IFFI 2025 Goa: The Ultimate Guide to the 56th International Film Festival of India (Dates, Tickets, Awards, Film Bazaar & More)

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) is set to turn Panaji, Goa into a cinema paradise from November 20–28, 2025. Across nine packed days you’ll find world cinema, Indian premieres, Bollywood presence, filmmaker masterclasses, market meetings, and a full-on cultural carnival. This guide puts everything in one place—competition categories, WAVES Film Bazaar, Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT), IFFIESTA, registration rules, venues, awards, accessibility, deadlines, and more.

Why IFFI matters

• Asia’s oldest film festival (since 1952) and South Asia’s FIAPF-accredited competitive festival.

• Government-backed, organized by NFDC with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the Government of Goa, and the Indian Film Industry.

• Theme for 2025: “Creative Minds of Tomorrow”—a strong focus on youth, new voices, and genuine film appreciation over pure star-chasing.

• Festival Director: Shekhar Kapur (55th & 56th editions).

• NFDC MD: Prakash Magdum; key support from Secretary Sanjay Jaju (MIB).

• Expanded steering committee: 31 members including Anupam Kher, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Suhasini Maniratnam, Khushboo Sundar, Pankuj Parashar, Prasoon Joshi.

The Big Picture: Sections & Categories

International Competition (Feature Films)

• Up to 15 feature films from across the world (up to 3 Indian films).

• Duration ≥ 72 minutes; completed between Sep 1, 2024 and Aug 31, 2025.

• Golden Peacock (Best Film): ₹40 lakh (shared between director & producer) + trophy + certificates.

• Silver Peacock (Best Director): ₹15 lakh + trophy + certificate.

• Best Actor (Male/Female): ₹10 lakh each + trophy + certificate.

• Special Jury Award: ₹15 lakh.

• Best Debut Feature Film of a Director: ₹10 lakh.

• Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film (Indian Panorama-linked): ₹5 lakh + trophy + certificate.

Non-Competitive Showcases

• Cinema of the World (features + documentaries)

• Indian Panorama (feature & non-feature; no entry fee in 2025; submissions closed Aug 11, 2025)

• Curated packages: tributes, country focus, retrospectives, animation, gala premieres

• ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal: films that promote tolerance, dialogue, and peace

  

Indian Panorama 2025 (Best of Indian Cinema)

Four subsections:

1. Feature Films (mainstream & arthouse)

2. Non-Feature Films (documentaries & shorts)

3. Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film (₹5 lakh)

4. New Horizons (World/International/Asia/India premieres)

WAVES Film Bazaar (Nov 20–24) — South Asia’s Top Film Market

The rebranded WAVES Film Bazaar scales up India’s content ambitions:

• Venue: Marriott Resort, Goa

• Participants: 1,800+ delegates from 40+ countries expected

• Co-Production Market Grants: $20,000 total across winners

  • $10,000 – 1st prize (feature)

  • $5,000 – 2nd prize (feature)

  • $5,000 – special grant (documentary)

• Track record: market that boosted titles like The Lunchbox, Newton, Girls Will Be Girls and many more.

• Key deadlines (2025): Sep 7 (features) / Sep 13 (documentaries).
  

CMOT: Creative Minds of Tomorrow (4th Edition)

India’s largest fully-supported platform for emerging film talent:

• 100 young creators across 13 filmmaking crafts (up from 75/10 last year).

• 48-Hour Filmmaking Challenge on “Relationships in the Age of Technology”.

• Talent Camp with 11+ leading media & entertainment companies.

• Alumni pathways, industry mentorship, and exposure to real-world productions.

• Application deadline: Oct 3, 2025.

IFFIESTA (Nov 21–28): “Sabka Manoranjan” on the Panjim Waterfront

A public-facing cultural carnival at the Kala Academy waterfront:

• 11 traditional dance troupes showcasing India’s cultural diversity.

• 15–20 curated restaurants serving regional cuisines.

• NIFT fashion shows celebrating 60 years of Indian cinema.

• 4,000 sq ft exhibition dedicated to legends (Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, ANR, Tapan Sinha).

• Inflatable theatres for special screenings.

• Daily live acts—music, DJs, stand-up comedy.
  

Accessibility & Inclusion (Cinema for Everyone)

• Live sign-language interpretation for opening & closing ceremonies.

• Accessible India Films with audio descriptions and Indian Sign Language.

• Moviebuff Access app for visually impaired attendees.

• Staff sensitization & accessibility masterclasses to make the festival welcoming to all.
  

