Social Welfare
IFFI: A Journey Written in Frames
Key Takeaways |
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News By. ---------- दिलीप यादव
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Since 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has stood as South Asia’s only International Federation of Film Producers' Associations (FIAPF) accredited festival in the Competitive Feature Films category, signalling its stature on the global cinematic map. What began as an effort to bring the world’s finest films to Indian audiences has, over the decades, transformed into a vibrant meeting ground for filmmakers, cinephiles and creative professionals from across continents.
This year, the festival will be organised from 20th – 28th November, bringing another dynamic edition to life in the heart of Goa.
At its core, IFFI embodies the belief that great cinema thrives when cultures meet. Each edition brings together an eclectic selection of films – culturally rich, and thoughtfully curated by distinguished industry experts – ensuring that the festival remains a trusted platform for artistic excellence. Its International Cinema section, in particular, showcases works that challenge conventions and expand the vocabulary of storytelling, reaffirming the commitment of IFFI to presenting the most compelling global voices of the year.
The festival found its permanent home in Goa in 2004, where it is jointly organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG). Against the scenic backdrop of coastal Goa, what makes IFFI truly distinctive is its inclusive cultural spirit. The festival mirrors India’s wider ethos of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat—bringing together diverse creators, audiences and artistic traditions. Whether it is the increasing participation of women-led creative teams, the growing presence of young professionals, or the representation of tribal and indigenous narratives, IFFI offers space to voices that reflect the country’s depth and diversity. This inclusivity not only strengthens the creative ecosystem but also echoes India’s commitment to making culture and opportunity accessible to all.
IFFI 2025: Innovation, Inclusivity, and a Global Cinematic Spectacle
This year, the 56th International Film Festival in Goa from 20th – 28th November, will showcase an expansive programme that reflects the growing global stature of IFFI. This edition deepens the festival’s international partnerships with Japan as the Country of Focus, presenting a panoramic showcase of six contemporary Japanese films across genres and forms. Spain joins as the Partner Country, while Australia enters the festival as the Spotlight Country, each bringing curated packages, institutional collaborations and cultural programmes that enrich global dialogue.
Programme Scale, Premieres & Selections
IFFI 2025 presents an exceptional lineup of 240+ films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres, 5 international premieres, and 44 Asian premieres. A record 2,314 submissions from 127 countries reflects the festival’s expanding global resonance.
The opening film — The Blue Trail by Brazilian auteur Gabriel Mascaro, winner of the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at Berlinale 2025 — sets the tone for an edition defined by bold storytelling and cinematic ambition.
The Gala Premieres segment will present 18 titles, including 13 World Premieres, 2 Asia Premieres, 1 India Premiere and 2 Special Showcase screenings. The red carpet will welcome a distinguished line-up of artists and filmmakers.
International Competitions & Awards
Three major international competitions will feature 32 films from five continents, bringing some of the year’s most celebrated titles to Indian audiences for the first time. IFFI will also present award-winning films from Cannes, Berlinale, Venice, Locarno, TIFF, Busan and IFFR, reinforcing its role as India’s gateway to outstanding contemporary cinema.
Curated Sections
This year’s programming includes nine curated sections — Docu-Montage, From the Festivals, Rising Stars, Mission Life, Experimental Films, Restored Classics, Macabre Dreams, UNICEF, and Cinema of the World. In total, IFFI will present 15 competitive and curated segments, including the International Competition, Best Debut Feature Film of a Director, and the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal.
Centenary Tributes
Celebrating legacies central to Indian cinema, IFFI 2025 will honour the centenaries of Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika and Salil Chowdhury. Restored masterpieces like Musafir and Subarnarekha will offer audiences rare encounters with cinematic heritage.
Rajnikanth’s Golden Jubilee
IFFI 2025 will honour legendary actor Rajinikanth for completing 50 years in cinema, marking a milestone that celebrates his enduring influence on Indian film culture. He will be felicitated at the Closing Ceremony, recognising his iconic body of work, widespread popularity, and contribution to shaping Indian storytelling across decades.
