The 39th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will start on November 22 in Goa. This festival will be organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals and the ministry of information and broadcasting in collaboration with the Goa government.

According to sources, Rekha will be the guest of honour. Initially Bollywood actor Aamir Khan was invited by the government but he couldn't accept the invitation as he was busy shooting in Panchmarhi. However Rekha has confirmed her presence as the chief guest.

IFFI will start with screening of Hong Kong director Peter Chan's Warlords and Eric Khoo's My Magic from Singapore. Chan will head this year's jury. Other jury members are Venice Film Festival director Marco Mueller, Iranian actress Niki Karimi, Filipino director Lav Diaz and Indian actress Tabu. 200 films in various sections from nearly a dozen countries will be screened during the festival.

Films from Switzerland and Iran along with the films of John Landis and Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki - Leningrad Cowboys Go America will enjoy a special place in this years festival. Screening of Iranian film maker Majid Majidi's "The Song of Sparrows" will mark the closing ceremony on December 2.