IFFI opening party moves to the streets as Goa aims to expand scale
For Goa and its residents, carnivals are very much part of their lives. This year, the 56th International Film Festival of India, Goa, kicked off Thursday evening with a grand parade on the Panaji streets—from the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) office to Kala Academy stretch—as several folk troupes from different parts of the country […]
Union Minister of State L Murugan during the 48-hour film challenge at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) , in Panaji, Goa. (PIB via PTI Photo)
For Goa and its residents, carnivals are very much part of their lives. This year, the 56th International Film Festival of India, Goa, kicked off Thursday evening with a grand parade on the Panaji streets—from the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) office to Kala Academy stretch—as several folk troupes from different parts of the country performed.
They were followed by a series of cinema-related tableaux, celebrating recent successful cinematic outings as well as offering glimpses of popular movies and works of film bodies. As the evening progressed with revellers occupying the makeshift seating arrangements made on the Panaji Promenade by the Mandovi river, it became a blend of Indian cultural elements and cinematic achievements.
For the past several years, the IFFI opening ceremony used to take place at the spacious Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao, with central and state ministers, IFFI officials and prominent film personalities in attendance. As Goa is hosting IFFI for the 22nd consecutive year, efforts are being made to make it a grand event for the residents as well as festival delegates. The festival, which opened with Brazilian auteur Gabriel Mascaro’s The Blue Trail, will conclude on November 28.
Before the parade of artists and tableaux, a number of dignitaries underlined the government’s emphasis on “orange economy” which refers to a concentrated effort to integrate “culture, creativity, technology, and IP”. Speaking on the occasion, I&B Ministry Secretary Sanjay Jaju said this year’s IFFI had got “the largest collections of movies” and it also received the “largest number of entries” around 3,000 applications.
Talking about WAVES Film Bazaar, L Murugan, MoS for Parliamentary Affairs and I&B Ministry, said it would provide a platform for creative minds to explore possibilities of global reach.
The festival, first held in 1952, moved to Goa in 2004 as an annual event with the intention of making it a permanent home. CM Pramod Sawant said the festival has thrived here for over two decades because the state has offered it international infrastructure and hospitality. “This year’s IFFI explores the powerful theme—convergence of creativity and technology,” he said and added that the aim is to make Goa “a global film production hub” as efforts are underway to build a year-round cinema ecosystem. “This is the result of strong policy, including film finance schemes and revised film shooting rules that facilitates faster permissions. The single window clearance is under process. We want filmmakers to choose Goa not only because of its beauty but also for the support system it provides,” Sawant said.
“I am proud to mention that two Goan films Pilot and Claudia have been selected for the gala premier section of IFFI… India is emerging as a global soft power and under leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the country is reaching international heights,” he said.
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Expressing his appreciation for giving the opening a more carnival-like character, Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju said this brings “IFFI closer” to Goa’s common people. “… I am also reminded of my former ministerial colleague and friend late Manohar Parrikar who brought IFFI to Goa in 2004. His work during the first edition ensured that Goa became the permanent venue.”
At the opening event, Telugu star Nandamuri Balakrishna was honoured for completing 50 years in cinema. (With inputs from Pavneet Singh Chadha)
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