Indian Panorama and New Horizons
The Indian Panorama 2025 will present 25 feature films, 20 non-feature films and 5 debut features. The Opening Feature Film is Amaran (Tamil), while the Opening Non-Feature Film is Kakori.
A special New Horizons segment will screen up to five curated titles selected for their fresh cinematic approaches.
Women, Debut Voices & Emerging Talent
Inclusivity remains at the heart of IFFI this year, with 50+ films directed by women and 50+ debut works being showcased. The Best Debut Indian Director Award carries a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, and the Best Web Series Award will honour excellence in streaming content with ₹10 lakh.
Creative Minds of Tomorrow
The CMOT programme continues to expand, with 799 entries this year and 124 selected participants representing 13 filmmaking crafts. The 48-hour filmmaking challenge with ShortsTV remains a core highlight.
Masterclasses, Panels & Knowledge Series
Festival attendees can look forward to 21 masterclasses and panel discussions, featuring Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, Christopher Charles Corbould OBE, Bobby Deol, Aamir Khan, Suhasini Maniratnam, Pete Draper, Sreekar Prasad and others — covering story craft, acting, editing, cinematography, VFX, AI and the future of filmmaking.
Key Highlights This Year
Waves Film Bazaar: India’s Creative Marketplace Goes Global
India’s flagship film market—formerly known simply as Film Bazaar and now reimagined as WAVES Film Bazaar—has grown since 2007 into one of the most influential co-production and content-discovery platforms in Asia. Held annually alongside IFFI, it has become the meeting ground where Indian storytellers, global producers, festival curators, technology partners and investors converge to shape the films of tomorrow.
What’s Happening This Year:
The 19th edition brings a significantly expanded and more dynamic marketplace from 20–24 November 2025. This year’s Bazaar strengthens its global footprint with:
- A robust Co-Production Market for features and documentaries, including curated projects shortlisted for international financing and festival circulation.
- The Screenwriters’ Lab, Work-in-Progress Lab and a rapidly growing Viewing Room, enabling producers and sales agents to discover new voices across diverse languages and genres.
- A re-energised Knowledge Series featuring pitching sessions, country and state showcases, and practical workshops on production, distribution and emerging storytelling tools.
- Enhanced international participation through dedicated pavilions, delegations and stalls, showcasing incentives from over ten Indian states and several partner nations.
With its growing emphasis on technology, collaboration and fresh talent, WAVES Film Bazaar continues to be the engine room of creative exchange at IFFI—where projects are discovered, partnerships are forged and the next generation of cinema finds its first champions.
IFFIESTA
Making its debut this year, IFFIESTA introduces a vibrant cultural layer to the 56th edition of IFFI. IFFIESTA 2025 will bring together four evenings of vibrant music, expressive live performances, and cultural storytelling from 21st – 24th November in Goa. Designed as a celebration of sound and stagecraft, the festival will offer audiences a chance to experience everything from contemporary indie music to classical artistry and live theatrical moments. With young talents, seasoned performers, and diverse genres coming together, IFFIESTA aims to create an atmosphere where people can enjoy, participate, and feel part of a shared cultural experience.
Event Line-up
Date | Programme | Details |
21 Nov 2025 | Osho Jain Live Concert | Opening night performance |
22 Nov 2025 | Festival Showcase | Battle of Bands (India & International), Suron Ka Eklavya, Waah Ustad |
23 Nov 2025 | Festival Showcase | Battle of Bands (India & International), Suron Ka Eklavya, Waah Ustad, Devanchal ki Premkatha |
24 Nov 2025 | Festival Showcase | Battle of Bands (India & International), Suron Ka Eklavya, Waah Ustad |
CinemAI Hackathon
Hosted by the WAVES Film Bazaar in partnership with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and LTIMindtree, the CinemAI Hackathon is the first-ever AI film hackathon to be held as part of the 56th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI). It brings together art, technology and ethical innovation in storytelling.
