56th Indian International Film Festival began in Panaji, Goa

The 56th Indian International Film Festival (IFFI 2025) has started in Panaji, Goa from 20 November, 2025. This remarkable event promises to be a grand celebration of global cinema. More than 240 films from 81 countries will be showcased.

• The 56th Indian International Film Festival (IFFI 2025) has started in Panaji, Goa from 20 November, 2025. Goa has hosted the 56th Indian International Film Festival (IFFI 2025) from 20 to 28 November.
• This remarkable event promises to be a grand celebration of global cinema. More than 240 films from 81 countries will be showcased.

'Focus Country'

• This year Japan has been featured as the 'Focus Country', partner country Spain and Australia as Spotlight Countries.

Opening Film

• Opening Film - Brazilian writer Gabriel Mascaro’s “The Blue Trail”, who is the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize winner at Berlinale 2025. The opening feature film is Amaran (Tamil), while the opening non-feature film is Kakori.
• 18 films will be showcased in the Gala Premiere section, including 13 world premieres, 2 Asia premieres, 1 India premiere and 2 special showcase screenings. A distinguished line-up of artists and filmmakers will be welcomed on the red carpet.
• Celebrating 50 years of excellence in the world of cinema, actor Rajinikanth will be honoured at the closing ceremony for his unique contribution to Indian cinema.
• For the first time, IFFI 2025 is starting IFFIESTA (21-24 November) – a four-day festival of music, dance and live performances.

Indian International Film Festival

• The festival found its permanent venue in Goa in 2004, where it is jointly organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG).
• The parade will showcase Goa’s rich cultural heritage and create an exciting festival atmosphere.
• The parade will be led by the magnificent state tableaux of Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Goa, each presenting a vibrant depiction of its identity and imagination.
• Andhra Pradesh brings the charm of Visakhapatnam’s golden beaches, the mystical valleys of Araku and the vibrant spirit of Tollywood. Haryana presents a colourful fusion of folklore, theatre, culture and cinematic glory.

About IFFI

• Established in 1952, the Indian International Film Festival (IFFI) is recognized as South Asia’s oldest and largest cinema festival. Its inaugural edition was held in Mumbai from 24 January to 1 February, 1952.
• Jointly organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Government of Goa, this festival has emerged as a global cinematic powerhouse.