Tag: International Film Festival of India

Events in Goa

56th IFFI Concludes with Global Glamour: ‘Skin of Youth’ Wins Golden Peacock, Rajinikanth Felicitated for 50 Years in Cinema

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) came to a vibrant close at the Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa, bringing together global filmmakers, artists, and cinephiles for a grand celebration of cinematic artistry. Over nine days, audiences were immersed in powerful stories, thought-provoking narratives, and diverse cultural showcases that lit up screens across the state, making this edition of the festival a memorable tribute to the magic of cinema.

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the announcement of the Golden Peacock winner, awarded this year to the Vietnamese film Skin of Youth, written and directed by Ashleigh Mayfair. The jury praised the film for its bold and stylish storytelling, compelling message, and the seamless harmony of its narration, music, and editing. The film was celebrated for its capacity to humanize and illuminate voices seldom heard, promising to linger long in the minds of its viewers.

Among the major honours, Marathi filmmaker Santosh Davakhar received the Silver Peacock for Best Director for Gondhal, a film the jury described as a Shakespearean fable grounded in cultural richness and emotional depth. Ubeimar Rios won the Silver Peacock for Best Male Actor for his powerful performance in the Spanish film A Poet, while Jara Sofija Ostan earned the Silver Peacock for Best Female Actor for her nuanced and expressive portrayal in the Slovenian film Little Trouble Girls. The festival also recognized the exceptional talent of emerging filmmakers, with Iranian filmmaker Hesam Farahmand and Estonian filmmaker Tõnis Pill jointly receiving the Best Debut Director Award for their films My Daughter’s Hair (Raha) and Fränk respectively.

The closing ceremony also shone a spotlight on Indian cinema legend Rajinikanth, who was honoured for completing 50 years in the industry. The celebrated actor expressed heartfelt gratitude, calling the recognition an honour for the entire film fraternity. As dignitaries including Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Union MoS Dr. L. Murugan addressed the gathering, they highlighted IFFI’s contributions to India’s cultural legacy and creative economy. The festival’s achievements this year included the successful WAVES Film Bazaar, which generated over ₹1,050 crore in business, the screening of 50 films directed by women, and an array of initiatives supporting young creators and technological innovation.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju, emphasized India’s growing role in the “orange economy,” noting that IFFI 2025 had taken major strides in creating opportunities for creators nationwide. The establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology in Mumbai marked another significant step toward nurturing future talent and integrating technology into creative production.

The festival fondly remembered icons of Indian cinema who passed away this year, honouring their irreplaceable contributions. Esteemed personalities including Ramesh Sippy, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Kiran Shantaram, and many others graced the ceremony, reaffirming the festival’s stature as a melting pot of creativity and collaboration. The closing night featured captivating dance performances, cultural displays from the Northeast and Karnataka, artistic showcases by divyang performers, and the inclusion of Indian Sign Language interpreters, reflecting IFFI’s commitment to inclusivity.

New initiatives such as the AI Film Festival and the CinemAI Hackathon captured the spirit of the future, providing platforms for creators to explore AI-driven storytelling and production tools. Workshops, masterclasses, and conversations with cinematic luminaries enriched the knowledge landscape of the festival, offering deeper insights into filmmaking and the evolving global entertainment industry.

As the curtains fell on IFFI 2025, the festival left a lasting impression on audiences and participants worldwide. Its celebration of creativity, innovation, and cinematic diversity strengthened its position as a global cultural beacon. With anticipation already building for the next edition, IFFI continues to serve as a powerful platform for storytelling excellence, artistic recognition, and the flourishing of the creative economy.

Events in Goa

International Film Festival of India 2025: Embracing Accessibility for All

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The International Film Festival of India returns to celebrate the joy of cinema from November 20 to 28, 2025, bringing together filmmakers, artists, industry professionals, and movie lovers from around the world. This year, the festival expands its vision by placing accessibility at the heart of its cultural celebration, ensuring that the magic of cinema is open to everyone.

Designed with inclusivity in mind, the festival grounds feature wheelchair-friendly spaces throughout the venue, allowing seamless movement and comfortable viewing experiences. Sign-language interpreters will be present across key sessions, screenings, and interactive events, ensuring that the deaf and hard-of-hearing community can fully engage with conversations, presentations, and moments that define IFFI each year.

With improved elevator access and thoughtfully designed pathways, the festival ensures that guests of all mobility levels can enjoy the full IFFI experience without barriers. More than just a showcase of films, IFFI 2025 stands as a celebration of community, diversity, and shared storytelling.

By embracing accessibility, the festival reaffirms that cinema is not only an art form but a universal language meant to be experienced and enjoyed by all.

Events in Goa

Aamir Khan Headlines Fireside Chat at IFFI 2025: “The Narrative Architect of Social Transformation”

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Aamir Khan’s presence at the 56th International Film Festival of India adds a rare and compelling dimension to this year’s celebration of cinema. Appearing for a special Fireside Chat titled “The Narrative Architect of Social Transformation,” Aamir brings with him decades of experience in crafting stories that resonate far beyond the screen. Known for his unwavering commitment to socially rooted narratives, he has consistently challenged mainstream cinema to be more introspective, more accountable, and more willing to spark uncomfortable yet necessary conversations. This session offers audiences a closer look at the intention and responsibility that guide his work—how he approaches each film not just as entertainment, but as an opportunity to shift perspectives and inspire collective dialogue.

