Panaji: The 35th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which begins in Panaji tomorrow (Nov 29, 2004) with Goa as the permanent venue for the first time, promises to be "bigger and better" than all other previous festivals held.

More than 200 films will be screened during the 12-day festival and organisers are expecting 5000 delegates and special invitees to witness the gala event.

Mira Nair's much awaited film 'Vanity Fair', starring Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon, will be the opening movie while Oliver Stone's 'Alexander' which many claim to be the most expensive Hollywood movie ever made, will be the closing film of the festival.

The festival this year will not just restrict itself to screening films, organisers said, pointing out that the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has set up a 'Film Bazaar' at the venue in an attempt to market Indian films to Indian buyers and showcase the country's talent.

Acclaimed music director A R Rahman would also perform live with his 60-men orchestra on the opening day tomorrow. Rahman's show will include some songs from Subhash Ghai's forthcoming film 'Kisna'.

Since Goa has been chosen as the permanent venue for the festival, the State Government has gone all out to build infrastructure required for the event, spending more than Rs 120 crore in roads, renovation of the Kala Academy - the main venue for the festival- and a brand new multiplex with four screens.