The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open this year with a grand open-air inaugural ceremony in Panaji, marking a first in the festival’s history. The celebration will feature a spectacular parade of Carnival and Shigmo floats that will move from the Old Secretariat to the Old GMC Complex, setting the tone for a vibrant and cinematic beginning. The red carpet and formal inauguration will take place in front of the Old GMC building, where arrangements are being made to accommodate between 2,000 and 2,500 guests.
A total of 26 film-themed floats will participate in the opening parade, including 12 from Goa, showcasing the state’s artistic and cultural diversity. To recognize creativity and craftsmanship, the best five floats will be awarded. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that this is the first time the IFFI inauguration will be held in front of the Old GMC building and clarified that rumors suggesting a venue change due to the FIDE event were unfounded.
With the streets of Panaji set to come alive in color, music, and cinematic flair, this year’s IFFI promises to blend Goa’s festive culture with the magic of world cinema in a truly grand celebration.
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.
Margao, May 29, 2025 – The Pai Tiatrist Auditorium in Margao, a prominent cultural venue in Goa, has been temporarily closed due to essential roof repairs. The closure, which started in mid-May, was expected to be a brief disruption but has been delayed due to unforeseen monsoon rains. Rajendra Talak, Chairman of Ravindra Bhavan, confirmed that the venue will likely reopen by May 30, once the repairs are completed. The unexpected rains hindered progress, and the work was paused for safety reasons, as the building’s structural integrity had to be prioritized.
The roof repairs at the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium are necessary to maintain the building’s safety and functionality. Talak explained that the ongoing monsoon season led to delays, as the repair work could not be completed under rainy conditions. As a result, the auditorium has been closed for nearly two weeks. The repairs, while essential for the long-term upkeep of the venue, have unfortunately disrupted scheduled events, leaving the venue unusable for the time being. The government has ensured that the work will be completed as soon as possible, with a targeted reopening date of May 30, 2025.
As a result of the closure, all scheduled performances and events at the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium have been either cancelled or postponed. This includes a range of cultural activities, theatrical performances, and film screenings that were expected to take place in May. Talak assured that efforts are already underway to reschedule these events. The Ravindra Bhavan team is coordinating with performers and event organizers to ensure that all postponed shows will be rescheduled for later dates, and audience members will be informed promptly.
In a positive turn of events, the Shyam Benegal Film Festival, which was initially scheduled during the closure, will now mark the reopening of the auditorium. The festival, an important cultural milestone for Goa, will be inaugurated on May 30, 2025, by Jnanpith awardee Damodar Mauzo. The film festival will celebrate the works of renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal and is expected to draw cinema lovers from across the state. Despite the temporary setback, the inaugural event is set to bring the auditorium back to life, creating a buzz in the local cultural scene.
In addition to the roof repairs, Rajendra Talak revealed plans for major upgrades to the auditorium, which will take place in July and August 2025. These renovations are part of a broader effort to enhance the venue in preparation for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which will be held later in 2025. The upgrades will include improvements to the sound system, projector, and screen, ensuring that the auditorium can host large-scale cultural events and international festivals with the highest technical standards. These upgrades are expected to enhance the overall experience for both performers and audiences.
While the roof repairs have caused some disruption in the short term, the planned renovations and upgrades signal a promising future for the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium. The venue, known for hosting a wide array of cultural events, will continue to play a central role in Goa’s vibrant cultural landscape. Once the repairs and upgrades are completed, the auditorium will be fully equipped to host a variety of cultural and cinematic events, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of Goa’s rich artistic heritage.
The Pai Tiatrist Auditorium’s temporary closure for roof repairs may have caused some inconvenience, but the measures being taken to ensure its long-term functionality and modernization are clear. The venue is set to reopen on May 30 with the exciting Shyam Benegal Film Festival, signaling the start of a new chapter. With upcoming upgrades planned for later in the year, the auditorium will continue to be a vital cultural hub in Goa, attracting both local and international talent for years to come.
