The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is set to elevate India’s cinematic influence globally, with inclusive initiatives, youth engagement, and the rebranded WAVES Film Bazaar at its core.
Highlights:
- First Steering Committee meeting held at NFDC HQ, Mumbai
- Chaired by Union I&B Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw
- Focus on global outreach, youth-centric programming & inclusivity
- WAVES Film Bazaar aims to boost South Asia’s global film presence.
- Steering Committee expanded from 16 to 31 members
- IFFI 2025 scheduled from 20th to 28th November 2025 in Goa
The first meeting of the Steering Committee for the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) took place today at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) headquarters in Mumbai. The session was chaired by Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, and saw the presence of top officials including Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Shri Sanjay Jaju; Festival Director Shri Shekhar Kapur; MD, NFDC, Shri Prakash Magdum; senior representatives from the Government of Goa and NFDC; and a distinguished panel of committee members from both Indian and global film industries.
Scheduled for November 20 to 28, 2025, in Goa, the 56th edition of IFFI promises to be a transformative chapter in India’s film festival journey. The Steering Committee held in-depth discussions on the event’s strategic direction, emphasizing global reach, creative programming, and stronger engagement with youth and emerging talent. Plans include curated masterclasses, interactive workshops, and vibrant networking platforms to empower student filmmakers and new-age content creators.
A major highlight of the discussions was the rebranding of the iconic Film Bazaar to WAVES Film Bazaar, South Asia’s largest film market. This rebranding, endorsed by the committee, underscores India’s commitment to becoming a global hub for storytelling, co-productions, and cinematic collaborations.
In a step toward enhancing inclusivity and insight, the Steering Committee has expanded from 16 to 31 members. The new members—comprising cinema legends and industry leaders like Anupam Kher, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Suhasini Maniratnam, Khushboo Sundar, Pankuj Parashar, and Prasoon Joshi—bring with them rich experience across production, culture, and media.
IFFI 2025 will also align closely with India’s broader Creative Economy goals—supporting startups in media, attracting international productions via single-window clearances, and fostering a pro-innovation environment. With its forward-looking vision, the festival is positioned to celebrate not only cinematic artistry but also India’s growing stature in the global entertainment ecosystem.
As planning moves ahead, IFFI 2025 promises to be a landmark edition—blending tradition with transformation, and storytelling with strategy—bringing the world of cinema closer than ever before.
