The Minister for Public Works Department and Vice Chairman of BCIFF, Shri Digambar Kamat, briefed the media on the upcoming 3rd edition of the Bulbul Children’s International Film Festival (BCIFF) 2026, scheduled to take place from 13th to 17th January 2026 at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, Goa.
BCIFF 2026 is poised to be its most expansive edition yet, with participation from over 38 countries and a curated lineup of more than 73 international and Indian films, spanning live-action and animated cinema. The festival continues its mission of introducing young audiences to meaningful storytelling, diverse cultures, and cinematic excellence from across the globe.
The media interaction also saw the presence of Shri Dipak Bandekar, Director of the Department of Information and Publicity; Smt. Sindhu Prabhu Desai, Deputy Director of Education; and Shri Siddhesh Samant, Information Assistant. Adding depth to the announcement, Festival Directors Shri Bipin Khedekar and Shri Siddhesh Naik shared insights into the festival’s vision, its steady growth over the years, and the thoughtfully curated programming designed to engage, inspire, and educate children through cinema.
With its growing international footprint and strong institutional support, BCIFF 2026 reinforces Goa’s position as a vibrant cultural hub, while nurturing young minds through the power of films that entertain, inform, and inspire.
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 is set to honour emerging voices in world cinema with seven debut masterpieces selected for the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director Award. The prestigious competition aims to promote exceptional new talent and celebrate the creativity of first-time filmmakers who are shaping the future of global storytelling.
The winner of this coveted category will receive the Silver Peacock, a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, and a commendation. The selection will be decided by a distinguished jury chaired by celebrated Indian filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, alongside Graeme Clifford (Editor and Director, Australia), Katharina Schüttler (Actor, Germany), Chandran Rutnam (Filmmaker, Sri Lanka), and Remi Adefarasin (Cinematographer, England).
Representing the diversity of global cinema, the seven competing films include five international and two Indian titles.
Estonian filmmaker Tõnis Pill makes his debut with Fränk, a poignant coming-of-age story that explores fractured families and the healing power of unexpected friendship. Spanish filmmaker Gemma Blasco presents Fury (La Furia), a visceral feminist drama examining trauma, shame, and resilience through the lens of an actress reclaiming her narrative after assault.
From Germany, Christina Tournatzés’ Karla recounts the true story of a 12-year-old girl in 1962 Munich who bravely charges her abusive father — a sensitive portrayal of justice, trauma, and strength told with stunning emotional clarity.
Iranian director Hesam Farahmand’s My Daughter’s Hair (Raha) paints a powerful social portrait of class and dignity through the story of a father who sells his daughter’s hair to buy a laptop, only to uncover deep societal divides.
Mexican filmmaker Ernesto Martínez Bucio’s The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box) offers a haunting, surreal narrative about abandoned siblings grappling with isolation and imagination, merging childhood fears with psychological insight.
India’s cinematic talent is proudly represented by two powerful debut features. Tribeni Rai’s Shape of Momo, filmed in Nepali and set in Sikkim, follows a young woman’s quest for agency within a multi-generational household, exploring patriarchy and quiet resistance through lyrical storytelling. Shivraj Waichal’s Ata Thambaycha Naay! (Now, There’s No Stopping!) delivers a heartwarming Marathi-language drama inspired by true events, celebrating resilience and the transformative power of education among Mumbai’s sanitation workers.
Together, these seven films reflect IFFI’s ongoing mission to spotlight the next generation of cinematic storytellers — artists unafraid to confront social realities, reimagine tradition, and redefine what cinema can say. As the festival unfolds, audiences and jurors alike look forward to discovering which debut filmmaker will claim the Silver Peacock and join IFFI’s prestigious lineage of groundbreaking voices in world cinema.
The Konkani film Claudia, written, produced, and directed by veteran Goan filmmaker Rajendra Talak, will be featured in the “Indian Panorama – Special Presentation” section at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), scheduled from 20 to 28 November 2025 in Goa. Although no Goan film was selected in the official Indian Panorama categories this year, Claudia has been extended a special invitation to participate in the festival. The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), which organizes the Indian Panorama section, confirmed the inclusion, facilitated under the leadership of its Managing Director, Prakash Magdum.
Claudia tells the story of a saxophone player who loses his ability to perform, and his daughter’s emotional journey as she helps him rediscover his passion for music. The film explores themes of loss, hope, and the enduring strength of family bonds. Rajendra Talak, known for acclaimed Konkani films such as O Maria, Aleesha, and Miranda House, has been a key contributor to regional cinema and a strong advocate for showcasing Goan stories on national platforms.
According to reports, Claudia will represent Goa in the Special Presentation segment of Indian Panorama, which highlights distinctive works from across the country outside the main competition categories. The recognition ensures that Goa’s voice in cinema continues to resonate at the nation’s premier film festival.
