Goa Ignites Global Cinema Fever at IFFI 25
So right now, Goa is completely buzzing as the 56th International Film Festival of India officially gets underway. The entire state seems to have slipped into full-on festival mode, and honestly, it feels like one of the most vibrant editions yet. This year’s theme— Creativity & Technology —is being highlighted everywhere, blending the magic of cinema with the excitement of new-age innovation. And with thousands of delegates arriving, the whole atmosphere has taken on this energetic, global vibe.
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The festival runs from November 20 to 28, and over 7,000 delegates have already registered, which pretty much shows how big the event has become. More than 240 films from 81 countries are being showcased this year, and that includes premieres from all around the world. The opening film is O Último Azul (The Blue Trail) by Gabriel Mascaro, a moving story about a 75-year-old woman traveling through the Amazon to fulfill her final wish. Since it already won the Grand Jury Award at Berlinale 2025, expectations are naturally sky-high.
Japan has been chosen as the country of focus, so their films are getting special attention this time. Local Goan stories are also finding space, with screenings of Claudia and The Pilot , which adds a nice regional touch to the lineup.
And since this year leans heavily into tech, IFFI is experimenting with AI through the CinemAI Hackathon. Young filmmakers and students are genuinely excited about this because it gives them a chance to explore how artificial intelligence could reshape storytelling. One student from Chennai mentioned how learning these tools before entering the industry might just give them a real edge.
For the first time ever, the festival is opening with a grand float parade—34 floats in total—rolling out from the Entertainment Society of Goa and ending at the Kala Academy. It’s meant to blend Goa’s cultural spirit with the cinematic flair of IFFI. Add to that the open-air screenings happening across Miramar beach, Vagator beach, and Fatorda, and it’s clear the festival isn’t staying confined to auditoriums—it’s spreading across the whole city.
From November 22 to 24, evenings will turn into “IFFIESTA Nights,” filled with music, performances, and shows inspired by classic Doordarshan entertainment. It’s all set to happen at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Auditorium and promises a nostalgic yet lively experience.
Another major highlight is the lineup of 21 masterclasses , featuring big names like Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, Bobby Deol, Aamir Khan, and even Hollywood’s visual-effects maestro Christopher Charles Corbould. Film educators and students are especially excited because these deep-dive sessions offer valuable insight into filmmaking that you normally can’t access.
Overall, IFFI 25 is shaping up to be bigger, brighter, and more immersive than ever—mixing culture, cinema, technology, and celebration into one unforgettable week in Goa.
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