#IFFIWood, 21 November 2025

The second day of the 56th IFFI 2025 witnessed a dynamic blend of global cinematic exchange, emerging talent showcases, high-level diplomatic engagement, and vibrant cultural conversations. A series of key events—including the inauguration of the Masterclass Series, launch of Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) 2025, the Ambassadors’ Roundtable, a dialogue on cinema, and a star-studded Red Carpet—highlighted IFFI’s growing stature as a premier international festival.

Dr. L. Murugan Inaugurates IFFI 2025 Masterclass Series

Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan inaugurated the Masterclass Series at Kala Academy, Goa, in the presence of senior officials and noted film personalities.

For the first time, the inauguration was opened to the general public, reflecting IFFI’s commitment to wider accessibility. Participants from Australia, Japan, Germany, and Canada have joined the segment.

Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan inaugurates the IFFI 2025 Masterclass Series with the traditional lighting of the lamp at Kala Academy, Goa

Union MoS Shri L Murugan inaugurates the highly anticipated Masterclass Series at the 56th IFFI in Goa by lighting the traditional lamp, alongside Secretary I&B Shri Sanjay Jaju, filmmaker Shri Muzaffar Ali, and other dignitaries

Secretary I&B Shri Sanjay Jaju addressing at Masterclass Series at the 56th IFFI in Goa

Union MoS Shri L Murugan, alongside Secretary I&B Shri Sanjay Jaju, filmmaker Shri Muzaffar Ali, and other dignitaries at Masterclass Series at the 56th IFFI in Goa

CMOT 2025 Begins: 125 Young Creators Take On 48-Hour Filmmaking Challenge

The fifth edition of Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) commenced with 125 emerging filmmakers participating in an intensive 48-hour filmmaking challenge.

Dr. Murugan encouraged participants to harness the high-pressure environment to refine their craft and highlighted initiatives such as the new Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai, aimed at strengthening India’s creative economy and supporting next-generation talent.

Thrilled to kick off CMOT 2025 with MoS Dr. L. Murugan and Secretary Shri Sanjay Jaju, celebrating our future filmmakers!

Thrilled to kick off CMOT 2025 with MoS Dr. L. Murugan and Secretary Shri Sanjay Jaju, celebrating our future filmmakers!

So much passion and talent gathered here today as CMOT 2025 begins

CMOT 2025: MoS Dr. L. Murugan addressing future filmmakers!

CMOT 2025: MoS Dr. L. Murugan addressing future filmmakers!

Red-Carpet Segment Draws Star Power and Audience Engagement

The Red-Carpet segment continued to be a major attraction, with renowned cinema personalities attending Gala Premieres of films at the festival. Designed to connect audiences with filmmakers, the segment showcased World, Asia, and India premieres, adding glamour and vibrancy to the festival atmosphere.

Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant at Red carpet of IFFI, Goa 2025

Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff and others at Red carpet of IFFI, Goa 2025

Manoj Bajpayee and The Family Man crew at Red carpet of IFFI, Goa 2025

Manoj Bajpayee and The Family Man crew at Red carpet of IFFI, Goa 2025

Filmmaker Muzaffar Ali present at Red Carpet the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Goa

India Highlights Co-Production Strength at IFFI Ambassadors’ Roundtable

IFFI hosted an Ambassadors’ Roundtable with diplomats from partner nations to explore enhanced cooperation in co-production, technology partnerships, and regulatory facilitation.

Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Shri Sanjay Jaju highlighted India’s emergence as a global production hub, while Dr. Murugan underscored co-production as a key pillar of audio-visual collaboration.

He noted the projected growth of India’s media and entertainment sector to USD 31.6 billion in 2025, supported by advancements in VFX, animation, and anti-piracy measures through inter-ministerial coordination.

MoS Dr. L. Murugan  and Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Shri Sanjay Jaju at Ambassadors' Round Table on Co-production at IFFI Goa

Ambassadors' Round Table on Co-production at IFFI Goa

Ambassadors' Round Table on Co-production at IFFI Goa

Ambassadors' Round Table on Co-production at IFFI Goa

Conversation on ‘Cinema and Culture: Reflections from Two Eras’ Held at IFFI

A special In-Conversation session featuring Muzaffar Ali and Shaad Ali, moderated by Shaad Ali, offered insights into Indian cinema across generations.

The interaction, preceded by a felicitation by Ravi Kottarakara, presented a rich dialogue on memory, creativity, and evolving artistic practices.

Muzaffar Ali and Shaad Ali in session on ‘Cinema and Culture: Reflections from Two Era,’ at IFFI

Filmmaker Ravi Kottarakara spoke warmly of the contributions of Muzaffar Ali and Shaad Ali at IFFI

About IFFI

Born in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands tall as South Asia’s oldest and largest celebration of cinema. Jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), State Government of Goa, the festival has grown into a global cinematic powerhouse—where restored classics meet bold experiments, and legendary maestros share space with fearless first-timers. What makes IFFI truly sparkle is its electric mix—international competitions, cultural showcases, masterclasses, tributes, and the high-energy WAVES Film Bazaar, where ideas, deals and collaborations take flight. Staged against Goa’s stunning coastal backdrop from November 20–28, the 56th edition promises a dazzling spectrum of languages, genres, innovations, and voices—an immersive celebration of India’s creative brilliance on the world stage.

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PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Edgar Coelho/Darshana Rane | IFFI 56 - 028