56th International Film Festival of India 2025: A Spectacular Showcase of Global Cinema in Goa

The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held from November 20 to 28, 2025, in Goa, continuing its tradition as South Asia’s only FIAPF-accredited competitive film festival since 1952. With 240 films from 81 countries, this year’s edition promises to be a grand confluence of cultures, storytelling, innovation, and cinematic excellence.

Celebrating Global Partnerships

IFFI 2025 deepens international collaboration by welcoming,

• Japan as the Country of Focus, showcasing six contemporary Japanese films
• Spain as the Partner Country
• Australia as the Spotlight Country

These associations bring curated film packages, cultural programs, and institutional tie-ups, enhancing IFFI’s status as a global hub for cinema diplomacy.

Journey of IFFI: Memories and Evolution

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), established in 1952, stands as a symbol of India’s cinematic aspirations, cultural outreach, and post-independence identity. As the oldest and most prestigious film festival in Asia, IFFI began its journey in Mumbai and has grown into a vibrant global platform, currently hosted annually in Goa.

The Early Years: A Vision of Unity Through Cinema

IFFI’s first edition was held from January 24 to February 1, 1952, in Mumbai, featuring around 40 feature films and 100 short films from across the world. The festival, organised by the Films Division of the Government of India, echoed the ideals of India’s freedom movement—justice, liberty, equality, non-violence, and unity in diversity.

It symbolised the Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“The world is one family”), showcasing cinema’s role in peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding.

The festival then toured Madras (Chennai), Delhi, and Calcutta (Kolkata), making India a part of the global film circuit.

Key Milestones in IFFI’s Growth

1965: Became a competitive festival from the 3rd edition.

1975: Introduction of Filmotsav, a non-competitive festival in alternate years.

2004: IFFI finds a permanent home in Goa, jointly organised by the NFDC, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG).

Today, IFFI is South Asia’s only FIAPF-accredited competitive film festival, showcasing world cinema and Indian talent alike.

Programme Highlights and Premieres

• Total Films: 240+
• Participating Countries: 81
• World Premieres: 13
• International Premieres: 5
• Asian Premieres: 44
• Opening Film: The Blue Trail by Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro

The Gala Premieres segment features 18 exclusive screenings, welcoming global filmmakers and stars to the red carpet.

Competitions and Curated Segments

Three international competitions will screen 32 selected films from five continents, alongside entries from prestigious festivals like Cannes, TIFF, Berlinale, and Venice.

IFFI also presents 15 curated and competitive segments including,

• Docu-Montage
• From the Festivals
• Macabre Dreams
• UNICEF Cinema
• Restored Classics
• Experimental Films

Best Debut Feature, ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal, and more

Honouring Legends and Milestones

Centenary Tributes

• Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, Salil Chowdhury

Rajinikanth’s Golden Jubilee

• Celebrating 50 years of cinematic excellence, actor Rajinikanth will be honoured at the Closing Ceremony for his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema.

Indian Panorama and New Voices

The Indian Panorama 2025 will feature,

• 25 feature films
• 20 non-feature films
• 5 debut features

Opening Feature: Amaran (Tamil)

Opening Non-Feature: Kakori

Over 50 debut works and women-led films will be showcased, reinforcing IFFI’s commitment to inclusivity and new talent. Awards include,

• ₹5 lakh for Best Debut Indian Director
• ₹10 lakh for Best Web Series

CMOT and Creative Showcases

The Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) platform has selected 124 young professionals from 799 entries to participate in workshops and competitions across 13 film-related crafts. The 48-hour ShortsTV filmmaking challenge returns as a marquee event.

Masterclasses and Knowledge Series

21 masterclasses and panels will feature film legends and industry leaders including:
Aamir Khan, Anupam Kher, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Christopher Corbould, Suhasini Maniratnam, and Sreekar Prasad. Topics range from acting and editing to VFX, cinematography, and the CinemAI Hackathon, exploring the future of AI in filmmaking.

WAVES Film Bazaar: India’s Creative Marketplace

Now rebranded as WAVES Film Bazaar, the 19th edition (Nov 20–24) introduces,

• A dynamic Co-Production Market
• Screenwriters’ Lab and Work-in-Progress Lab
• A growing Viewing Room for global discovery
• Knowledge Series with country showcases, pitching sessions and state incentives

With global delegations and investor participation, WAVES is the engine room of South Asia’s content economy.

Debut of IFFIESTA: Celebrating Culture and Sound

For the first time, IFFI 2025 introduces IFFIESTA (Nov 21–24) — a four-day celebration of music, dance, and live performances. Blending indie and classical, theatre and tradition, IFFIESTA aims to engage audiences in a multi-sensory cultural experience, reinforcing IFFI’s role as a festival of the arts.

Key Static Facts

• Festival Name: International Film Festival of India (IFFI)
• Inauguration Year: 1952
• First Venue: Mumbai (January 24 – February 1, 1952)
• Organised By: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and ESG Goa
• Permanent Venue: Goa (since 2004)
• Edition: 56th
• Dates: 20–28 November 2025
• Venue: Goa
• Country of Focus: Japan
• Partner Country: Spain
• Spotlight Country: Australia
• Total Films: 240+ from 81 countries
• Opening Film: The Blue Trail
• New Additions: IFFIESTA, CinemAI Hackathon