Events in Goa

Curtains Close on the 10thโ€“12th Goa State Film Festival with Star-Studded Ceremony at Kala Academy


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 Honโ€™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.

๐ŸŽ– Honoring Legends

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the versatile and beloved Goan actress Smt. Varsha Usgaonkarโ€”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.

๐Ÿ† Award Highlights

10th Edition (2018โ€“2019)

  • Best Feature Film: Juze (14 awards)

11th Edition (2020โ€“2021)

  • Best Film: Ransaavat (7 awards)
  • Best Non-feature Film: Kupamcho Daryeo (5 awards)

12th Edition (2022โ€“2023)

  • Best Feature Film: Mog (8 awards)
  • Best Non-feature Film: Gathan (3 awards)

๐ŸŽฌ 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).

๐ŸŽค 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

๐Ÿ™ 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 stateโ€™s growing influence in regional and national cinema.

Events in Goa

Goa State Film Festival 2025 Kicks Off with Film Legends, Music & Awards


Panaji, Goa โ€“ August 14, 2025: The Goa State Film Festival 2025 has officially begun, bringing together the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions in a grand celebration of cinema, culture, and creativity. The festival was inaugurated with great enthusiasm by Honโ€™ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, at INOX, Panaji.

Joining him at the opening ceremony were prominent dignitaries including Smt. Delilah M. Lobo (MLA & Vice Chairperson, ESG), Shri Damu Naik (film personality & Ex Vice Chairman, ESG), Shri Rohit Monserrate (Mayor, CCP Panaji), Shri Sarpreet Singh Gill (IAS, Secretary, Dept. of Information & Publicity), Shri Ashwin Chandru (IAS, CEO, ESG), and Shri Dipak Bandekar (Director, Dept. of Information & Publicity).

The festivalโ€™s opening night was further illuminated by the presence of legendary actor and television presenter Mohammad Ali, whose remarkable career spans over 1,200 films across Telugu and other languages. A cultural feast followed, featuring musical performances by acclaimed singer Jolly Mukherjee, Goaโ€™s own Mukesh Ghatwal, and comedic acts from Sagar Karande and Ankur Wadhave of Chala Hawa Yeu Dya fame.

Celebrating Young Talent โ€“ 48 Hours Short Film Competition Winners

Highlighting the emerging talent in filmmaking, the winners of the 48 Hours Short Film Competition were announced:

  • Best Film (First Prize): Ful ani Savli (Flower and Shade)
  • Best Film (Second Prize): Before Sunrise
  • Best Director: Glen Cardozo (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Cinematographer: Tejas V. Naik (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Editor: Yuri B. Carvalho (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Actor (Male): Niraj Arrie (Lift)
  • Best Actor (Female): Rati Bhatikar (Ful ani Savli)

Ful ani Savli emerged as the standout winner, capturing both artistic and technical accolades.

Four Days of Cinema, Culture & Community

Running from August 14 to 17, the Goa State Film Festival 2025 will showcase 19 feature films and 4 non-feature films, reflecting a diverse range of narratives and cinematic styles. In addition to film screenings, visitors can enjoy a Food Court and explore Handicraft Stalls set up at the INOX courtyard, offering a vibrant festival experience that extends beyond cinema.

Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply looking for a weekend escape, the Goa State Film Festival promises four days of inspiration, storytelling, and celebration of Goaโ€™s creative spirit.

๐Ÿ“ Venue: INOX Courtyard, Panaji, Goa
๐Ÿ“… Dates: August 14โ€“17, 2025
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Entry: Open to all cinema lovers