Mumbai | The groundwork for the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), scheduled to be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, began on a strategic note as the first meeting of the Steering Committee convened at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) headquarters in Mumbai.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw chaired the session, which witnessed participation from senior officials including Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju, Festival Director Shekhar Kapur, NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum, and key representatives from the Government of Goa. The gathering also featured a host of influential voices from both Indian and international cinema.
The Steering Committee’s discussions were rooted in reshaping the festival’s outreach and positioning it as a dynamic platform that nurtures new cinematic voices. Key themes included innovative programming, deeper talent engagement, and enhanced accessibility and global connectivity.
In a significant development, the Film Bazaar—South Asia’s most prominent film market—will now be known as WAVES Film Bazaar. The rebranding is aimed at reinforcing India’s role as a leading destination for global co-productions, content development, and cross-cultural cinematic exchange. Running concurrently with IFFI, WAVES Film Bazaar is expected to broaden India’s reach in the international film ecosystem.
Emphasizing youth engagement, the 2025 edition of IFFI will introduce a series of masterclasses, industry-specific workshops, and networking events to facilitate interaction between emerging filmmakers and international mentors.
To enrich planning and diversify input, the Steering Committee has expanded from 16 to 31 members. Notable additions include acclaimed actor Anupam Kher, Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, filmmaker Suhasini Maniratnam, actor-politician Khushboo Sundar, veteran director Pankuj Parashar, and lyricist-screenwriter Prasoon Joshi. Their inclusion reflects a commitment to holistic representation across film, media, and cultural leadership.
With these early plans taking shape, IFFI 2025 promises a vibrant and inclusive celebration of cinema, firmly aligned with India’s growing influence in the global film narrative.
