Curtain Raiser Sets the Stage for IFFI 2025
The countdown to the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has begun, with a curtain raiser event held in New Delhi announcing the much-awaited festival to be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2025. The event unveiled a rich and diverse programme showcasing more than 240 films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres, 4 international premieres, and 46 Asian premieres. This year’s edition marks a record-breaking 2,314 submissions from 127 countries, reinforcing IFFI’s growing global prominence.
Focus on Women Filmmakers and Emerging Talent
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, highlighted that IFFI 2025 embodies innovation and inclusivity. More than 50 women directors will have their films featured, underscoring the commitment to promoting women’s participation in cinema. The Minister also announced the continuation of OTT awards to honour excellence in digital content, along with initiatives to nurture emerging talent in screenwriting, production design, and sound.
He further noted that efforts are underway to strengthen anti-piracy laws and simplify film certification processes. The Central Board of Film Certification’s upcoming Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat certificate will support multi-language film releases, promoting India’s cultural unity through cinema.
Global Collaborations and Cultural Exchanges
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary Shri Sanjay Jaju shared that Indian cinema is gaining strong global traction, with Indian films outperforming Hollywood titles at the Australian box office. This year, Japan, Spain, and Australia will bring special collaborations to IFFI through curated film packages, cultural showcases, and institutional tie-ups.
A grand carnival parade featuring production houses, states, and cultural groups will bring vibrancy to the event. A larger Film Bazaar will further encourage international co-productions, providing a platform for filmmakers and producers from across the world to collaborate.
Celebrating Cinema through IFFIesta and Creative Innovation
IFFIesta, the cultural celebration associated with the festival, will offer a blend of music, film, food, art, and interactive experiences. It aims to enhance community participation and youth engagement, celebrating cinema as a unifying cultural force.
Addressing the evolving role of technology, Shri Jaju observed that while Generative AI is transforming the entertainment industry, it should be viewed as a creative ally rather than a challenge, shaping the future of storytelling.
Vision from the Festival Director
Festival Director Shri Shekhar Kapur described India as the world’s largest film-making and film-watching nation, driven by a collective love for storytelling. He emphasized that stories foster understanding and peace across cultures. Kapur also called the Film Bazaar a movement empowering young creators through technology, describing Artificial Intelligence as a creative instrument enabling storytellers to share India’s narratives with the world.
Special Recognitions and International Competitions
The 56th IFFI will feature three international competitions with 32 films representing five continents. Audiences will also experience top award-winning titles from major global festivals of 2025 for the first time in India. Nine curated sections—Docu-Montage, From the Festivals, Rising Stars, Mission Life, Experimental Films, Restored Classics, Macabre Dreams, UNICEF, and Cinema of the World—will highlight cinematic excellence and diversity.</p