The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open with a new approach this year. Instead of the customary inaugural ceremony at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, the festival will begin with a vibrant IFFI Parade that will celebrate Goa’s culture and cinematic spirit. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant will flag off the parade, which will feature colourful floats inspired by Goa’s carnival and Shigmo traditions.
Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) Chairperson Delilah Lobo confirmed that the change was necessary as the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium is booked for the FIDE World Cup during the same period. However, the festival’s official dates remain unchanged, ensuring that IFFI’s schedule continues as planned.
The IFFI Parade will serve as the festival’s new inaugural event, offering a public celebration that merges film, art, and Goan culture. Designed as a street-level spectacle, it will invite participation from locals and visitors alike, capturing the festive atmosphere that defines Goa.
Organised by the ESG in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, IFFI remains India’s most prominent international film festival, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world. The decision to replace the stadium opening with a parade reflects an inclusive vision — one that extends the festival’s reach beyond formal venues and into the community.
As Goa prepares to welcome delegates and film lovers for IFFI 56, the parade promises to set a celebratory tone for the festival, transforming its opening into a showcase of both local culture and global cinema.
“शेजारी – Neighbour” is the Official Theme for the 48-Hour Short Film Challenge at GSFF 2025
The much-anticipated 48-Hour Short Film Making Competition at the Goa Short Film Festival (GSFF) 2025 has officially begun — and the theme for this year is both intimate and universal: “शेजारी – Neighbour.” 🏘️
With a ticking clock, cameras rolling, and adrenaline running high, filmmakers across Goa and beyond are now racing against time to bring their stories to life. From spontaneous screenplays to overnight edits, this is not just a contest — it’s a celebration of bold, fast, and fearless storytelling.
Participants must submit their completed short films by: 📍 4th August 2025, before 10:00 AM 📌 Submission Venue: ESG Office, Panaji, Goa
🎞️ Film Requirements
⏱️ Duration: Minimum 5 minutes, Maximum 40 minutes
🗣️ Languages: Konkani or Marathi only
🔠 Subtitles: English subtitles are mandatory
This unique format challenges filmmakers to write, shoot, edit, and submit a complete short film in just 48 hours — all while staying true to the central theme: “Neighbour.”
🏘️ Why “शेजारी – Neighbour”?
The theme opens up a world of storytelling possibilities. Whether it’s a slice-of-life drama, a gripping thriller, a quirky comedy, or a social commentary, the idea of a “neighbour” is deeply relatable yet flexible enough for broad interpretation. It’s a prompt that connects us to the people next door — and perhaps, to the sides of ourselves we seldom explore.
From chaotic balconies to community conflicts, awkward conversations to unexpected friendships — this year’s films are sure to reflect every shade of life that unfolds on either side of the wall.
🎥 About the Challenge
Organised as part of GSFF 2025 in association with the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), the 48-Hour Film Challenge is now one of the most awaited creative contests in the state. It brings together amateur enthusiasts, student filmmakers, and seasoned directors to prove their mettle under real pressure.
With no time to second-guess and no room for delays, the challenge pushes creators to trust their instincts, collaborate quickly, and capture cinematic moments on the go.
💡 Past Impact
Over the years, this competition has not only been a testing ground but also a launching pad. Several short films developed under this challenge have gone on to win awards, gain online traction, and be screened at national and international festivals. The competition thrives on spontaneity — but often results in unforgettable storytelling.
🏆 What’s at Stake?
While the creative rush is its own reward, shortlisted and winning films will be screened during GSFF 2025, offering visibility, recognition, and celebration from the Goan film community and beyond.
📣 Final Word
So if you’re a filmmaker with a vision, a camera, and a tight-knit crew — this is your moment. A theme that speaks to everyday lives. A deadline that fuels raw creativity. A stage that celebrates the art of telling stories that matter — fast.
📽️ Let the challenge begin. 🎞️ Let your neighbours become your next masterpiece. 🚨 Deadline: 4th August 2025, before 10:00 AM at ESG Office
📖 Follow Allycaral for more updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments from GSFF 2025. #GSFF2025 #48HourFilmChallenge #Shejari #ShortFilmCompetition #ESGGoa #Allycaral
Panaji | July 19, 2025 : This August, Goa transforms into a cinematic haven with the return of the Goa State Film Festival 2025, hosting the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions over four vibrant days — 14th to 17th August 2025.
Organized by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), the festival promises a celebration of storytelling, filmmaking, and community. With diverse screenings, industry discussions, and awards, the event brings together creators, audiences, and visionaries from across the state and beyond.
A standout feature this year is the “48 Hours Short Film Making Competition”, a dynamic challenge encouraging aspiring filmmakers to produce a short film within just two days.
🗓️ Key Dates:
Topic Announcement: 2nd August 2025 at 10:00 AM
Submission Deadline: 4th August 2025 at 10:00 AM
📍 No Registration Fee 📝 Registrations Open: 19th July | Close: 28th July at 5:00 PM 📌 Submit completed forms at the ESG Office 🔗 Visit www.esg.co.in for full details
🏆 Competition Awards:
Best Film: ₹25,000 (First), ₹25,000 (Second)
Best Director: ₹15,000
Best Cinematographer: ₹15,000
Best Editor: ₹15,000
Best Actor (Male): ₹15,000
Best Actor (Female): ₹15,000
The objective of the competition is to: ✅ Foster storytelling using minimal resources ✅ Showcase Goan filmmaking excellence ✅ Build a community of emerging creators ✅ Encourage collaboration and innovation in visual arts
🌟 Delegate & Media Registration Now Open
Register as a Delegate, Media Representative, or part of the Goan Film Fraternity to attend screenings, workshops, and future ESG programs.
🎟 For delegate registration and updates, visit www.esg.co.in
Come, be part of Goa’s cinematic revolution — where every frame tells a story and every voice finds its screen.
Follow @Allycaralgoa for live updates, filmmaker features, and behind-the-scenes stories from GSFF 2025.