The conversation, moderated by acclaimed film critic and writer Baradwaj Rangan, invites a thoughtful exploration of storytelling, purpose, and the evolving role of cinema in shaping culture. Aamir reflects on the choices that have defined his filmography, the meticulous process behind building narratives with impact, and the emotional and creative demands of aligning art with meaningful social commentary. As he speaks about the challenges of balancing artistic expression with public expectation, he also emphasizes the transformative potential that cinema holds when crafted with sincerity and awareness.

The Fireside Chat becomes more than a festival highlight—it becomes a timely reflection on the intersection between creativity and conscience. At a moment when audiences are seeking stories that resonate with truth and depth, Aamir Khan’s insights reaffirm the powerful link between filmmaking and societal change. Hosted at the iconic Kala Academy in Goa, the event captures the essence of what IFFI continues to champion: cinema not just as an art form, but as a catalyst for progress, empathy, and enduring conversation.

Entertainment

IFFI 2025 Unveils Goan Films Lineup & Cultural Celebrations for Its 56th Edition

allycaralgoa

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held from 20th to 28th November 2025, bringing together cinema lovers, filmmakers, and cultural performers from across India and the world. As part of its commitment to promoting Goan talent, the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) has announced the selection of Goan films in the special Goan Director’s Cut and Goan Producer’s Cut sections.

This year, ESG received 17 entries across Feature and Non-Feature segments, out of which 5 films have been selected by the esteemed jury.

Jury Members

ESG expressed gratitude to the respected jury:

  • P. Sheshadri – Chairman of Jury
  • Priya Krishnaswamy – Jury Member
  • Rajeev Bhatia – Jury Member

The panel, comprising noted professionals from the Indian film industry, evaluated the entries with expertise and dedication.

Selected Films

Goan Director’s Cut

  1. ZERO BULB – Directed by Soham Prasad Bhende (Non-Feature, Premiere)
  2. HALAD – Directed by Sobita Kudtarkar (Non-Feature, Premiere)
  3. MY DAD INVENTED THE VADAPAV – ASHOK VAIDYA AND SONS – Directed by Sainath Uskaikar (Non-Feature, Non-Premiere)

Goan Producer’s Cut

  1. MERAKI, BY THE SEA – Produced by Dr. Gwendolynn De Ornelas (Non-Feature, Premiere)
  2. GHAR – Produced by Sahit Studios LLP (Non-Feature, Premiere)

ESG congratulated all directors, producers, cast, crew, and contributors whose films have been selected for the prestigious IFFI screenings.

Inside IFFI 2025: What’s New This Year

Open-Air Screenings

Films will be screened at:

  • Miramar Beach
  • Ravindra Bhavan, Fatorda
  • Vagator Beach Parking (Helipad)

IFFI Mile

A lively stretch from ESG to Kala Academy featuring stalls, installations, and public-engagement activities.

Grand IFFI Float Parade – 20 November 2025

Replacing the traditional opening ceremony, the Float Parade will begin at Old GMC Building at 3:30 PM and proceed to Kala Academy, celebrating:
“Indian Cinema, India on Global Platform and the Future of Cinema.”

Segment 1 – Goan Cultural Floats

12 Goan groups participate.
Prizes:

  • 1st – ₹3,50,000
  • 2nd – ₹3,00,000
  • 3rd – ₹2,50,000
  • 4th – ₹2,00,000
  • 5th – ₹1,50,000
  • 5 Consolation – ₹1,00,000 each
  • All non-winners receive ₹30,000 remuneration.

Segment 2 – Promotional Floats

Featuring production houses, media platforms, and creative collectives.
Prizes:

  • 1st – ₹2,50,000
  • 2nd – ₹2,00,000
  • 3rd – ₹1,50,000
  • 4th – ₹1,25,000
  • 5th – ₹1,00,000
  • Non-winners receive ₹30,000 remuneration.

Romtamel Competition (21–25 November)

Showcasing Goa’s traditional Romtamel art form with 10 leading performance groups.

Prizes:

  • 1st – ₹3,00,000
  • 2nd – ₹2,50,000
  • 3rd – ₹2,00,000
  • 4th – ₹1,75,000
  • 5th – ₹1,50,000
  • 5 Consolation – ₹1,00,000 each

Transport Facilities for Delegates

Free services include:

  • Rickshaws, pool cars, and KTC electric buses (8:30 AM till last screening)
  • Bus Routes:
  1. Miramar Circle ↔ INOX Porvorim
  2. Miramar Circle ↔ Magic Moviez, Ponda
  3. Miramar ↔ Ravindra Bhavan, Margao

IFFI 2025 promises a grand cinematic and cultural celebration that blends Goan creativity with India’s vibrant film heritage.

Events in Goa

56th IFFI 2025 Showcases Seven Remarkable Debut Masterpieces from India and Around the World

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

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.