IFFI 2025 will celebrate centenaries and honour legendary filmmakers and artists
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is scheduled to be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2025. The curtain-raiser event for IFFI was held in New Delhi . It spotlights an expansive and diverse programme
It’s learnt that more than 240 films from 81 countries, 13 world premieres, 4 international premieres, and 46 Asian premieres. The festival has received a record 2,314 submissions from 127 countries, underscoring IFFI’s growing prominence on the global festival circuit.
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan showcased that this year’s IFFI introduces several new initiatives reflecting innovation and inclusivity. The Minister highlighted that over 50 women directors have their films featured this year, underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting Nari Shakti in cinema. He also announced that OTT awards will continue this year to recognise excellence in web and streaming content. He said that the festival continues to support new and emerging talents, in areas like screenwriting, production design, and sound. He also emphasized that steps are being taken to strengthen anti-piracy laws and simplify film certification, while the CBFC’s upcoming Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat certificate for multi-language films will further promote India’s cultural unity.
Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, highlighted that Indian cinema is making a strong global impact, with Indian films outperforming Hollywood releases at the Australian box office. Japan, Spain, and Australia will bring new collaborations to IFFI this year. A grand carnival parade featuring production houses, states, and cultural groups will add a vibrant spirit, while a larger Film Bazaar will boost international co-productions.
IFFIesta is a vibrant entertainment and cultural extravaganza associated with the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The ‘IFFIesta’ will celebrate music, culture, and entertainment during the event. It is designed to bring communities together through a blend of film, food, art, and interactive experiences, and aims to enhance youth participation and public engagement with the main festival. Shri Jaju also highlighted that while Generative AI is disrupting the entertainment industry, it should be embraced as a creative tool shaping the future of storytelling.
According to IFFI 2025 Festival Director Shekhar Kapur, India is both the world’s largest film-making and film-watching nation, celebrating its people’s love for stories. He emphasised that storytelling builds understanding and peace across cultures. Highlighting the Film Bazaar, he called it a movement that empowers young creators through technology. He added that Artificial Intelligence should be seen as a creative tool helping storytellers share India’s stories with the world.
Notably, the curtain raiser event was also attended by Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau; Prabhat, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting; Dr. Ajay Nagabhushan, Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Raja Bundela, Chairman, Indian Panorama Jury (Feature); Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC; and Shri Dharam Gulati, Chairman, Indian Panorama Jury (Non-feature).
Key Highlights of the 56th Edition
Opening Film & Gala Premieres
The Opening Film of IFFI 2025 is Brazilian auteur Gabriel Mascaro’s THE BLUE TRAIL, a sci-fi and fantasy feature which follows a 75-year-old woman whose defiant voyage, through the Amazon becomes a quiet manifesto on freedom, dignity, and the right to dream.
The film won the Silver Bear – Grand Jury Prize, Berlin International Film Festival 2025.
The Gala Premieres segment will present 18 titles, including 13 World Premieres, 2 Asia Premieres, 1 India Premiere, and 2 Special Showcase screenings. The red carpet will welcome a distinguished line-up of artists and filmmakers.
Programme Scale & Premieres
240+ films in total from 81 countries.160 films in the International Section, including 13 world premieres.
Over 80 award-winning festival titles and 21 official Oscar-nominated films will screen at IFFI 2025.
Over 55 films under “Cinema of the World” and a curated selection of 133 international titles that have done festival rounds.
News Edit KV Raman
