The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), the nodal agency for organizing the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and other cultural events in the state, has officially opened applications for the appointment of personnel for the 56th edition of IFFI, scheduled for 2025. This recruitment drive will also cover upcoming events organized and executed by ESG in the months ahead.
With IFFI being one of the most prestigious film festivals in Asia, this is a significant opportunity for professionals and aspiring event managers, coordinators, technical staff, creatives, and cultural enthusiasts to be a part of a world-class celebration of cinema. Each year, ESG brings together talent from across the country to help make the festival a grand success, and 2025 promises to be no different.
Candidates interested in applying must download the application form from the link provided by ESG. The form must be duly filled and submitted to the ESG Front Office by 10th October 2025, no later than 5:00 PM. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
It is crucial for applicants to review the eligibility criteria for each role to ensure they apply for the appropriate section. ESG aims to onboard individuals who are passionate, responsible, and committed to excellence in organizing events of such national and international stature.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone looking to gain unique experience in the world of cultural events and cinema, this could be your chance to contribute meaningfully to an event that puts Goa on the global map each year.
The vibrant world of Goan and Indian cinema came alive at the closing ceremony of the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions of the Goa State Film Festival, held at Kala Academy, Panaji, on 17th August 2025.
Graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, and key dignitaries including Smt. Delilah M Lobo, Shri. Damu Naik, Shri. Ashwin Chandru, IAS, and Shri. Dipak Bandekar, the event marked a proud moment for the state’s film fraternity.
Smt. Delilah M Lobo welcomed guests and set the tone for a night dedicated to artistic excellence and cultural heritage.
🎖 Honoring Legends
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the versatile and beloved Goan actress Smt. Varsha Usgaonkar—an icon of Konkani, Marathi, and Hindi cinema. The Recognition of Goan Film Legacy was posthumously conferred on Late Baba Naik for his significant contribution to Goan cinema.
🏆 Award Highlights
10th Edition (2018–2019)
Best Feature Film: Juze (14 awards)
11th Edition (2020–2021)
Best Film: Ransaavat (7 awards)
Best Non-feature Film: Kupamcho Daryeo (5 awards)
12th Edition (2022–2023)
Best Feature Film: Mog (8 awards)
Best Non-feature Film: Gathan (3 awards)
🎬 48 Hours Short Film Competition
Best Film (1st Prize): Ful ani Savli (Flower and Shade)
Best Film (2nd Prize): Before Sunrise
Best Director: Glen Cardozo (Ful ani Savli)
Best Cinematographer: Tejas V. Naik
Best Editor: Yuri B. Carvalho
Best Actor (Male): Niraj Arrie (Lift)
Best Actor (Female): Rati Bhatikar (Ful ani Savli)
Awards were handed over by Dr. Pramod Sawant and esteemed guests including jury chairpersons Shri. Gajendra Ahire (Feature Films) and Shri. Asim Sinha (Non-feature Films).
🎤 Cultural Performances
The night was enriched by mesmerizing performances from:
Goan Fado singer Sonia Sirsat
Renowned composer-singer Ajit Parab
Comedy act by Bharat & More (Chala Hawa Yeu Dya fame)
Dance performance by Vardhan & Group
🙏 Closing Remarks
The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri. Dipak Bandekar, Director of the Department of Information & Publicity.
The festival witnessed an overwhelming response from filmmakers, artists, and cinema lovers across Goa, reaffirming the state’s growing influence in regional and national cinema.
In a vibrant ceremony symbolizing Goa’s artistic flair, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant unveiled the official logo of the Goa State Film Festival (GSFF). The event was attended by Smt. Delilah Lobo, Vice Chairperson of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), the CEO of ESG, and other members of the ESG Governing Body.
The newly revealed logo embodies the dynamic energy, rich cultural fabric, and cinematic aspirations of Goa — reinforcing its growing reputation as a creative and cultural hotspot in India.
GSFF Dates Announced: 14–17 August 2025
The Goa State Film Festival will take place from August 14 to 17, 2025, welcoming filmmakers, storytellers, and film enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.
