Festival to screen 240+ films from 81 countries, spotlight women filmmakers and new-age storytelling
Curtains rise on India’s grand cinematic carnival
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is gearing up to transform Goa into a global cinema hub from November 20 to 28, 2025, with a line-up that promises to celebrate creativity, diversity, and technology in storytelling. The curtain-raiser held in New Delhi today unveiled an expansive programme—over 240 films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres, 4 international premieres, and 46 Asian premieres.
With a record 2,314 submissions from 127 countries, IFFI 2025 stands as one of the most sought-after festivals on the global circuit, reaffirming India’s growing stature in world cinema.
Nari Shakti in focus: Women directors take the spotlight
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, announced that over 50 women directorswill feature in this year’s edition—making it one of IFFI’s most inclusive line-ups yet. “This reflects the government’s commitment to empowering Nari Shakti in cinema,” he said.
He also confirmed the continuation of OTT awards to honour excellence in streaming and web content, along with initiatives to strengthen anti-piracy laws, simplify film certification, and introduce a new CBFC ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ certificate for multilingual films promoting cultural unity.
IFFIesta: Where cinema meets celebration
Adding colour to the cinematic spectacle, IFFIesta—a parallel cultural extravaganza—will light up Goa with music, food, art, and interactive experiences. Designed to bridge communities, it will encourage youth participation and public engagement, turning the festival into a vibrant people’s celebration.
Technology meets storytelling: AI as a creative ally
Addressing the future of cinema, senior official Shri Jaju observed that while Generative AI is transforming the entertainment landscape, it should be embraced as “a creative partner shaping the future of storytelling.”
Festival Director Shekhar Kapur echoed this spirit, stating, “India is both the world’s largest film-making and film-watching nation—a place where storytelling builds peace and understanding across cultures.” Highlighting the Film Bazaar, he described it as “a movement that empowers young creators through technology.”
Premieres, partnerships, and cinematic treasures
The Gala Premieres segment will feature 18 titles, including 13 World Premieres, 2 Asia Premieres, 1 India Premiere, and 2 Special Showcase screenings.
The festival’s International Programming boasts:
- 160 films in the International Section.
- 80+ award-winning festival titles and 21 Oscar-nominated films.
- 55 films under Cinema of the World and 133 curated international titles.
This year’s Country of Focus is Japan, alongside Partner Country: Spain and Spotlight Country: Australia.
A mosaic of global cinema
IFFI 2025 will host 15 competitive and curated segments, including:
- International Competition
- Best Debut Feature Film of a Director
- ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal
- Special showcases like Macabre Dreams, Docu-Montage, Experimental Films, UNICEF Section, and Restored Classics
A festival of stories, unity, and imagination
With its mix of premieres, global partnerships, and technological exploration, the 56th IFFI is poised to reaffirm cinema’s power to connect, question, and inspire.
As Shekhar Kapur summed it up:
“India tells stories that reach the world. At IFFI 2025, the world’s stories return to India.”
