PANAJI: The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Goa 2025 will open with a grand 26-float parade on November 20, transforming the stretch from the Old Secretariat to Kala Academy in Panaji into a vibrant celebration of cinema and culture. To facilitate the parade and related activities, the stretch on DB Road will remain closed for the day.
Addressing the media after a preparatory meeting today, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the government was working to make this year’s edition “even more grand than previous ones,” with the inaugural being held in an open format for the first time. “The main stage for the VIP and inaugural ceremony will be at the Old GMC Complex, while the Red Carpet area will be inside the INOX complex,” Sawant said. “Cultural performances will take place along the stretch from the Old Secretariat to Kala Academy.”
He said seating arrangements had been made for around 2,000 to 2,500 VIPs and registered guests, with additional standing space for 4,000 to 5,000 spectators. “Public viewing areas will also be created so everyone can witness the event,” he added. The inaugural speeches are scheduled between 3.45 pm and 4.10 pm, followed by cultural performances and the float parade.
Sawant said 12 Goan floats will feature in the parade, while 11 created by production houses from across India will represent various facets of the film industry. “The 12 Goan floats will be totally film-industry related,” he said. “Konkani film producers can showcase their content through live floats, while the remaining 11 belong to different production houses.”
He added that three states have already confirmed their participation and will present live performances on their floats. “These floats will be one of the major attractions for Goans as well as people from the film fraternity,” he said.
In addition, competitions such as the Akash Kandil contest, drawing competition, and photography contest will be held inside the venue to add to the festive ambience.
The chief minister also confirmed that the closing ceremony will take place at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium. “The FIDE event currently underway at Rio Resort in Arpora has nothing to do with IFFI and will not affect its schedule,” he said.
Addressing rumours about a venue change, Sawant dismissed reports suggesting that the IFFI inaugural had been shifted from the stadium due to unavailability. “Some media outlets have spread a wrong message among people by saying the IFFI program was shifted because the stadium was unavailable. That is completely incorrect,” he clarified. “The open-format celebration, including the float parade, was suggested by IFFI directors themselves.”
Sawant said preparations for IFFI 2025, to be held from November 20 to 28, were “fully finalised,” with departmental coordination meetings completed and registrations already underway. “The entire campus will be transformed into a grand international film festival venue,” he said. “All arrangements have been made to ensure a spectacular opening that celebrates Goa’s culture and India’s film industry.”
