Panaji, November 2025 — The International Film Festival of India (Iffi) is turning up the volume — and the vibe — this year. To make the country’s biggest film festival more youth-driven, inclusive, and festive than ever before, organisers have announced ‘Iffiesta’ — a vibrant entertainment and cultural extravaganza that will run alongside the main event.
Described as “a celebration of music, culture, and entertainment,” Iffiesta aims to blend the cinematic with the celebratory — transforming Goa’s festival season into a multi-sensory experience. Expect streets bursting with colour, music echoing from the waterfront, and film lovers mingling with digital creators, artists, and global storytellers.
The 56th edition of Iffi, scheduled from November 20 to 28, will screen over 240 films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres, two Asia premieres, and one India premiere. More than 21 Oscar-nominated films will feature this year, with Japan taking centre stage as the Country of Focus. Adding an exciting twist, two new sections make their debut — Partner Country and Spotlight Country — with Spain and Australia taking the honours, respectively.
A cinematic sprawl across Goa
This year’s screenings will be spread across five principal venues — INOX Panaji, Maquinez Palace, INOX Porvorim, Z-Square Samrat Ashok, and Ravindra Bhavan, Margao — ensuring that the cinematic spirit flows across North and South Goa alike.
But the magic won’t stay indoors. Open-air screenings will light up Miramar beach, Ravindra Bhavan Fatorda, and Anjuna beach, where movie nights under the stars will draw both cinephiles and casual viewers.
The parade that sets the tone
For the first time, Iffi will open with an open-air inaugural parade along the Dayanand Bandodkar Marg — which will be temporarily closed to traffic. The seafront boulevard, usually known for its serene sunset views, will turn into a glittering runway of creativity, featuring floats, performers, and film-themed installations — an invitation for all to join the cinematic spectacle.
Masterclasses and minds behind the movies
Film lovers can also look forward to 21 masterclasses and panel discussions at the Kala Academy. With names like Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, Bobby Deol, Aamir Khan, Kushboo Sundar, and Suhasini Maniratnam on the roster, these sessions promise to be insightful, inspiring, and occasionally star-struck. Topics will range from editing and acting in the digital era to sustainability in cinema, theatre acting, and even the rise of AI and VFX.
Digital creators in the spotlight
Recognising the ever-growing influence of social media and online storytelling, Iffi will continue its special registration for digital content creators. As Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), noted, “For the first time last year, digital creators had the opportunity to register separately for Iffi — a recognition of their growing influence. We will continue to do that this year as well.”
The business of cinema: Waves Film Bazaar
Running parallel to Iffi, the 19th Waves Film Bazaar will bring together the movers and shakers of the film industry. Over 300 film projects will be showcased for production, distribution, and sales, with delegations from seven countries and participation from more than 10 Indian states offering incentives to filmmakers.
As Iffi 2025 rolls out its red carpet, it’s clear this year’s edition isn’t just about cinema — it’s about celebration, connection, and creativity on full display. With Iffiesta adding a youthful pulse to the festival, Goa is ready to host not just a film festival, but a cultural movement where reels meet rhythm, and stories spill into the streets.
Lights. Camera. Iffiesta.
