Here is a comprehensive blog post tailored for the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025. It includes all the logistical details you requested, along with new updates specific to this year’s edition (like the new carnival parade and AI theme).
Experience the Magic of Cinema: Your Ultimate Guide to the Goa Film Festival (IFFI) 2025
The sun, sand, and the silver screen are calling! The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is back in Goa, promising a nine-day celebration of world cinema, art, and culture. Whether you are a budding filmmaker, a dedicated cinephile, or a student of the arts, IFFI 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most innovative editions yet.
Here is everything you need to know to plan your festival experience.
Dates & Schedule
- Festival Dates: November 20 – November 28, 2025
- Opening Ceremony: November 20, 2025 (featuring a grand carnival parade)
- Closing Ceremony: November 28, 2025
Location & Venues
The festival takes place in Panaji, Goa, transforming the city into a cinematic hub.
- Main Festival Hub: Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) / Maquinez Palace.
- Screening Venues: INOX Panjim, Kala Academy, and Ravindra Bhavan (Fatorda/Margao).
- New for 2025: Open-air screenings at Miramar Beach and Vagator Beach for a movie-under-the-stars experience.
- Cultural Events: Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Auditorium (Taleigao).
Ticket Prices & Registration
To attend screenings and masterclasses, you must register as a Delegate. Registration is strictly online.
| Category | Price (Inclusive of GST) | Benefits |
| Cine Enthusiast | ₹1,180 | Access to screenings, masterclasses, and festival zones. |
| Film Professional | ₹1,180 | Access to screenings, panels, market sections, and networking events. |
| Student Delegate | FREE (₹0) | Free access to screenings & panels (Valid student ID required). |
- How to Register: Visit the official portal at my.iffigoa.org.
- Note: Registration usually opens in late September. It is recommended to register early as spots fill up quickly.
Volunteer & Work Opportunities
Volunteering at IFFI is a prestigious opportunity to work behind the scenes of a massive international event.
- Organizer: The volunteer program is managed by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG).
- Roles: Guest relations, venue management, ushering, technical support, and logistics.
- Application Process:
- ESG typically releases a “Call for Appointment of Personnel” in September or early October.
- Applications are offline/physical and must be submitted to the ESG office in Panaji.
- Status for 2025: The main application window generally closes by mid-October. However, you can check the ESG Website for any last-minute ad-hoc requirements.
![Goa Film Festival [Nov 2025], Dates, Ticket Price, Location, Registration](https://blogs.kingtechiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/image-1024x576.png)
Film Submissions (For Filmmakers)
If you want to see your film on the big screen at IFFI, here is the submission cycle you need to know for next year (as the 2025 deadline has passed).
- Submission Platforms: Films are submitted via FilmFreeway or the official IFFI website.
- Typical Deadline: August 31st of the festival year.
- Categories:
- International Competition: For feature films from around the world.
- Indian Panorama: For Feature and Non-Feature films from India.
- Creative Minds of Tomorrow: A competition for young filmmakers (aged 18-35) in various crafts like direction, acting, and editing.
2025 Festival Highlights
This year’s theme is “Creativity & Technology”, with a massive focus on Artificial Intelligence in cinema.
- The Grand Opening Parade: For the first time, the festival kicks off with a carnival float parade from the ESG Office to Kala Academy on Nov 20th.
- Country of Focus: Japan (Expect a curated slate of the best Japanese cinema).
- CinemAI Hackathon: A unique 48-hour filmmaking challenge where participants create short films using AI tools.
- IFFIesta: An entertainment zone featuring food stalls, music concerts, and cultural performances open to the public.
- Masterclasses: Sessions by industry legends (Past speakers have included A.R. Rahman, Shekhar Kapur, and international directors).
Pro-Tips for Attendees
- Book Slots Early: Even with a delegate pass, you must book seats for specific movie screenings via the IFFI App at 8:00 AM every morning. They vanish in seconds!
- Shuttle Service: Free festival shuttles usually run between the main venues (INOX, Kala Academy, and ESG).
- Dress Code: Smart casual is best. Goa is humid, but AC in theaters can be cold.