International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025: A Historic Parade Opens the 56th Edition

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 opening parade in Goa:

A Bold New Beginning
- For the first time in its history, IFFI stepped out of traditional venues and onto the streets of Goa, transforming the city into a living, breathing festival.
- The grand parade marked a historic opening, blending cinema with cultural carnival energy.

Key Voices
- Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju:
Praised IFFI as a global platform for creative exchange and collaboration.

- Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant:
Highlighted Goa’s rise as an international filmmaking hub, with the theme “Convergence of Creativity and Technology.”

- Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan:
Emphasized IFFI’s evolution into a cultural carnival showcasing India’s diverse traditions.

- Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Shri Sanjay Jaju:
Announced new features like the AI Film Hackathon and the largest-ever WAVES Film Bazaar.

Parade Highlights
Over two dozen floats, including 12 from Goa’s government, celebrated:
- India’s cinematic heritage
- Animation and regional cultures

Major attractions:
- Bharat Ek Soor folk production with 100+ artists
- NFDC’s 50 Years’ Tableau
- Beloved animated characters like Chhota Bheem, Motlu Patlu, and Bittu Bahanebaaz engaging with crowds.

Special Recognition
- Legendary actor Nandamuri Balakrishna honored for 50 years in Telugu cinema, applauded for his commanding screen presence and contributions.

Opening Film
- The Blue Trail (O Último Azul) by Gabriel Mascaro, a dystopian tale from Brazil, captivated cinephiles and set the tone for the festival.

Festival Scope
- Largest-ever film collection at IFFI: 80 countries represented, with numerous global and national premieres.
- Positioned as South Asia’s oldest and largest celebration of cinema, jointly hosted by NFDC, Ministry of I&B, and Goa’s ESG.

✨ This year’s edition truly reimagines IFFI as a fusion of cinema, culture, and technology, making Goa the creative capital of India.