Reflects India’s rising position in world cinema: Union Minister
Dr L Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa; Ajay Nagabhushan, IAS, Joint Secretary, MIB; Smita Sharma, Director General, PIB; and Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC address a press br
PANAJI
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will feature several firsts, boosting the festival’s growing global stature, transformative initiatives and its vital role in both promoting Indian cinema and fostering international cultural exchange, stated Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Dr L Murugan while addressing to media in Panaji on Saturday.
The Union Minister along with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant addressed the media ahead of IFFI which is to start on November 20,
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that as part of the festival, films will be screened at INOX Panaji, INOX Porvorim, Maquinez Palace Panaji, Ravindra Bhavan Margao, Magic Movies Ponda, Ashoka and Samrat Screens in Panaji.
“This year, a grand parade will mark the opening of the festival. The parade will take place at 3.30 pm on November 20 from the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) office to Kala Academy. For the convenience of the delegates, we have also arranged free transportation to all the venues. Besides, open air screenings will be organized at Miramar Beach, Open Space at Ravindra Bhavan Margao, and Vagator Beach,” said the CM.
Dr Murugan said that IFFI 2025 has attracted an unprecedented 3,400 film submissions from 127 countries, consolidating its position as one of Asia’s premier film festivals. “Over 270 films from 84 countries will be screened, including 26 world premieres, 48 Asia premieres, and 99 premieres from India. This growing participation reflects not just the festival’s prestige but also India’s rising position in world cinema,” said the Union Minister.
This year, IFFI’s Country Focus is Japan, with special curated packages from Spain and Australia. The festival will also celebrate centenary tributes to legendary Indian cinema icons such as Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury.
Dr Murugan also announced that Actor Rajinikanth will be honoured at the closing ceremony for completing 50 years in cinema. His movie, Lala Salaam, will also be shown at the festival, he said. K Vaikunth, celebrated cinematographer from Goa, will also be honoured at the festival.
Talking about the Creative Minds of Tomorrow initiative, the minister said 124 young creators have been selected from 799 entries this year through a highly competitive process. Dr Murugan also said that the 19th edition of the WAVES Film Bazaar will unlock co-production and market opportunities for hundreds of projects from India and abroad, with a dedicated Tech Pavilion to explore cutting-edge technologies like AI, VFX, and CGI.
As per Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Nari Shakti at the centre of India’s development journey, IFFI 2025 will present over 50 films by women directors. The festival will screen 21 Oscar entries and over 50 works of debut filmmakers. Top award-winning films from the world’s top film festivals will also be screened at the 56th IFFI.
Reaffirming the government's commitment toward fostering creativity and innovation in cinema, Dr Murugan said, “Initiatives like CinemAI Hackathon and accessibility features in theatres reflect our vision of making cinema more inclusive, technology-driven, and globally collaborative.”
This year IFFI will start-off with a colourful parade on the road opposite Old GMC Building, where tableau from production houses, different states and cultural troupes will exhibit and uphold Indian culture, tradition and ethos. The parade will have 34 floats among which 12 have been arranged by the government of Goa.