The Chief Minister expressed his excitement, stating:
“The GSFF is not just an event, it’s a celebration of storytelling, imagination, and identity. I invite every dreamer, filmmaker, artist, and enthusiast to be a part of this landmark celebration in Goa.”
With a mix of film screenings, interactive panels, local talent showcases, and cross-industry collaborations, GSFF 2025 promises to be a major event in India’s creative calendar.
A Platform for New Voices
More than just a showcase, GSFF aims to nurture budding talent and offer a platform for Goan and Indian filmmakers to connect, collaborate, and grow.
Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant today announced that Goa State Film Festival themed on 75 Years of Goan Cinema, will be held from August 14 to 17, 2025.
Vice-Chairperson of Entertainment Society of Goa, Delilah Lobo, CEO of ESG Asvin Chandru, IAS, General Body Member of ESG, Sharmad Raiturkar were also present at the press conference.
The four-day festival comprises 10th, 11th and 12th editions of Goa State Film Festival and will be organised in association with Department of Information and Publicity.
The 10th edition will showcase the films made from 1st January 2018 to 31st Dec 2019. The 11th edition will pertain to 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2021 films, while the 12th edition will have the films made from 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2023.
The inaugural ceremony will be held on 14th August 2025 and closing ceremony will be on 17th August 2025.
The movie screenings will take place in Maquinez Palace theatre and Inox, Panaji. Various workshops, In-Conversation sessions, Market Interactions, Knowledge series and Information segments will be the part of this festival.
The festival, which will showcase Goan regional language movies in Konkani and Marathi languages, will be screening in 2 categories – •Feature Films will have two sections – Konkani and Marathi separately •Non-Feature films will have a combined section for Konkani and Marathi languages.
The feature film should have minimum running time of 70 minutes while non-feature films should have a minimum running time of 5 minutes and maximum time of less than 70 minutes. Films of which a minimum of 15% on screen artist and 15% main technicians must be of Goan origin or having at least 15 years domicile in the State of Goa (further details are available on http://www.esg.co.in). All films should have Censor Certificate and with subtitles in English.
Submission of films for the competition section of Goa State Film Festival, will start from 17th June 2025 and the last date of submission of the forms is 7th July 2025.
Awards in the Feature Films section:
Best Film First Prize Rs. 500000 Second Prize Rs. 300000
Best Direction First Prize Rs. 50000 Second Prize Rs. 35000
Best Actor Rs. 25000
Best Actress Rs. 25000
Best Sup. Actor Rs. 25000
Best Sup. Actress Rs. 25000
Best Child Artiste Rs. 25000
Best Story Rs. 25000
Best Screenplay Rs. 25000
Best Dialogues Rs. 25000
Best Lyrics Rs. 25000
Best Music Director Rs. 25000
Best Playback Singer (male) Rs. 25000
Best Playback Singer (female) Rs. 25000
Best Cinematography Rs. 25000
Best Editor Rs. 25000
Best Audiography Rs. 25000
Best Art Director Rs. 25000
Best Costume Designer Rs. 25000
Awards in the Non-Feature Films section:
1.Best Non-Feature Film (Two awards as under) Fiction Rs. 100000 Non-Fiction Rs. 100000
Other awards for Non-Feature Films:
Best Cinematography Rs. 25000
Best Audiography Rs. 25000
Best Editing Rs. 25000
Best Music Direction Rs. 25000
Best Theme Rs. 20000
Meanwhile, there is new feature that is set to delight the aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts at the upcoming film festival. ESG has mooted a short film-making competition during pre-festival period.
The topic for the film will be given during festival and the movie-makers will have to submit their films in 48 hours after the topic is announced. Selected films will also be screened during the festival.
Awards for Short film competition: Best Film – First place Rs 25000 & 2nd place Rs 20000 Best Cinematographer – Rs. 15000 Best Editor – Rs. 15000 Best Director – Rs 15000 Best Actor (Male) – Rs 15000 Best Actor (female) – Rs 15000
