The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is one of Goa’s most loved annual cultural celebrations. Every year, filmmakers, artists, performers, and film lovers gather to celebrate cinema from around the world. This year, the 56th edition of IFFI will begin with a special change in venue for its opening ceremony. Instead of the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium at Bambolim, the opening event will now take place in front of the historic Old GMC building in Panjim.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that the opening ceremony will be preceded by a grand floats parade. The parade will begin from the Old Secretariat and move toward Kala Academy from 3.30 pm. A total of 26 floats will participate, and each float will represent a theme related to cinema.
The main opening area at Old GMC will be transformed into an open air auditorium. The stretch of the road will be able to accommodate nearly 2000 to 2500 people. This will give the event a more public, open and festive atmosphere, marking a return to the Old GMC venue after nearly 20 years. The last time the opening ceremony was held here was in 2005.
However, along with the excitement, there is also growing discussion about the absence of Goan films in the official sections of IFFI 2025. Vishal Pai Cacode, former member of the governing body of the Entertainment Society of Goa, expressed disappointment that not a single Goan film has been listed in the official category this year. He shared concerns that local filmmakers are not receiving the encouragement and support they deserve.
He also pointed out that although Goa Film Finance Scheme was introduced to empower Goan filmmakers, many have struggled to access actual support due to delays, unclear processes and lack of active follow up.
The upcoming edition of IFFI brings both celebration and reflection. While the shift to Old GMC and the floats parade will add cultural vibrancy to this year’s opening, the voices of local filmmakers remind us that Goa’s own film culture needs to be nurtured, supported and honored as an essential part of the festival itself.
As IFFI 2025 approaches, the hope is that the festival will not only bring global cinema to Goa but also continue to encourage and uplift Goan storytellers, whose voices deserve a place on the world stage.