Panaji: Canada is the focus country at the 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) this year, according to festival director Sunit Tandon.

The festival, to be held from November 20 to 28, will be hosting a Canadian delegation and presenting eight films from the country, in association with Telefilm Canada and in collaboration from TIFF.

The special focus will kick off on November 21 with “Old Stone”, directed by Johnny Ma, being the opening film.

“Meditation Park” directed by Mina Shum will be showcased at the country focus – gala screening.

“We are happy to be working with Telefilm Canada and appreciate the support extended towards making this possible.

We look forward to welcoming the Canadian delegation, and this highlight of the Festival,” Tandon said in a statement.

An Indo Canada co-production seminar has also been proposed to be organised by the Canadian High Commission in India during the festival.

IFFI 2017 will also host special guests such as Cameron Bailey (artistic director of the Toronto International Film Festival), Marielle Poupelin (interim director, International Promotion) and filmmaker-actor April Mullen, in addition to a delegation of directors and actors representing the selected films.