Dr. Murugan said IFFI 2025 received an unprecedented 3,400 film submissions from 127 countries. From these entries, organisers selected over 270 films from 84 countries for screening including 26 world premieres, 48 Asia premieres and 99 Indian premieres. “This year’s slate reaffirms IFFI’s place among Asia’s major film platforms,” the Union minister said.
The festival’s Country Focus is Japan, with curated showcases from Spain and Australia. Special centenary tributes will honour Indian cinematic icons including Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika and Salil Chowdhury.
Rajinikanth and Goa honours
In a notable announcement, Dr. Murugan said superstar Rajinikanth will be honoured at the closing ceremony for completing 50 years in cinema, and his film Lala Salaam will be screened. Celebrated Goan cinematographer K. Vaikunth will also receive recognition during the festival.
Venues, screenings and open-air plans
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant explained that screenings will be held across multiple venues including INOX Panaji, INOX Porvorim, Maquinez Palace Panaji, Ravindra Bhavan Margao, Magic Movies Ponda, Ashoka and Samrat screens in Panaji. For visitors and delegates, the state government has arranged free transportation between venues.
Open-air screenings will enliven coastal spaces with shows at Miramar Beach, the open space at Ravindra Bhavan Margao, and Vagator Beach, offering a festival experience beyond conventional auditoriums.
Festival opening: a parade of culture
The festival will kick off with a colourful parade at 3:30 PM on 20 November, beginning from the Entertainment Society of Goa office and proceeding to Kala Academy. The procession will feature 34 floats with tableaux from production houses, states and cultural troupes; 12 floats have been organised by the Government of Goa itself.
Future talent, industry markets and tech focus
The minister highlighted the Creative Minds of Tomorrow initiative: 124 young creators have been shortlisted from 799 entries to participate in talent-building programmes and masterclasses. The 19th WAVES Film Bazaar will run alongside IFFI, offering co-production and market opportunities for domestic and international projects.
A new Tech Pavilion will explore film technologies AI, VFX and CGI and innovations that are reshaping production, post-production and audience experiences. Initiatives such as the CinemAI Hackathon and theatre accessibility features aim to make the festival more inclusive and tech-forward.
Women filmmakers and debut voices
Reflecting the government’s emphasis on gender inclusivity, IFFI 2025 will screen more than 50 films by women directors. The festival will also feature 21 Oscar entry films and over 50 debut features, offering platform space to both established auteurs and new voices.