IFFI 56 To Be The Perfect Destination For Film, Art Lovers
By A Draft Correspondent
The air in Goa is alive with the ‘Sound of Cinema’ as the International Film
Festival of India (IFFI) is just moments away from its grand inauguration. From
November 20th to 28th, 2025, the 56th edition of IFFI promises to be a dazzling
celebration of film and art, sculpted with a vision to outshine its own legacy
of inclusivity and exclusivity. This year’s festival is a tribute to the
boundless spirit of storytelling, blending contemporary brilliance with cultural
richness to offer an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Today, at 3.30 pm, the streets of Goa will transform into a vibrant canvas
as the Opening Parade sets the tone for the festivities. Majestic tableaus from
Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, and Goa will lead the procession, followed by stunning
creations from India’s iconic studios and a heartfelt 50-year tribute by NFDC.
“Bharat Ek Soor,” featuring a hundred folk artists, will weave together dances
from across the country into a single, soaring rhythm. Beloved characters like
Chhota Bheem, Chutki, Motu Patlu, and Bittu Bahanebaaz will add a touch of
nostalgia and enchantment, turning the parade into a living poem of colour and
imagination.
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| IFFI has become the perfect destination for cinephiles from across the world |
This isn’t just a parade—it’s an artistic awakening. Each tableau pulses with the essence of its region, every performance breathes life into its people’s stories, and every cinematic homage echoes India’s enduring love affair with storytelling. As music rises like the sea breeze and colours unfurl like dreams, the Opening Parade will herald an IFFI where creativity knows no bounds.
The festival’s bouquet includes 15 competitive and curated segments, ranging
from International Competition and Best Debut Feature to the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi
Medal. Special segments like Macabre Dreams, Docu-Montage, Experimental Films,
UNICEF, and Restored Classics add depth and diversity to the lineup. The
itinerary also features Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT), the 19th edition of
Waves Film Bazaar, The Knowledge Series, CinemAI Hackathon, IFFIesta – a cultural
showcase, and a rich array of masterclasses, panels, and interactive
programmes.
CMOT has selected 124 young creators from 799 entries across 13 filmmaking
crafts, including 24 wildcard winners from the CIC Challenge at WAVES 2025.
Meanwhile, the Waves Film Bazaar returns with over 300 film projects spanning
Screenwriters Lab, Market Screenings, Viewing Room, and Co-Production Markets.
It includes 22 feature films and 5 documentaries, cash grants totalling USD
20,000, and 22 recommended films under WAVES Film Bazaar Recommends.
Delegations from more than seven countries and showcases from over ten Indian
states will be present, alongside a Tech Pavilion spotlighting cutting-edge
VFX, CGI, animation, and digital production technologies.
A new initiative, the CinemAI Hackathon, will be held in collaboration with
LTIMindtree and Waves Film Bazaar, focusing on AI-driven innovation in
filmmaking. This programme underscores IFFI’s commitment to advancing cinematic
technology, streamlining certification, and bolstering anti-piracy efforts.
IFFIesta, a four-day celebration of music, performance, and creative arts,
will take place at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Auditorium from November 21st to
24th, between 6 and 8 PM. It aims to spotlight India’s vibrant creative economy
by bringing artists and audiences together through immersive cultural
experiences.
This edition of IFFI also pays homage to the centenaries of cinematic legends such as Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury. Iconic films like Chowdhury’s Musafir and Ghatak’s Subarnarekha will be screened in their honour. The festival will culminate with a tribute to the legendary actor Rajinikanth, celebrating his remarkable 50-year journey in cinema.
