The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 began in Panjim, Goa, on Thursday with a vibrant opening ceremony filled with music, dance, regional tableaux and a strong message of sustainability. The event set the tone for an 11-day celebration of global cinema, creativity and cultural exchange.
In an unusual yet symbolic departure from tradition, Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the festival by watering a Tulsi plant, highlighting the state’s commitment to environmental consciousness.
Adding colour and grandeur, IFFI 2025 opened with a carnival-style parade, where production houses showcased spectacular cinema-inspired tableaux.
The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), celebrating 50 years, drew widespread attention with a striking tableau featuring iconic posters from Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, The Lunchbox, Salaam Mumbai, and several other acclaimed films.
Chief Minister Sawant emphasised Goa’s rising prominence in global filmmaking. (Theorist photo)
Another highlight was a meticulously crafted tableau dedicated to Mahavatar Narsimha, which quickly became one of the most photographed attractions of the evening.
Goa Is India’s ‘Most Preferred Shooting Destination,’ Says CM Pramod Sawant
Chief Minister Sawant emphasised Goa’s rising prominence in global filmmaking.
“Goa is India’s most preferred shooting destination,” he said, noting that world-class infrastructure, strong tourism links and filmmaker-friendly policies have boosted the state’s cinematic ecosystem.
He credited initiatives such as the film finance scheme and single-window clearance for strengthening Goa’s appeal to both Indian and international productions.
“India is at the forefront of this creativity revolution, and IFFI continues to be the bridge between Indian talent and global possibilities,” Sawant added.
Governor Raju Highlights 270 Films From 84 Countries
Marking his first IFFI experience, Governor Raju lauded the festival’s expanding global footprint.
“This year, the festival brings together 270 films from 84 countries… IFFI continues to be a meaningful platform for creative exchange and cinematic excellence,” he said.
He also acknowledged the legacy of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who played a crucial role in establishing IFFI as a permanent fixture in Goa.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant credited initiatives such as the film finance scheme and single-window clearance for strengthening Goa’s appeal to both Indian and international productions. (Theorist photo)
The inaugural ceremony concluded with the screening of The Blue Trail, a Brazilian film directed by Gabriel Mascaro, which recently won the Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival 2025. Its selection set a strong artistic tone for this year’s programming.
Festival and Film Bazaar Schedule
IFFI 2025 will run until 28 November, culminating in a grand closing ceremony on the same evening. Meanwhile, the Waves Film Bazaar — also inaugurated on the 20th — will continue until 24 November, offering filmmakers a key platform for co-productions, networking and distribution opportunities.
