The 56th IFFI (International Film Festival of India) is now officially underway in Goa, marking nine days of a mega celebration filled with excitement and artistic brilliance. From colourful carnival parades that have brought the city’s streets alive to the rich tapestry of over 240 films from 81 countries, this festival is all set to enthral cinephiles and industry professionals alike. With Japan as the country of focus and special tributes being paid to iconic legends, IFFI 2025 invites the world to participate in an extraordinary journey of storytelling, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange. Get ready for magic that unfolds like never before in Goa’s vibrant heart.
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Main Highlights of 56th IFFI 2025-
- The 56th edition of the festival is held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2025.
- More than 240 films from 81 countries were screened, including 13 world premieres.
- The country in focus was Japan, featuring its cinematic heritage.
- The festival opened with a grand cultural parade featuring colourful floats, with a celebration of the diverse film industries of India.
- Tributes – special among them being a felicitation to Nandamuri Balakrishna for 50 years in Indian cinema – were given to great actors and filmmakers.
- IFFI 2025 introduced the first-ever AI-driven CinemAI Hackathon for innovative film-related technology.
- The event hosted masterclasses, panel discussions, and the WAVES Film Bazaar to foster industry collaboration.
- This 9-day festival turned Goa into an international spot for film lovers, creative people, and industry professionals.
- This festival has kept its tradition alive by promoting cross-cultural exchange and offering a wide range of cinematic expressions.
What is IFFI?
The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is South Asia’s oldest premier film festival, showcasing cinematic excellence and diversity since 1952. Its 56th edition in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2025, will see the participation of over 240 films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres and many international and Asian premieres. Japan, a country with an immensely rich cinematic heritage, is the country in focus this year. IFFI has lined up an extensive array of sections that include competitive sections, curated segments, masterclasses, and film market events such as the WAVES Film Bazaar. The festival has paid homage to legendary filmmakers and actors, including a special tribute to Rajinikanth’s 50 years in cinema. IFFI is a vibrant platform showcasing cultural exchange, innovation, and discovery, thus securing its position as an important global hub for lovers of cinema, filmmakers, and the industry as a whole.
Key Details of 56th IFFI 2025-
- The festival will be organised in Panaji, Goa.
- The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Governor Ashok Gajapathi Raju, and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting officials
- The parade includes colourful floats, cinematic tableaus, music, dance, and iconic film tributes.
- The guest celebrities like Shekhar Kapur, Anupam Kher, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Om Prakash Mehra, and Muzaffar Ali will be present on this occasion.
- Nandamuri Balakrishna, felicitated for 50 years in Indian cinema, will be honoured.
- The grand finale of this event will be held at Kala Academy.
- The festival will be of one week’s duration, which includes activities such as film screenings, panels, masterclasses, and festivities.
Diplomacy & Cultural Exchange through IFFI 2025-
IFFI 2025 is an international platform for filmmakers and film audiences of different cultures to come together, promoting harmony and artistic cooperation in cinematic expression:
- With Japan as the Country of Focus, Spain as Partner Country, and Australia as Spotlight Country, the Festival encourages solid bilateral cultural partnerships that strengthen India’s diplomatic relations with these countries through film exchange.
- IFFI screens curated films, performances, and cultural programmes showcasing the richness of storytelling traditions worldwide, thus encouraging dialogue and respect among nations.
- The festival acts as a link between Indian cinema and the international market and producers for co-productions, trade partnerships, and joint ventures that are beneficial for all parties concerned.
- This inclusive spirit of IFFI captures the very Indian ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family) to build peaceful cultural diplomacy and global solidarity through the universal language of cinema.
Tribute to Cinema Legend-
- Legendary actor Nandamuri Balakrishna was felicitated at IFFI 2025 for his incredible 50-year journey in Indian cinema, celebrating his outstanding contribution and enduring screen presence.
- He is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including three Nandi Awards for Best Actor, SIIMA Awards, and the Padma Bhushan for his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema.
- With iconic roles in commercially successful movies like Sahasame Jeevitham, Narasimha Naidu, Simha, and Legend, he has etched a mark in the minds of Telugu and Indian cinema audiences.
- The festival paid obeisance not only to the stalwarts of the industry but also showcased restored classics and iconic moments that have shaped the history of Indian filmmaking.
- This recognition bridges the rich cinematic past with contemporary creativity, inspiring future generations.
- Such honours by IFFI keep the legacy and evolution of Indian cinema alive as a beacon of cultural identity and artistic excellence.
Which Events will be organised?
- Film Screenings: Over 240 films from 81 countries, including world premieres, competitive sections, and curated showcases like the Indian Panorama and Focus on Japan.
- Grand Parade: A dazzling street parade in Goa featuring colourful floats, music, dance, and cinematic tributes, marking the festival’s vibrant opening.
- Masterclasses and Panels: Industry veterans and global filmmakers conduct sessions sharing insights on filmmaking, storytelling, technological advancements, and market trends.
- CinemAI Hackathon: The maiden Artificial Intelligence-driven hackathon exploring innovative solutions at the intersection of cinema and technology.
- WAVES Film Bazaar: A dynamic film market encouraging co-productions, networking, and collaborations among global filmmakers, producers, and distributors.
- Tributes and Honours: Honouring legends like Nandamuri Balakrishna’s 50 years in cinema and special screenings of restored classics.
- Cultural Performances and Exhibitions: Music, dance, and art exhibitions that enrich the festival’s immersive cultural experience throughout Goa.
Cultural Extravaganza in Goa & Future Vision-
- IFFI 2025 turns Goa into one buzzing cultural spot, involving cinematic screenings with vivid parades, music, dance, and exhibitions to create a celebration for all senses.
- This multi-sensory festival strengthens Goa’s position in the world calendar of cultural exchange and creative collaboration, promising an unforgettable experience for the visitors of this former Portuguese colony beyond films.
- Much more than a festival, IFFI 2025 is a cultural movement that defines the future of Indian and global cinema.
- By catalysing creativity, celebrating diversity, and embracing technological changes, IFFI places India as a creative haven and cultural superpower.
- The festival personifies the eternal Indian philosophy, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—and brings together artists and audiences from across the globe to forge a new cinematic future marked by innovation and unity.