Events in Goa

Pete Draper to Reveal the Magic Behind Movie VFX at the 56th IFFI


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, October 2025 โ€” The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is set to captivate cinema enthusiasts with a special session featuring renowned VFX Supervisor Pete Draper, whose visionary work has redefined visual storytelling in Indian cinema. Known for creating breathtaking visuals in cinematic blockbusters like Baahubali, RRR, and several international projects, Draper will take audiences behind the scenes to explore how technology and imagination combine to create movie magic.

At IFFI 2025, Draper will share insights into the evolving world of visual effects โ€” from concept visualization and CGI integration to the seamless blending of digital environments with live action. His talk will highlight the creative and technical processes that transform directorsโ€™ visions into spectacular visual experiences.

A veteran in the field of digital artistry, Pete Draper has been instrumental in shaping the modern landscape of Indian VFX. His expertise spans a diverse range of cinematic styles, from historical epics to futuristic fantasies. His work on Baahubali and RRR showcased how Indian cinema could achieve Hollywood-level visual grandeur, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers and digital artists.

The 56th edition of IFFI continues to emphasize the confluence of art, technology, and innovation in cinema. Sessions like these not only offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind filmmaking but also celebrate the collaborative spirit that defines the film industry.

The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), the nodal agency behind IFFI, has consistently brought together global film experts, creative professionals, and cinema lovers to exchange ideas, explore new perspectives, and honor the evolving art of filmmaking.

Audiences attending IFFI 2025 can look forward to a captivating deep dive into the artistry of VFX โ€” where imagination meets innovation, and the impossible becomes cinematic reality.

Films

Indian Cinemaโ€™s Finest Honoured at 71st National Film Awards โ€“ Complete Winners List Inside


New Delhi | August 1, 2025 โ€” The 71st National Film Awards honoured the best of Indian cinema from 2023, with a diverse range of films and talent recognized across feature and non-feature categories. The awards were announced by a jury headed by acclaimed filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker.

๐ŸŽฌ Major Feature Film Awards:

  • Best Feature Film: 12th Fail
  • Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
  • Best Actress: Rani Mukerji (Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway)
  • Best Director: Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story)
  • Best Supporting Actress: Urvashi (Ullozhukku) & Janki Bodiwala (Vash)
  • Best Supporting Actor: Vijayaraghavan (Pookkaalam), M.S. Bhaskar (Parking)
  • Best Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani

Best Film Promoting National/Social Values: Sam Bahadur

๐ŸŽถ Music & Technical Excellence:

  • Best Music Direction (Songs): Vaathi (Tamil)
  • Best Background Score: Animal โ€“ Harshavardhan Rameshwar
  • Best Lyrics: Balagam (The Group)
  • Best Choreography: Dhindhora Baje Re โ€“ Vaibhavi Merchant
  • Best Cinematography: Prasantanu Mohapatra (The Kerala Story)
  • Best Dialogue Writer: Deepak Kingrani (Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai)

Best Screenplay: Baby (Sai Rajesh Neelam), Parking (Ramkumar Balakrishna)

๐ŸŒ Regional Film Winners:

  • Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery
  • Best Tamil Film: Parking
  • Best Telugu Film: Bhagavanth Kesari
  • Best Malayalam Film: Ullozhukku
  • Best Bengali Film: Deep Fridge
  • Best Assamese Film: Rongatapu 1982
  • Best Marathi Film: Shyamchi Aai
  • Best Punjabi Film: Godday Godday Chaa

Best Odia Film: Pushkara

๐Ÿ“ฝ๏ธ Top Non-Feature Film Winners:

  • Best Non-Fiction Film: Flowering Man
  • Best Debut Film of a Director: The Spirit Dreams of Cheraw
  • Best Documentary Film: God, Vulture and Human
  • Best Art/Culture Film: Timeless Tamil Nadu
  • Best Short Film: Giddh: The Scavenger
  • Best Script: Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know
  • Best Direction (Non-Feature): Piyush Thakur (The First Film)

๐ŸŽ–๏ธ Special Mentions & Legacy

Special mentions were given to Nekal โ€“ Chronicle of the Paddy Man and The Sea and the Seven Villages. The Best Film Critic honour went to Utpal Datta. The legacy of the awards continues from 1954 when Shyamchi Aai (Marathi) won the first Best Feature Film.

Ironically, the most awarded film in the history of the awards remains Lagaan, helmed by this yearโ€™s jury chief Ashutosh Gowariker.

From newcomers to legends, this yearโ€™s winners represent the rich diversity, courage, and innovation of Indian storytelling. ๐ŸŽ‰