respected names of the Hollywood industry.
