Panaji, Goa – The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) commenced today with a spectacular parade, departing from traditional opening ceremonies to embrace a vibrant and immersive celebration of India's cinematic and cultural heritage. The nine-day extravaganza, running from November 20th to 28th, 2025, promises a memorable cinematic journey blending exclusivity and inclusivity.
The festival began with a grand parade that transformed the streets of Goa into a living canvas. The procession started from the Entertainment Society of Goa, turning the city into a vibrant showcase of stories, music, and characters coming to life. The parade featured magnificent state tableaus from Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, and Goa, each presenting a vivid portrait of regional identity and imagination. Andhra Pradesh highlighted the golden shores of Visakhapatnam, the mystic valleys of Araku, and the pulsating spirit of Tollywood. Haryana offered a colorful fusion of folklore, theatre, culture, and cinematic pride. Goa, the festival's long-standing host, celebrated its cosmopolitan warmth and timeless bond with world cinema.
Adding to the spectacle was "Bharat Ek Soor," featuring 100 folk artists uniting diverse Indian dance traditions in a single rhythmic celebration. Popular characters like Chhota Bheem, Chutki, Motu Patlu, and Bittu Bahanebaaz added nostalgia and delight, especially for younger audiences. The floats were designed to captivate audiences with themes of storytelling, innovation, and cultural exchange, setting a vibrant tone for the festival's proceedings.
The opening parade is more than an inauguration; it is a cinematic overture and a cultural promise. IFFI invites the world to witness India not just as a nation of stories but as a nation in motion, moving forward in one unforgettable rhythm.
This year, IFFI will feature over 270 films from India and abroad, bringing together guests and filmmakers from more than 80 countries. The festival will also feature 13 world premieres and 46 Asian premieres. The best film will be bestowed with the Golden Peacock award and a cash prize of 40 lakh rupees.
IFFI 2025 also includes an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Film Festival and Hackathon, demonstrating a commitment to modern innovation. Over 50 women directors have their films featured, underscoring the government's commitment to promoting Nari Shakti in cinema.
In addition to film screenings, IFFI will host the Waves Film Bazaar, a musical showcase called IFFIESTA, and a dedicated section for the AI film festival. A four-day cultural celebration from November 21–24 will feature vibrant live performances at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Auditorium, highlighting India’s creative diversity.
The festival encompasses film screenings, panel discussions, awards, and cultural activities across various venues in Goa. This year, Goa hosts the premiere of two locally produced films, "Claudia" and "The Pilot," both of which have garnered attention at national and international levels.
IFFI 2025 promises to be a grand cinematic poem, embodying India's lifelong love for storytelling. The festival reinforces Goa's reputation as a hub for artistic and cultural expression, capable of hosting major international events.
