Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan outlined key highlights of the 56th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at a press conference in Panaji on Saturday.
Sawant said that film screenings this year will be held across multiple venues, including INOX Panaji, INOX Porvorim, Maquinez Palace, Ravindra Bhavan Madgaon, Magic Movies Ponda, and the Ashoka and Samrat screens in Panaji. A grand opening parade, scheduled for November 20 at 3:30 p.m., will begin at the Entertainment Society of Goa office and conclude at Kala Academy. For delegate convenience, he announced free transportation to all festival venues, along with open-air screenings at Miramar Beach, Ravindra Bhavan Madgaon and Vagator Beach.
Murugan said that IFFI 2025 is set to be one of the most globally diverse editions yet. The festival has received a record 3,400 film submissions from 127 countries, with over 270 films from 84 nations selected for screening. These include 26 world premieres, 48 Asia premieres and 99 Indian premieres. “This growing participation reflects India’s rising stature in global cinema,” he said.
Japan has been chosen as the Country Focus for 2025, with Spain and Australia contributing special curated packages. The festival will also mark centenary tributes to cinematic legends including Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika and Salil Chowdhury. Murugan said that superstar Rajinikanth will be felicitated at the closing ceremony for completing 50 years in cinema, and his film Lala Salaam will be screened. Veteran Goan cinematographer K. Vaikunth will also be honoured.
Highlighting talent development initiatives, Murugan said that 124 young creators have been selected under the Creative Minds of Tomorrow programme from 799 entries. The 19th WAVES Film Bazaar will return with fresh opportunities for co-production and global collaboration, featuring a dedicated Tech Pavilion showcasing AI, VFX, CGI and other emerging technologies.
Reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on Nari Shakti, this year’s edition will feature more than 50 films by women directors. The festival will also screen 21 Oscar submissions and works by over 50 debut filmmakers, alongside top global award-winning films.
The festival will begin with a vibrant parade near the Old GMC building, featuring cultural troupes and tableaux from production houses and various states. A total of 34 floats will participate, 12 of which are being arranged by the Government of Goa.
The eight-day event will run from November 20 to 28, reaffirming IFFI’s position as one of Asia’s premier film festivals and a key platform for cultural exchange, creative innovation and global cinematic dialogue.