IFFI 2025 Kicks Off With Historic Carnival Parade in Goa

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) began on November 19, 2025, breaking tradition with a vibrant public carnival parade through Panaji. This first-ever outdoor opening drew thousands, replacing the customary indoor ceremony.

Key Highlights

First-ever public carnival parade opens IFFI 2025
Gabriel Mascaro’s ‘The Blue Trail’ premieres as opening film
WAVES Film Bazaar launches with 300+ projects
Record 2,314 film submissions received
Nine-day festival runs until November 28

Historic Carnival Parade Sets New Tone

The parade marked a significant shift from decades of protocol, moving from the Old Goa Medical College to Kala Academy. Over two dozen floats, including 12 from the Goa government, showcased themes from Indian animation to regional cinema.

Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju stated, “IFFI has become a meaningful platform for creative exchange and collaboration.” He emphasized Goa’s cosmopolitan appeal for cinephiles.

A float passes by onlookers at the opening carnival parade at the 56th International Film Festival of India, Goa — Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Telugu Cinema Steals the Spotlight

Telugu-language cinema featured prominently with floats dedicated to Akhanda 2: Thaandavam and the upcoming Peddi. A large Andhra Pradesh tableau included models of N.T. Rama Rao as Krishna and Prabhas as Baahubali.

Nandamuri Balakrishna was honored for his 50-year film career, receiving a ceremonial shawl from Union Minister L. Murugan and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, and Union Minister L. Murugan honour Nandamuri Balakrishna’s for his 50 years in cinema at the opening ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India, Goa. — Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

‘The Blue Trail’ Premieres as Opening Film

Gabriel Mascaro’s The Blue Trail, which won the Silver Bear – Grand Jury Prize at Berlin, premiered at INOX Panjim. The Brazilian film follows a 77-year-old woman’s Amazon voyage amid dystopian politics.

Festival director Shekhar Kapur praised the film’s “emotional clarity,” while Mascaro described it as a meditation on purpose in later life.

Nandamuri Balakrishna, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant pose alongside director Gabriel Mascaro and the cast and crew of ‘The Blue Trail’ at the 56th International Film Festival of India, Goa. — Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

WAVES Film Bazaar Launches with New Identity

South Asia’s largest film market, now rebranded as WAVES Film Bazaar, opened at Marriott Resort with over 300 projects. The event runs from November 20-24 and features Screenwriters’ Lab, Viewing Room, and Co-Production Market.

A memorable moment came when Jaewon Kim, South Korean National Assembly member and former Kpop singer, performed “Vande Mataram” for the song’s 150th anniversary, receiving a standing ovation.

Soth Korean National Assembly member Jaewon Kim innaugurates the WAVES Film Bazaar, flanked by Anupam Kher, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan and other dignitaries. — Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Record-Breaking Festival Lineup

This year’s IFFI features over 240 films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres and 44 Asian premieres. Japan is the Country of Focus, with six Japanese titles screening.

The competition jury is chaired by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. The festival includes 21 masterclasses featuring , Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and other luminaries.

Restored classics will honor centenaries of Guru Dutt, Ritwik Ghatak, and other legends. The festival closes with Rajinikanth being honored for his 50-year career.