Archive · 17 Nov 2025
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.
- When
- November 20 to November 28, 2025, with specific events like IFFIESTA from November 21-24 and WAVES Film Bazaar from November 20-24.
- Where
- Goa, India, with events including the opening film premiere, closing ceremony, float parade in Panjim, and screenings at various venues.
- 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.
- 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)
Sources
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
IFFI 2025: Rajinikanth and Nandamuri Balakrishna to be honoured for completing 50 years in cinema
