Tag: Film Workshops

Events in Goa

Dr. L. Murugan Inaugurates IFFI 2025 Masterclass Series, Spotlight on AI, Sustainability & Women-led Cinema

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) opened a significant chapter today as Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, inaugurated the festival’s prestigious Masterclass Series at the Kala Academy in Goa. This year marks a historic milestone with the Masterclass inauguration being held for the first time in the presence of the general public, reflecting IFFI’s vision of fostering greater accessibility, openness, and participation from film enthusiasts across all walks of life. Distinguished dignitaries including Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Shri Sanjay Jaju, Joint Secretary Dr. Ajay Naghbhushan, National Film Development Corporation Managing Director Shri Prakash Magdum, celebrated filmmaker Shri Muzaffar Ali, and noted film personality Shri Ravi Kottarakara graced the occasion, reinforcing the festival’s stature as a global platform for cinematic dialogue and innovation.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Murugan emphasized India’s expanding cultural footprint, noting that more than 200 films from around the world will be screened at this year’s festival. He highlighted that IFFI 2025 aligns with India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat, showcasing the nation’s creative evolution on the global stage. Underscoring the government’s commitment to Nari Shakti, he shared that 50 films directed by women will be showcased, reflecting the growing prominence, participation, and excellence of women filmmakers within the industry, inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The Masterclass Series has drawn participants from multiple countries including Australia, Japan, Germany, and Canada, emphasizing its widening global reach and relevance in contemporary filmmaking. This year’s edition promises a rich spectrum of learning opportunities through panel discussions, interactive workshops, roundtable sessions, fireside chats, and interviews designed to deepen understanding of the craft. Acclaimed film personalities such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, Muzaffar Ali, Shad Ali, Shekhar Kapur, Rajkumar Hirani, Aamir Khan, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Suhasini Maniratnam will lead various sessions, making the lineup one of the most dynamic and influential in IFFI’s history.

Setting an inspiring tone, renowned filmmaker Shri Muzaffar Ali conducted the first session of the series, offering participants a glimpse into his rich cinematic philosophy. The Masterclass program this year will explore emerging and future-forward themes, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence in filmmaking, sustainability practices within the creative industry, and technical advancements in cinematography, visual effects, and special effects. Theatre acting workshops led by seasoned experts will further enhance the festival’s holistic focus on performance arts.

By blending global expertise with India’s cultural strengths, IFFI 2025 continues to evolve as a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking festival that celebrates the art of cinema while nurturing the next generation of storytellers.

Events in Goa

Serendipity Arts Festival 2025 Unveils Landmark Children’s Programming in Its 10th Anniversary Edition

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

This December, Panjim, Goa, will host the 10th edition of the Serendipity Arts Festival, transforming the city’s heritage spaces into a vibrant celebration of creativity across visual arts, theatre, dance, music, craft, design, photography, and culinary innovation. From 12–21 December 2025, the festival will occupy over 300,000 square feet across iconic venues, including The Old GMC Complex, Art Park, Kala Academy, and more, presenting a rich panorama of contemporary South Asian culture.

This milestone edition places a special focus on children, transforming the festival into an artistic playground where young audiences are active participants, creators, and storytellers. The carefully curated children’s programming spans themes from the environment and food to music, film, literature, and mindfulness. Activities include interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, film-making labs, animation projects, hands-on art and craft, and wellness experiences, ensuring every child discovers a unique way to engage with the arts.

Highlights include “Once Upon a Taste,” a food futures workshop led by Usha Chhabra and Thomas Zacharias, where children aged 8–12 explore the stories and futures hidden in food, culminating in their own creative “Cookbook for Tomorrow.” Other storytelling sessions explore Goan culture, wildlife conservation, folktales, and marine life. Artistic workshops introduce embroidery, weaving, terracotta, and crochet, while science and nature activities, architecture projects, and filmmaking experiences encourage curiosity and imagination. Mindfulness, emotional awareness, and musical exploration round out the festival’s immersive program for children.

Over the past decade, Serendipity Arts Festival has evolved into a platform that nurtures creativity in all its forms, fostering empathy, cultural understanding, and a lifelong love for the arts. Founder Patron Sunil Kant Munjal emphasizes that children are the greatest source of imagination, and the festival seeks to empower them to experience art joyfully and participatorily. Director Smriti Rajgarhia notes that the children’s programming is designed not only to engage but to give children confidence, creativity, and ownership of artistic expression. Co-Founding Patron Shefali Munjal reflects on ten years of impact, expressing gratitude for the artists, audiences, and partners who have helped build a movement that champions creativity as a force for social change.

Registrations for Serendipity Arts Festival 2025 are now open. Families and young creatives are invited to join this vibrant celebration of imagination and culture in Panjim, Goa, from 12–21 December 2025, and participate in what promises to be the festival’s most ambitious and joyful children’s programming yet.