Goan Reporter News: Hollywood actor and producer Michael Douglas honored with Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Cinema
Tremendous honor to receive this award: Michael Douglas
IFFI is a reminder of magic of movie making and cross cultural artistic expressions, transcending time, language and geographies
Renowned Hollywood actor and producer Michael Douglas was honoured with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Cinema at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa today.
Douglas, accompanied by his spouse, the BAFTA Award winning eminent actress and philanthropist Catherine Zeta Jones and their son and actor, Dylan Douglas received the award at a glittering closing ceremony of the IFFI 54, amid a rousing standing ovation by the audience.
Michael Douglas, known for his era-defining roles, dedicated public service record and enduring cultural impact, expressing his gratitude upon receiving the award, remarked, “It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award, a career life achievement. When I heard about the award, my family and I were elated.”
Douglas said that Cinema has the power to unite and transform the people with cross cultural artistic expressions. Highlighting that Global language of Cinema is global than ever, the two time Oscar winning actor said that the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is a reminder of magic of movie making and cross cultural artistic expressions, transcending time, language and geographies.
Douglas expressed his admiration for the Indian Cinema, saying RRR, Om Shanti Om and Lunch Box are some of his favourite Indian films.
Catherine Zeta Jones, an eminent actress and the wife of Michael Douglas, was also felicitated. Catherine said it was heartwarming to see the generosity and hospitality they received in India.
A legacy spanning more than 50 years in film and television, Michael Douglas has amassed an impressive array of accolades, including 2 Oscars, 5 Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and numerous other honors. His profound impact on cinema resonates through iconic roles, from his Academy Award-winning portrayal as Gordon Gekko in Wall Street to gripping performances in films like Fatal Attraction, The American President, Basic Instinct, Traffic, and Romancing the Stone, among many others.
Michael Douglas, a luminary in the film industry, has captivated audiences globally with his unparalleled talent and commitment to his craft. Beyond his acting prowess, Douglas’s influence extends to production, marked by remarkable works such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The China Syndrome, and The Game. A UN Messenger of Peace, his commitment to global issues includes advocacy for disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, and halting illicit arms trade.
The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Cinema, previously bestowed upon luminaries such as Martin Scorsese, Bernardo Bertolucci, Dilip Kumar, Carlos Saura, Krzysztof Zanussi, and Wong Kar-wai, celebrates individuals whose unparalleled contributions have enriched the cinematic landscape. The award is an illustrious recognition of Michael Douglas, who has captivated audiences worldwide with over five decades of exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to his craft.
Goan Reporter News: Discourse on ‘Is It Time for One World Cinema?’ with Hollywood legend Michael Douglas and Producer Shailendra Singh at 54th IFFI in Goa today
A film based on good original story and with a universal message can reach global audience: Michael Douglas
To celebrate the universal language of cinema, an ‘In- Conversation’ session with legendary Hollywood actor and film producer Michael Douglas and producer Shailendra Singh was organized on the sidelines of 54th IFFI in Goa today.
The topical discussion titled ‘Is It Time for One World Cinema?’ threw light on films seeking to transcend geographical boundaries, bringing together filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from every corner of the globe.
Engaging with film enthusiasts, filmmakers, and industry professionals, Michael Douglas said “A good movie making material, something which is personal and close to one’s home country and having the global potential in its message can appeal to World Cinema.”
He also remarked that in terms of cinema India is quite different compared to most other places as India has an extraordinarily large film industry and has huge population, hence the need and desire to go outside the country is not there as compared to other countries.
Talking about the global appeal of RRR the renowned producer and actor remarked that RRR was such a big hit not only in India but also around the world because the film was made based on India’s own story and with a universal message.
He further added that to see a film succeed, one should make material for themselves and not think if it will reach the rest of the world.
With a career spanning decades and marked by unparalleled success, in his message for the youth of India he said “ I have the most faith in the younger generation as the younger generation own social media and they understand the need to work closely together to try and solve the global problems like Climate Change.”
Reminiscing about his initial days in the field of production he said it all started with the book ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ at the young age of 23 years, when his father the late legendary Actor Producer Kirk Douglas acquired the book and developed a play. This is when Michael Douglas stepped in and took charge to make the film. He then went on to make the film that became a hit with the lead actor played by Jack Nicholson starring Danny De Vito.