Venues & Festival Infrastructure

• Opening/Closing: Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium (~4,000 capacity)

• Screenings: dedicated venues across Panaji

• Film Bazaar: Marriott Resort, Goa

• IFFIESTA: Kala Academy, Panjim waterfront
  

Registration, Tickets & Daily Quotas

Book via my.iffigoa.org (physical event only). Typical delegate categories & daily ticket limits:

• Delegate – Professional: 5 tickets/day

• Cine Enthusiast / Student: 4 tickets/day

• Media Correspondent: 5 tickets/dayEarly-bird discounts are common; tickets usually open 2 days before screenings. (Create/log into your account at my.iffigoa.org to manage passes.)
  

International Participation & Country Focus

• The Country of Focus for 2025 will be announced closer to the dates (past focus: Australia (2024)).

• Expect 180+ international films from 80+ countries, multiple world/international/Asian/Indian premieres, and a high-volume industry turnout.
  

Awards & Prize Money (Approx. $113,856 Total)

• Golden Peacock (Best Film): ₹40 lakh + trophy + certificates

• Silver Peacock (Best Director): ₹15 lakh + trophy + certificate

• Best Actor (Male/Female): ₹10 lakh each + trophy + certificate

• ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal: for films upholding peace and tolerance

• Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award: for outstanding contribution to cinema
  

Deadlines at a Glance (2025)

• International Competition: Aug 31, 2025

• Indian Panorama: Aug 11, 2025 (no entry fee)

• CMOT: Oct 3, 2025

• Film Bazaar Co-Production Market: Sep 7 (features) / Sep 13 (docs)
  

IFFI’s Impact & Legacy

• CMOT alumni have worked on global titles like Dune, Nimona, Meg 2.

• NFDC has supported 300+ films that went on to win national & international awards; collaborations span legends such as Satyajit Ray, Richard Attenborough, Mira Nair, Ritesh Batra.

• IFFI stays consistent as a discovery festival where artistry, craft, and new Indian voices meet global industry standards.
  

Planning Your IFFI Trip: Quick Tips

• Register early and keep an eye on screening ticket windows (T–2 days). Prime shows fill up fast.

• Split your time: Competition films + Indian Panorama + Film Bazaar meetings + IFFIESTA evenings.

• Carry a power bank & water; venues are spread out.

• For industry networking, block time at Marriott (Film Bazaar) in the afternoon slots.

• Students & first-time delegates: don’t miss CMOT sessions and masterclasses. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1) When and where will the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) take place?

  The 56th IFFI 2025 will be held in Panaji, Goa from November 20 to 28, 2025. The opening and closing ceremonies are at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, while screenings and events are spread across Panaji, including the Kala Academy and the Marriott Resort (Film Bazaar venue).
  

  2) How can I register for IFFI 2025 and what are the ticket booking rules?

  You can register online at my.iffigoa.org. Once approved, delegates can book tickets two days in advance of screenings. Ticket quotas per day are:

  • Professionals – 5 tickets/day

  • Students & Cine Enthusiasts – 4 tickets/day

  • Media Delegates – 5 tickets/dayEarly-bird discounts are usually available, so registering early is recommended.
    

  3) What is the WAVES Film Bazaar and why is it important for filmmakers?

  The WAVES Film Bazaar (Nov 20–24, 2025, Marriott Resort Goa) is South Asia’s largest film market where producers, distributors, and investors meet. It offers $20,000 in co-production grants and has previously launched films like The Lunchbox and Newton. For any filmmaker, it’s the best place to find global partners and funding.
  

  4) What is the Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) program at IFFI 2025?

  CMOT 2025 is a flagship talent program for young creators. It selects 100 participants across 13 filmmaking crafts for workshops, industry mentorship, and the famous 48-Hour Filmmaking Challenge. The theme this year is “Relationships in the Age of Technology.” Last date to apply is October 3, 2025.
  

  5) What are the main awards given at IFFI 2025 and their prize money?

  The biggest honor is the Golden Peacock Award (₹40 lakh) for Best Film. Other key awards include:

  • Silver Peacock for Best Director – ₹15 lakh

  • Best Actor (Male & Female) – ₹10 lakh each

  • Special Jury Award – ₹15 lakh

  • Best Debut Feature Film of a Director – ₹10 lakh

  • Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for extraordinary contribution to cinema

  • ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal for films promoting peace and harmony
    

  6) Is IFFI 2025 accessible for differently-abled audiences?

  Yes. IFFI has strong accessibility measures:

  • Live sign-language interpretation during ceremonies

  • Accessible India Films with audio description and Indian Sign Language

  • Moviebuff Access app for visually impaired viewers

  • Sensitivity training for staff and special workshops on cinema accessibility

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  7) What are the key deadlines for filmmakers submitting to IFFI 2025?

  • International Competition: August 31, 2025

  • Indian Panorama (Feature & Non-Feature): August 11, 2025 (no entry fee)

  • Film Bazaar Co-Production Market: September 7 (features) & September 13 (docs)

  • Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT): October 3, 2025