Goa : The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 kicked off in Panjim, Goa, on Thursday, highlighted by a lively opening ceremony. This event included cultural performances and tableaux that celebrated the diverse regions of India.
In a departure from convention, Goa’s Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant kicked off the festival by watering a Tulsi plant, representing a commitment to environmental sustainability. Enhancing this year’s vibrancy, a spectacular carnival-style showcase took place during the opening ceremony, featuring various production houses presenting cinema-inspired tableaux. The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) celebrated its 50-year journey with a striking, colorful tableau showcasing iconic posters from films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, The Lunchbox, Salaam Mumbai, and many other celebrated titles. Another standout was a beautifully crafted tableau dedicated to Mahavatar Narsimha, which captured the attention of many attendees.
Chief Minister Sawant, in his address, underscored Goa’s emerging status as a prime film destination. He remarked, “cis India’s most preferred shooting destination,” while emphasizing the state’s exceptional infrastructure, thriving tourism sector, and filmmaker-friendly policies. Additionally, he pointed out that initiatives such as the film finance scheme and single-window clearance have bolstered Goa’s standing in the global film industry.
“India is at the forefront of this creativity revolution, and IFFI continues to be the bridge between Indian talent and global possibilities. IFFI is the platform where Indian creators, producers, and storytellers meet the world,” Sawant added.
Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, marking his first IFFI experience, expressed pride in the festival’s international scope, with 270 films from 84 countries. He acknowledged the contributions of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in making IFFI a permanent event in Goa. “This year, the festival showcases 270 films from 84 different countries, presenting a vibrant mix of world cinema, Indian cinema, and up-and-coming talent. The Governor remarked, ‘IFFI remains a significant platform for creative exchange and cinematic excellence.’”
The inaugural event also featured the screening of the opening film The Blue Trail, a Brazilian film directed by Gabriel Mascaro, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival 2025. IFFI 2025 will continue until 28th November and will conclude with a grand closing ceremony on the same day. Meanwhile, the Waves Film Bazaar, which was also inaugurated on the 20th, will close on 24th November.