The coastal state of Goa has officially launched into a vibrant celebration of cinema as the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) begins today. This power-packed edition, running from November 20 to 28, 2025, masterfully blends global cinema, rich Goan culture, and pioneering technology. The festival has already attracted registrations from more than 7,000 delegates, setting the stage for an immersive and dynamic cinematic experience.
A Global Cinematic Showcase
IFFI 2025 is a true global village, presenting an impressive collection of over 240 films from 81 countries. This includes numerous premieres, further solidifying Goa's standing as a premier international film destination. The festival's opening film is O Último Azul (The Blue Trail), directed by Gabriel Mascaro. This critically acclaimed movie, which secured the Grand Jury Award at the 2025 Berlinale, tells the poignant story of a 75-year-old woman on her final journey through the Amazon. This year, Japan has been honored as the country of focus, while local Goan cinema will also be represented with screenings of Claudia and The Pilot.
Where Creativity Meets Cutting-Edge Technology
Embracing the theme “Creativity & Technology,” the festival places a significant spotlight on innovation. A key highlight is the CinemAI Hackathon, which challenges filmmakers to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in storytelling. Vaibhav Surya, an enthusiastic Mass Communication student from Chennai, expressed his excitement, stating, "With AI being used everywhere, this is a great opportunity for filmmakers. We’re final-year students, and learning these skills before entering the industry will really help us."
Goa's Culture and Nights of Celebration
Adding to the festive atmosphere, a grand opening float parade is being held for the first time. The parade commenced at 3:30 pm on November 20 from the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) and concluded at Kala Academy, featuring a spectacular display of 34 floats, with 12 organized by the Goa government. For a more relaxed cinematic experience, open-air screenings are being held at Miramar and Vagator beaches, as well as at Ravindra Bhavan in Fatorda. The celebration extends into the evenings with Nights of IFFIESTA, a series of music, performances, and cultural showcases inspired by popular Doordarshan shows like Mastiii Nights and Wah! Ustaad, scheduled from November 22 to 24 at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Auditorium in Taleigao.
Beyond the screenings and performances, IFFI continues its tradition of offering invaluable learning opportunities through masterclasses. This year, 21 masterclasses will be led by a stellar lineup of industry luminaries, including Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, Bobby Deol, Aamir Khan, and Christopher Charles Corbould OBE. For educators like Adarsh Das, a film teacher from Bangalore, these sessions are priceless. "I attended IFFI last year and loved it, especially because these are movies you can’t watch elsewhere. This year I plan to explore more masterclasses and gain a deeper understanding of films," he shared.
