IFFI 2025 Begins with Historic Parade Featuring Global Performances
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) opened in Goa with its first-ever grand parade, marking a powerful cultural beginning to the nine-day celebration of global cinema. The parade, stretching from the Old GMC building to the Kala Academy, showcased over 30 vibrant floats, artistic presentations, folk performances, and tributes to Indian cinema.
Cultural groups from across the country participated with traditional attire, folk dances, regional music, and state-themed tableaux. Major highlights included a float celebrating the centenary of filmmaker Guru Dutt, a tribute to five decades of the National Film Development Corporation, and a vibrant representation of Telugu cinema, featuring models of N.T. Rama Rao and Prabhas, along with lookalikes of key stars.
The opening ceremony saw the presence of dignitaries, including Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, and Union Minister L. Murugan, who spoke about IFFI’s growing global importance and Goa’s emerging film infrastructure.
Following the parade, the Brazilian film The Blue Trail premiered at INOX Panjim, with director Gabriel Mascaro and the cast in attendance. The film, a Silver Bear winner, explores the emotional journey of a 77-year-old woman navigating a politically turbulent Amazon.
Earlier in the day, the WAVES Film Bazaar—South Asia’s largest film market—opened with more than 300 curated projects. A standout moment was a rendition of “Vande Mataram” by South Korean leader and former K-pop singer Jaewon Kim, receiving a standing ovation.
With 240+ films from 81 countries, including multiple premieres and restored classics, IFFI 2025 promises an enriching experience for cinephiles, filmmakers and industry experts.
