Goa, November 19, 2025: The ‘Sound of Cinema’ is resonating to the highest in the air of Goa, as International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has stepped into the penultimate day of inauguration of its 56th journey from 20th to 28th November 2025. With a vision to surpass its own benchmarks of exclusivity and inclusivity set in previous years, IFFI 2025 has been meticulously sculpted into an unforgettable cinematic celebration. This edition promises some of the finest entertainment experiences imaginable today—events crafted with contemporary brilliance, cultural richness and the boundless spirit of storytelling that defines Indian and global cinema.
This year IFFI will unfold tomorrow with a spellbinding Opening Parade that will turn Goa’s streets into a living tapestry of India’s cinematic soul. The majestic tableaus of Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, and Goa will lead the procession, followed by breathtaking creations from India’s iconic studios and NFDC’s evocative 50-year tribute. “Bharat Ek Soor,” with a hundred folk artists, will weave dances from every corner of the nation into one soaring rhythm. Adding sparkle and nostalgia, Chhota Bheem, Chutki, Motu Patlu and Bittu Bahanebaaz will enchant the crowds. Tomorrow, IFFI will begin as a moving poem of colour and imagination.
As the parade winds through Goa, it will not merely mark the start of a festival but announce a moment of artistic awakening. Each tableau will carry the pulse of its region, every performance will breathe the heartbeat of its people, and every frame-inspired creation will echo India’s timeless romance with storytelling. With music rising like a sea breeze and colours unfurling like a dreamscape, the Opening Parade will promise an IFFI edition where India’s creativity will shine brighter than ever.
Also, the bouquet includes 15 Competitive and Curated segments, including International Competition, Best Debut Feature Film of a Director, ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal, and special segments such as Macabre Dreams, Docu-Montage, Experimental Films, UNICEF, and Restored Classics. The 56th IFFI itinerary has listed Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT), Waves Film Bazaar (19th edition), The Knowledge Series, CinemAI Hackathon, IFFIesta – Cultural Showcase and Masterclasses, Panels & Interactive Programmes.
- Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT): From 799 entries, 124 young creators were selected across 13 filmmaking crafts, including 24 wildcard winners from the CIC Challenge at WAVES 2025, as part of the Creative Minds of Tomorrow at the 56th IFFI Goa.
- Waves Film Bazaar (19th edition): India’s premier film market returns with:
§ 300+ film projects across Screenwriters Lab, Market Screenings, Viewing Room, and Co-Production Markets
§ 22 Feature Films and 5 Documentaries in the Co-Production Market
§ Cash grants totalling USD 20,000
§ WAVES Film Bazaar Recommends (WFBR): 22 selected films in multiple formats
§ Delegations from 7+ countries and film incentives showcases from 10+ Indian states
§ A dedicated Tech Pavilion showcasing cutting-edge VFX, CGI, animation and digital production technologies.
· CinemAI Hackathon: A new initiative at IFFI 2025, the CinemAI Hackathon, will be organised in collaboration with LTIMindtree and WAVES Film Bazaar.The programme focuses on AI-driven innovation in filmmaking—reinforcing IFFI’s commitment to advancing cinematic technology, simplifying certification processes, and strengthening anti-piracy frameworks.
· IFFIesta – Cultural Showcase: IFFIesta, a four-day celebration of music, performance, and creative arts, will be held at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Auditorium from 21–24 November, 6–8 PM. The event highlights India’s vibrant creative economy by bringing artists and audiences together through live cultural experiences.
IFFI will also pay tribute in this edition to centenaries of legendary filmmakers and artists including Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury. Salil Chowdhury’s Musafir and Ritwik Ghatak’s Subarnarekha will be shown at IFFI 2025. This year, legendary actor Rajinikanth will be honoured at the closing ceremony for completing 50 years in cinema.
To ensure all the initiatives and planning roll out meticulously and committed efforts round the clock from all quarters gets synchronised in a beautiful symphony, Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) along with other officials from the Ministry, visited the IIFI venues today at Panaji, Goa to have a quick final review.
To sum up all these in a single sentence it will be wise to say ‘Goa is all set to get ‘IFFI’fied again for the next nine days.’
