Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Goa Section at the 56th International Film Festival of India, marking a significant moment for Goan cinema and its growing presence on national and international platforms. The ceremony was followed by the screening of the Konkani film Halad, directed by Sobita Kudtadkar, which opened the Goa Section this year.
Dr. Sawant expressed pride in the resilience and passion of Goan filmmakers, acknowledging their dedication to preserving the region’s storytelling heritage despite numerous challenges. He highlighted that Goan cinema has always been driven by creativity, cultural pride and a commitment to authentic narratives.
This year’s edition of IFFI features two Goan films—Claudia and The Pilot—in the prestigious Gala Premiere Section, a testament to the growing strength of the local film industry. Additionally, five films were selected for the Goa Section: Zero Bulb, Halad, My Dad Invented the Vadapav, Meraki, By the Sea and Ghar.
Dr. Sawant extended his best wishes to all the filmmakers whose works are being showcased, emphasizing that their achievements continue to inspire future generations of Goan storytellers. The inauguration reflected both celebration and hope, positioning Goan cinema to shine even more brightly on the global stage.
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.
LTIMindtree, a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to launch India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Film Festival and Hackathon. Scheduled to take place from November 20 to 28, 2025, during the 56th edition of IFFI in Goa, the initiative aims to redefine the intersection of art, storytelling, and technology.
Since its inception in 1952, IFFI has stood as India’s premier cinematic platform, bringing together filmmakers and creative professionals from across the globe. With this collaboration, LTIMindtree, NFDC, and IFFI are set to introduce a new era of digital creativity through the integration of AI-powered tools in the cinematic process. The partnership, supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, represents a significant step towards fostering innovation in India’s creative economy.
Under this initiative, LTIMindtree’s BlueVerse CraftStudio and NFDC will create a dedicated ecosystem for AI-driven filmmaking, encouraging creators and technologists to collaborate on innovative projects that push the boundaries of storytelling. The AI Film Festival will feature screenings of AI-generated works across fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental categories, offering audiences a glimpse into how technology is reshaping artistic expression.
Complementing the festival is a 48-hour hackathon designed to challenge participants to build AI-powered storytelling and production tools. Alongside the competition, workshops and masterclasses led by global experts will cover topics such as ethical storytelling, AI in film production, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping creative narratives.
Shekhar Kapur, Festival Director of IFFI and Jury Chair of the IFFI AI Film Festival, highlighted the transformative potential of this collaboration, saying, “Cinema has always reflected the power of human imagination. Today, AI gives us a new lens that expands our ability to dream, design, and express. The IFFI AI Film Festival will be a playground for that evolution.”
Dr. Sujay Sen, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Interactive Services at LTIMindtree, echoed the sentiment, noting, “At LTIMindtree, we believe the future of storytelling lies at the confluence of human creativity and AI. Through this collaboration, we are proud to create a platform that nurtures innovation and brings the magic of AI to India’s creative economy.”
Adding to this, Shri Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of NFDC, said, “As India’s leading platform for cinematic excellence, IFFI has always celebrated emerging voices and technologies. Partnering with LTIMindtree and Shekhar Kapur allows us to extend this creative legacy into the world of AI responsibly, inclusively, and with a vision for global collaboration.”
The festival will also feature participation from international AI film festivals, with opportunities for global cross-credit recognition for creators and innovators. By bringing together cinema and cutting-edge technology, the AI Film Festival and Hackathon aim to position India as a global leader in AI-driven cinematic innovation.
Every frame holds a feeling, and every story preserves a moment in time. Cinema is not just entertainment—it is emotion, imagination, and memory woven together through light, sound, and storytelling. This year, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) invites you to reflect on your connection with the art of cinema.
What does cinema mean to you? Is it the thrill of the first frame, the silence after the credits roll, or the way stories stay with us long after we’ve left the theatre? Whether you are a filmmaker, cinephile, or simply someone who loves the power of a good story, this is your chance to share your voice.
Send in your short video by 31st October 2025 and be part of IFFI 56, where storytellers, dreamers, and creators from around the world gather to celebrate the essence of film. Your submission could be featured on one of the most prestigious stages in global cinema.
Join the movement. Capture your emotion. Tell your story. Because in the end, cinema belongs to everyone who dares to feel.
PANAJI: Goa’s renowned décor and event management company, M/s Vinayak Decorators, has been honored with the “Special Creative Art Director Award” at the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions of the Goa State Film Festival 2025.
The award was presented to Smt. Nutan Vinayak Dessai by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, at the festival’s award ceremony.
Led by Sidhesh Dessai, the company has emerged as a creative powerhouse in Goa, conceptualizing and executing décor and event management for some of the state’s most iconic celebrations. Their portfolio includes prestigious events such as the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the Purple Festival for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), along with major assignments across states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Kolkata, Karnataka, Meghalaya, and Gujarat.
On the national stage, Vinayak Decorators has also brought Goan artistry into the spotlight. Under the leadership of Sidhesh Dessai, an all-Goan team curated Republic Day Parade floats for Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, both of which received widespread appreciation. These floats, highlighting regional heritage with Goan craftsmanship, were also showcased at the Bharat Parv Exhibition at the Red Fort, Delhi, from January 26 to 31, 2025, organized by the Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India.
This recognition at both the state and national level underlines the company’s pivotal role in promoting Goan creativity and talent across India.