Speaking about his cinematic exploration and what moves him as an actor in selecting a script, he said “The core for me as an actor is to be a part of good movie, no matter if it is a small part. I would rather do a small role in a good film than do a big part in a bad movie.”
Recalling the legacy his father, late Kirk Douglas has left behind, he said his father’s wise words were “As an actor, the hardest thing to do is to be yourself and be simple, the most difficult thing as an actor is to listen; actors only talk and do not listen much”.
He also shared that just as he is carrying his father’s legacy, he aspires his son Dylan Douglas to do the same.
Speaking about challenges he faced as an actor and overcoming stage fright, Michael Douglas said, “Cameras can always catch a lie and first few years were a challenge. To overcome stage fright, I conditioned my mind in such a manner to make myself understand that acting is pretending and trying to convince others, something that we do every day. This very thought helped me in overcoming my fears and master the craft of acting and I began to enjoy it.”
In response to being recognized as a visionary for cinema, Michael Douglas expressed his gratitude. “As a producer, one has to have a 360 degree knowledge of everything that is going on and that is what keeps him going” he remarked.
Recollecting what his father always told him, Shailendra Singh said, “We all strive to get somewhere, films can be made in any part of the world but the biggest reward and celebration of life is the fact that you are breathing and your heart is still beating. Never forget that being alive is the largest celebration of life.”
Goan Reporter News: Being nominated for the Golden Peacock Award is a proud moment for the Kantara Team: Actor and film-maker Rishab Shetty
Audience across India connected with Kantara as it is rooted in the culture of Bharat: Rishab Shetty
Good content is transcending language barriers; a revolution underway in Indian film industry: Rishab Shetty
Celebrated film-maker and actor, Rishab Shetty joined for a candid media interaction on the sidelines of the 54th International Film festival of India (IFFI) in Goa today. Representing the vibrant and dynamic Kannada film industry, his widely celebrated feature Kantara, of which he is the director, actor and writer, is one of the three Indian films to make it to this year’s list of 15 exceptional films competing for the prestigious Golden Peacock award at IFFI 54.
Kantara is a 150 mins long Kannada masterpiece that has taken the audiences and critics by storm ever since its release last year. A spell-binding tribute to culture and folklore, Kantara weaves magic as it portrays the complex and dynamic conflict between man and nature, through the magical medium of dance and emotion.
“The audience connected with Kantara because it is a story rooted in the culture of Bharat,” said Shetty. “The audience took the film to where it is today, truly making it their own,” he further added. Authentic to its core, Kantara gave new expression to the traditional Kola dance and the community that performs it. Rishab said that he has consistently been in touch with the community long after the release of his film. “I belong to this tradition, I believe in this ritual and I worship this God. We took care that we do not hurt anybody’s emotion and made sure that there was no damage to the culture or community,” he elaborated.
Crediting the success of Kantara to faith, Shetty said that one must believe in themselves and the work they do, only then can one truly do good work. The actor also added that one must do work for work’s sake and not chase success.
Speaking about Kannada cinema, Rishab Shetty spoke about the OTT challenge where platforms are still apprehensive about Kannada audiences and are not open to Kannada films yet, causing critical losses in the industry. He appealed for greater exposure and reach. “Cinema has given us so much, we must give back to Kannada cinema,” asserted Shetty. He firmly believes that content in Indian cinema today has truly gone global. “At present, there is a revolution underway-good content is widely accepted overcoming the language barriers,” Shetty expressed.
Talking of his connect with IFFI, Rishab Shetty mentioned that it is his second time in the film festival. He shared that film festivals are a space to watch films and learn. Festivals like IFFI almost feel like an extended family to him. He appreciated film festivals and appealed that these platforms must be utilised to give recognition to small films.
Shetty recently announced the much-anticipated prequel to Kantara, the poster for which was released yesterday, explaining that the idea was always of a two-part story. On the question of what is his true love amongst direction, writing and acting, Shetty claimed, “Direction is my first love.” “I rely on life experiences, I am connected to people and try to bring that in my films.”