The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) is all set to begin in Goa today. The remarkable event promises to be a grand celebration of global cinema. Over 240 films from 81 countries will be screened during the nine-day mega event.
Japan is featured as the ‘Country of Focus’. Goa’s Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant, inspected the venue last evening, ensuring everything is in order for the event. He will inaugurate ‘The WAVES Film Bazaar’ around 11 am, hours before the festival opens, with a grand parade.
The Chief Minister will be accompanied by the Secretary, Information and Broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju. This year too, IFFI has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to celebrate the many shades of childhood through stories, showcasing challenges, and inspiration.
The wait is finally over. As the curtains part on IFFI 2025, the city of Goa has transformed into a canvas of cinematic dreams.IFFI 2025 is all set to enthral all cinephiles from across the globe. The WAVES film bazar: India’s premier film market, offering co-production opportunities and networking, will be inaugurated by CM Pramod Sawant today, before the grand parade. The curtain raiser parade is a symphony of colours, a kaleidoscope of cultures, and a celebration of the magic of cinema.
With every step, the rhythm of the parade echoes the beat of creativity, as dancers, musicians, and performers take to the streets, weaving a tale of India’s rich film heritage and the boundless possibilities of storytelling. The air is alive with anticipation as the who’s who of the film fraternity gather to witness the inauguration of this grand spectacle.
The stars shine bright, the lights twinkle, and the city is set ablaze with the fire of artistic expression. IFFI 2025 is more than just a film festival – it’s a pilgrimage of the senses, a celebration of the human spirit, and a testament to the power of cinema to unite, inspire, and transform. As the curtains rise, the world is invited to join the journey, to revel in the magic of film, and to experience the wonder of IFFI 2025.
The festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, screening over 240 films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres, 5 international premieres, and 46 Asian premieres.
Japan is the country of focus this year, showcasing six contemporary films. Some icons of cinema like Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury will be honoured as well. While 50 years of Rajnikanth will be given a befitting tribute.
For the very first time, an AI film hackathon is being held, a 48-hour creative sprint exploring AI-driven innovations in filmmaking and using AI as a tool to enhance the impact of cinema.
IFFIESTA: A four-day cultural celebration featuring music, live performances, and theatrical storytelling is something that everyone is watching out for. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning beaches, Goa is the perfect host for this cinematic extravaganza.
