PANAJI
The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the country’s premier cinematic showcase, will open on Thursday with a spectacular inaugural ceremony styled on the lines of Goa’s famed carnival parade along the river-hugging DB Marg.
The nine-day festival, scheduled from November 20 to 28, promises to be a vibrant celebration of cinema, culture and creativity.
This year’s theme, “Sound of Cinema,” sets the tone for an edition that aims to surpass benchmarks of inclusivity and innovation established in previous years. Organisers have curated a rich bouquet of competitive and special segments, blending global cinematic excellence with India’s storytelling traditions.
The opening parade is expected to be a visual extravaganza, transforming Goa’s streets into a living tapestry of cinematic soul.
Majestic tableaus from Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Goa will lead the procession, followed by dazzling creations from iconic Indian studios and a special NFDC tribute marking 50 years.
A highlight will be “Bharat Ek Soor,” featuring a hundred folk artists weaving together dances from across the nation into one rhythmic spectacle.
Adding sparkle and nostalgia, beloved characters like Chhota Bheem, Chutki, Motlu Patlu and Bittu Bahanebaaz will delight audiences.
Beyond the parade, IFFI 2025 offers 15 competitive and curated segments, including International Competition, Best Debut Feature Film of a Director, and the prestigious ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal. Special showcases such as Macabre Dreams, Docu-Montage, Experimental Films, UNICEF and Restored Classics will provide diverse cinematic experiences.
The festival itinerary also features the 19th edition of Waves Film Bazaar, Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT), the Knowledge Series, a CinemAI Hackathon, and IFFIesta, a cultural showcase. Masterclasses, panels and interactive programmes will bring together filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences in dialogue.
As the curtain rises tomorrow, IFFI 2025 promises not just screenings but an artistic awakening -- where every tableau, performance and frame echoes India’s timeless romance with storytelling. With music, colour and imagination converging on Goa’s streets, the festival is poised to reaffirm its place as a global celebration of cinema.
