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New Delhi: Goa is ready to shine as the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 begins with a grand celebration. From November 20 to 28, the festival will showcase films, cultural events, and innovation in cinema. The event will kick off with a spectacular Opening Parade featuring colourful floats, folk performances, and beloved cartoon characters.
With over 180 films from 81 countries and exciting programs like the Creative Minds of Tomorrow and CinemAI Hackathon, IFFI 2025 promises something for every film and art lover.
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has started in Goa with grandeur, aiming to blend exclusivity and inclusivity in cinema. The festival opens with a magnificent parade that brings the streets of Panaji alive, featuring elaborate tableaus from Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, and Goa, alongside displays from iconic Indian film studios and the National Film Development Corporation's (NFDC) 50-year tribute.
The parade also includes "Bharat Ek Soor," where 100 folk artists dance to represent the diversity of India's culture. Popular animated characters like Chhota Bheem and Motu Patlu will also charm the audience. This grand procession is described as a moving poem full of colour, music, and imagination, highlighting India's deep love for storytelling.
IFFI 2025 encompasses 15 competitive and curated segments, including international competitions and special thematic sections such as Macabre Dreams and Docu-Montage. A standout feature is the Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) initiative, selecting 124 young filmmakers from 799 applicants across 13 crafts, including wildcard entries from the CIC Challenge. The festival also hosts the 19th edition of the Waves Film Bazaar, India’s premier film market, featuring over 300 film projects, cash grants worth USD 20,000, and participation from seven nations and ten Indian states showcasing film incentives. A dedicated Tech Pavilion offers cutting-edge VFX, CGI, and animation technology displays, enhancing the festival's innovation edge.
In a new move, the CinemAI Hackathon, held in partnership with LTIMindtree and Waves Film Bazaar, focuses on blending AI technology with filmmaking to improve cinematic technologies and combat piracy. The festival also celebrates Indian culture through IFFIesta, a four-day cultural showcase featuring music and performances at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Auditorium.
Tributes this year honour legendary filmmakers like Guru Dutt and Ritwik Ghatak, with screenings of classic films like Musafir and Subarnarekha. The festival will also felicitate superstar Rajinikanth for his 50 years in cinema during the closing ceremony, highlighting his enduring legacy in Indian film.
To oversee smooth execution, Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, along with ministry officials, visited IFFI venues for a final review, ensuring everything is ready for a seamless experience.
In summary, Goa is ready to be IFFI'fied for nine vibrant days filled with films, culture, technology, and celebrations, making IFFI 2025 a must-visit event for lovers of cinema and the arts.
