Daijiworld Media Network - Goa
Goa, Nov 20: The coastal state slipped into full festive mode on Wednesday as the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) opened with a dazzling start, ushering in nine days of world cinema, Goan culture, and groundbreaking tech-driven creativity. Running from November 20 to 28, this year’s edition has already registered over 7,000 delegates, setting a vibrant tone for one of Asia’s biggest film gatherings.
This year, IFFI showcases an impressive lineup of over 240 films from 81 countries. The festival opened with O Último Azul (The Blue Trail) by Gabriel Mascaro — a Berlinale 2025 Grand Jury Award winner that traces the emotional journey of a 75-year-old woman fulfilling her final wish deep in the Amazon. Japan takes center stage as the ‘Country of Focus’, while Goan cinema shines through screenings of Claudia and The Pilot.
The overarching theme, “Creativity & Technology”, is reflected strongly in initiatives like the CinemAI Hackathon, designed to push filmmakers to explore how artificial intelligence can redefine storytelling. “With AI everywhere, learning these skills before entering the industry is a big advantage,” said Vaibhav Surya, a Mass Communication student from Chennai taking part in the hackathon.
Adding a colourful twist to the opening day is IFFI’s first-ever float parade, which marches off from the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) at 3:30 pm and concludes at Kala Academy. Featuring 34 floats — 12 of them from the state government — the parade sets the tone for a festival that spills beyond auditoriums and onto the streets. Open-air screenings at Miramar and Vagator beaches, along with viewings at Fatorda’s Ravindra Bhavan, promise to bring cinema closer to the public.
IFFI’s vibrant cultural segment, IFFIESTA, will electrify the nights with music, dance, and performances inspired by iconic Doordarshan shows including Mastiii Nights, Eklavya, Wah! Ustaad, and Satrangi Pushpa. These programmes will run from November 22 to 24 at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Auditorium in Taleigao.
Known for its enriching educational offerings, IFFI 2025 brings 21 masterclasses conducted by industry stalwarts such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, Bobby Deol, Aamir Khan, and Oscar-winner Christopher Charles Corbould OBE. “I attended IFFI last year and loved the rare films and sessions. This year, I’m excited to dive deeper into the masterclasses,” said Adarsh Das, a film educator from Bengaluru.
As Goa transforms into a cinematic carnival, filmmakers, students, and cinephiles are gearing up for a week that promises not just films — but unforgettable experiences woven with culture, creativity, and innovation.