Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, addressing devotees during Margao’s Dindi Festival, called upon the young generation of Goa to imbibe and live by the values of Sant Muktabai, known for her teachings of humility, devotion, and selflessness.
Dr. Sawant observed that despite the challenges of today’s digital era, the large turnout of youth at the festival reflected Goa’s deep spiritual roots and its continued reverence for traditional values. He emphasized that devotion to Lord Vittal of Pandharpur is not confined to Maharashtra alone, as Goa too has a vibrant community of followers who express their faith through cultural and devotional celebrations such as the Dindi.
The Chief Minister further assured that his government would extend every possible support required for the smooth organization and promotion of the festival, recognizing it as an integral part of the state’s spiritual and cultural identity.
The Dindi Festival in Margao, celebrated with traditional bhajans, processions, and devotional gatherings, continues to serve as a reminder of the region’s shared heritage and the enduring legacy of saints like Sant Muktabai, who inspired generations to live a life of compassion and devotion.
LTIMindtree, a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to launch India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Film Festival and Hackathon. Scheduled to take place from November 20 to 28, 2025, during the 56th edition of IFFI in Goa, the initiative aims to redefine the intersection of art, storytelling, and technology.
Since its inception in 1952, IFFI has stood as India’s premier cinematic platform, bringing together filmmakers and creative professionals from across the globe. With this collaboration, LTIMindtree, NFDC, and IFFI are set to introduce a new era of digital creativity through the integration of AI-powered tools in the cinematic process. The partnership, supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, represents a significant step towards fostering innovation in India’s creative economy.
Under this initiative, LTIMindtree’s BlueVerse CraftStudio and NFDC will create a dedicated ecosystem for AI-driven filmmaking, encouraging creators and technologists to collaborate on innovative projects that push the boundaries of storytelling. The AI Film Festival will feature screenings of AI-generated works across fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental categories, offering audiences a glimpse into how technology is reshaping artistic expression.
Complementing the festival is a 48-hour hackathon designed to challenge participants to build AI-powered storytelling and production tools. Alongside the competition, workshops and masterclasses led by global experts will cover topics such as ethical storytelling, AI in film production, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping creative narratives.
Shekhar Kapur, Festival Director of IFFI and Jury Chair of the IFFI AI Film Festival, highlighted the transformative potential of this collaboration, saying, “Cinema has always reflected the power of human imagination. Today, AI gives us a new lens that expands our ability to dream, design, and express. The IFFI AI Film Festival will be a playground for that evolution.”
Dr. Sujay Sen, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Interactive Services at LTIMindtree, echoed the sentiment, noting, “At LTIMindtree, we believe the future of storytelling lies at the confluence of human creativity and AI. Through this collaboration, we are proud to create a platform that nurtures innovation and brings the magic of AI to India’s creative economy.”
Adding to this, Shri Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of NFDC, said, “As India’s leading platform for cinematic excellence, IFFI has always celebrated emerging voices and technologies. Partnering with LTIMindtree and Shekhar Kapur allows us to extend this creative legacy into the world of AI responsibly, inclusively, and with a vision for global collaboration.”
The festival will also feature participation from international AI film festivals, with opportunities for global cross-credit recognition for creators and innovators. By bringing together cinema and cutting-edge technology, the AI Film Festival and Hackathon aim to position India as a global leader in AI-driven cinematic innovation.
Goa, October 2025 — The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is set to captivate cinema enthusiasts with a special session featuring renowned VFX Supervisor Pete Draper, whose visionary work has redefined visual storytelling in Indian cinema. Known for creating breathtaking visuals in cinematic blockbusters like Baahubali, RRR, and several international projects, Draper will take audiences behind the scenes to explore how technology and imagination combine to create movie magic.
At IFFI 2025, Draper will share insights into the evolving world of visual effects — from concept visualization and CGI integration to the seamless blending of digital environments with live action. His talk will highlight the creative and technical processes that transform directors’ visions into spectacular visual experiences.
A veteran in the field of digital artistry, Pete Draper has been instrumental in shaping the modern landscape of Indian VFX. His expertise spans a diverse range of cinematic styles, from historical epics to futuristic fantasies. His work on Baahubali and RRR showcased how Indian cinema could achieve Hollywood-level visual grandeur, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers and digital artists.
The 56th edition of IFFI continues to emphasize the confluence of art, technology, and innovation in cinema. Sessions like these not only offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind filmmaking but also celebrate the collaborative spirit that defines the film industry.
The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), the nodal agency behind IFFI, has consistently brought together global film experts, creative professionals, and cinema lovers to exchange ideas, explore new perspectives, and honor the evolving art of filmmaking.
Audiences attending IFFI 2025 can look forward to a captivating deep dive into the artistry of VFX — where imagination meets innovation, and the impossible becomes cinematic reality.
Every frame holds a feeling, and every story preserves a moment in time. Cinema is not just entertainment—it is emotion, imagination, and memory woven together through light, sound, and storytelling. This year, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) invites you to reflect on your connection with the art of cinema.
What does cinema mean to you? Is it the thrill of the first frame, the silence after the credits roll, or the way stories stay with us long after we’ve left the theatre? Whether you are a filmmaker, cinephile, or simply someone who loves the power of a good story, this is your chance to share your voice.
Send in your short video by 31st October 2025 and be part of IFFI 56, where storytellers, dreamers, and creators from around the world gather to celebrate the essence of film. Your submission could be featured on one of the most prestigious stages in global cinema.
Join the movement. Capture your emotion. Tell your story. Because in the end, cinema belongs to everyone who dares to feel.
Today marks the final opportunity for filmmakers to submit their Konkani and Marathi films for the Special Goan Section of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025). This prestigious festival provides a platform for storytellers from Goa to showcase their work to national and international audiences, bringing attention to the rich cultural and cinematic heritage of the region.
Films selected for the Special Goan Section will be screened alongside India’s most celebrated cinematic works, giving filmmakers a chance to gain recognition, connect with industry professionals, and expand their audience reach. The festival celebrates creativity, innovation, and the diversity of Indian cinema, and this section specifically highlights stories from Goa that reflect its unique culture, language, and artistic vision.
Whether you are an emerging filmmaker or an established director, today is the last day to submit your entries and seize the opportunity to have your film celebrated on a global stage at IFFI 2025.
