The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will now have a new prize category that will be given to a show for its “artistic merit, storytelling excellence, technical prowess, and overall impact,” according to Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur.
According to Thakur, the Best Web Series Award will be granted to an original web series on an OTT platform that was shot in India and is available in that language.
“Delighted to announce the BEST WEB SERIES AWARD @IFFIGoa to be presented to an exceptional web series for its artistic merit, storytelling excellence, technical prowess and overall impact.
“India is filled with exceptional talent; I encourage you to tell the story of a rising and aspirational New India – ready to lead the world, with a billion dreams and a billion untold stories,” the Union minister tweeted.
Delighted to announce the BEST WEB SERIES AWARD @IFFIGoa to be presented to an exceptional web series for its artistic merit, storytelling excellence, technical prowess and overall impact.
India is filled with exceptional talent; I encourage you to tell the story of a rising and… pic.twitter.com/aOBdIwKmHa
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 18, 2023
Thakur also said the award aims to “incentivise and create investment opportunities in India’s OTT sector, encourage content in Indian languages, recognise exceptional talent and foster growth and innovation of the OTT industry”.
The Best Web Series Award will be incorporated in the festival, starting from this year’s 54th edition set to be held in Goa from November 20 to November 28.
Interacted with representatives of leading OTT platforms today on various issues including content regulation, user experience, enhancing accessibility for the specially abled and overall growth & innovation of the sector.
OTT platforms have revolutionised the way we consume… pic.twitter.com/K7PjxLqowU
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 18, 2023
Golden Peacock for Best Film, Silver Peacock for Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Debut Feature Film of a Director, Special Jury Award, and Special Mention by the Jury are the seven primary categories in which the festival has traditionally recognised talent.
