Mumbai: The first Steering Committee meeting for the 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was convened 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 was attended by key dignitaries including Ministry Secretary Shri Sanjay Jaju, Festival Director Shri Shekhar Kapur, NFDC Managing Director Shri Prakash Magdum, officials from the Government of Goa, and distinguished members from the Indian and global film industry.
The 56th IFFI is scheduled to take place from November 20 to 28, 2025, in Goa, and this year’s festival promises a transformative experience driven by innovation, inclusivity, and a focus on emerging cinematic voices.
Strategic Discussions to Shape IFFI 2025
During the meeting, the committee discussed a wide range of initiatives including programming strategy, outreach efforts, talent engagement, and enhanced international collaboration. The festival will place a renewed emphasis on youth participation, offering curated masterclasses, industry workshops, and networking platforms for student filmmakers and young content creators to connect with global mentors and industry leaders.
Minister Vaishnaw stressed the importance of IFFI as a global stage for Indian cinema and an engine for cultural diplomacy. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting the Creative Economy through policy innovation and global engagement.
WAVES Film Bazaar – A New Identity
A major highlight of the meeting was the formal rebranding of the Film Bazaar to WAVES Film Bazaar. This South Asia’s largest and most influential film market will now reflect a modern, forward-looking identity in sync with India’s ambition to become a global content creation hub. The change was welcomed and endorsed by the Steering Committee as part of IFFI’s broader strategic vision.
Steering Committee Expansion to Reflect Diversity
The 2025 Steering Committee has been significantly expanded—from 16 to 31 members—to include a broader cross-section of the film and media industry. Eminent personalities like Anupam Kher, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Suhasini Maniratnam, Khushboo Sundar, Pankuj Parashar, and Prasoon Joshi have been included to bring diverse perspectives and cinematic insight to the festival’s evolution.
This diversity is expected to enrich IFFI’s programming and ensure that the festival represents a true cultural mosaic of Indian and global cinema.
Vision for a Global, Inclusive Festival
With the backing of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Government of Goa, IFFI 2025 is aligned with India’s goals of strengthening its Creative Economy, supporting media startups, and promoting India as a global filming destination via incentive-driven policies and single-window clearance systems.
Festival Director Shekhar Kapur emphasized the importance of cinema in a connected world, stating, “This edition of IFFI will not only celebrate cinematic excellence but also foster global collaboration and the creative energy of our youth.”
Conclusion
The 56th IFFI is shaping up to be a landmark edition that encapsulates India’s cultural dynamism, cinematic legacy, and growing global stature. By combining artistic excellence with strategic innovation, IFFI 2025 is set to elevate the Indian film industry’s role on the world stage.
Source: PIB
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