9 months ago
IFFI 2025: Goa to Host 56th International Film Festival of India
Get ready for India's biggest movie party, IFFI, happening in Goa!
This year, over 240 films from 81 countries will be shown, including exciting new premieres.
Japan is the special "Country of Focus."
We'll celebrate the 100th birthdays of famous Indian filmmakers and artists from the past, like Guru Dutt.
We'll also honor the superstar Rajinikanth for his 50 years in acting.
The festival will show many Indian films, including those by new directors and women filmmakers.
You can learn from famous movie makers in special classes and talk about how new technology like AI is changing movies.
There will also be music and performances to enjoy.
It's a place for movie lovers and people who work in movies to come together, share stories, and make new films.
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held in Goa from November 20 to November 28, 2025.
The festival will screen 240 films from 81 countries, with Japan as the 'Country of Focus'.
Tributes will be paid to the centenaries of filmmakers like Guru Dutt and artists like Bhupen Hazarika, and living legend Rajinikanth will be honored for 50 years in cinema.
IFFI will feature masterclasses with industry professionals, a film market (WAVES Film Bazaar), and introduce a new CinemAI Hackathon.
The festival will highlight Indian cinema through its Panorama section, showcasing debut films, works by women directors, and a special 'New Horizons' segment.
- Who
- Filmmakers, actors, critics, fans, industry giants like Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, Bobby Deol, Aamir Khan, Suhasini Maniratnam, Sreekar Prasad, and international delegates.
- What
- The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), featuring film screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions, a film market, cultural celebrations, and an AI hackathon.
- Where
- Goa, India, with events including the opening film premiere, closing ceremony, float parade in Panjim, and screenings at various venues.
- When
- November 20 to November 28, 2025, with specific events like IFFIESTA from November 21-24 and WAVES Film Bazaar from November 20-24.
- Why
- To celebrate global and Indian cinema, foster cultural exchange, honor cinematic legends, promote emerging talent, discuss the future of filmmaking including AI, and facilitate networking and co-production opportunities.
Focus on Past
Focus on Future
Tributes and Retrospectives
Focus on Past
The festival honors the centenaries of legendary Indian filmmakers and artists including Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury, with restored classics being screened.
Focus on Future
The festival embraces the future with the debut of the CinemAI Hackathon, where participants use AI tools to create short films, and discussions on AI's role in storytelling.
Indian Cinema Spotlight
Focus on Past
Indian cinema is celebrated through the Indian Panorama section featuring 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films, including debut features, and a tribute to living legend Rajinikanth for his 50 years in cinema.
Focus on Future
Emerging voices and new perspectives are highlighted with a 'New Horizons' segment, over 50 films directed by women, 50 debut works, and awards for Best Debut Indian Director and Best Web Series.
Key facts
- Festival
- 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)
- Location
- Goa, India
- Dates
- November 20 - November 28, 2025
- Number of Films
- 240 films from 81 countries
- Country of Focus
- Japan
- Partner Country
- Spain
- Spotlight Country
- Australia
- Special Tribute
- Rajinikanth (50 years in cinema), Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, Salil Chowdhury (centenaries)
Timeline
Telangana launches film awards honoring Balakrishna, Mahesh Babu.
IFFI also celebrates Balakrishna and Rajinikanth, screening 240 films.
Quotes
IFFI
The International Film Festival of India
“This year, IFFI embraces the future of cinema with the debut of the CinemAI Hackathon, a 48-hour creative sprint where participants use AI tools to conceptualise and produce short films.”
thestatesman.com
“This year IFFI honors the centenaries of legendary filmmakers and artists including Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury.”
thestatesman.com
WAVES Film Bazaar
India’s premier film market returning to IFFI
“The WAVES Film Bazaar, India’s premier film market, returns from November 20-24 with a bigger and more global footprint.”
thestatesman.com
“Filmmakers, producers, investors, and festival curators will converge to explore co-production opportunities.”
thestatesman.com
Indian Panorama
A section of the International Film Festival of India
“The Indian Panorama section continues to be a highlight presenting 25 feature films, 20 non-feature films, and 5 debut features.”
thestatesman.com
“Tamil film Amaran will open the feature film section while Kakori leads the non-feature lineup.”
thestatesman.com
Gabriel Mascaro
Brazilian director of the opening film 'The Blue Trail'
“The opening film ‘The Blue Trail’ by Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro sets the tone for an edition full of cinematic innovation.”
thestatesman.com
Japan
The Country of Focus at IFFI 2025
“Japan takes the title of “Country of Focus”. It will showcase six contemporary films that explore diverse genres and storytelling styles.”
thestatesman.com
Spain
The Partner Country at IFFI 2025
“Spain joins as the Partner Country, and Australia steps in as the Spotlight Country.”
thestatesman.com
Australia
The Spotlight Country at IFFI 2025
“Spain joins as the Partner Country, and Australia steps in as the Spotlight Country.”
thestatesman.com
Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, Bobby Deol, Aamir Khan, Suhasini Maniratnam, and Sreekar Prasad
Industry giants participating in IFFI masterclasses and panel discussions
“This year festival-goers can attend 21 masterclasses and panel discussions featuring industry giants such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, Bobby Deol, Aamir Khan, Suhasini Maniratnam, and Sreekar Prasad.”
thestatesman.com
CinemAI Hackathon
The 48-hour creative sprint using AI tools at IFFI Goa
“Winners will receive prizes ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹4 lakh and their films will premiere at IFFI Goa.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
IFFI 2025: Rajinikanth and Nandamuri Balakrishna to be honoured for completing 50 years in cinema
IFFI 2025: What to expect from India’s biggest film festival in Goa
Rajinikanth, Nandamuri Balakrishna to be honoured at International Film Festival of India this year
Rajinikanth, Nandamuri Balakrishna To Receive Special Tribute At IFFI Closing Ceremony
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