Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
The first meeting of the Steering Committee for the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa, was held at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) headquarters, in Mumbai today. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, and attended by Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Shri Sanjay Jaju, Festival Director Shri Shekhar Kapur, Managing Director, NFDC, Shri Prakash Magdum, senior officials from the Government of Goa, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and NFDC, and an esteemed panel of Steering Committee members from across the Indian and global film industries.
The meeting focused on strategic planning for IFFI 2025, with detailed discussions on programming, outreach, talent engagement and innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing the festival’s inclusivity, global positioning, and public engagement. The 56th edition of IFFI is scheduled to be held from 20th to 28th November 2025 in Goa. With a renewed focus on youth, the festival will open new avenues for student filmmakers and young content creators through curated masterclasses, industry workshops and networking platforms that connect new voices with global mentors.
Running alongside IFFI is the newly rebranded WAVES Film Bazaar—South Asia’s largest film market and a critical component of India’s international film outreach. The rebranding of Film Bazaar to WAVES Film Bazaar was discussed and endorsed by the Steering Committee as part of a broader strategic vision to position India as a global hub for content, creativity, and co-productions.
In a move to foster greater inclusivity and creative insight into the festival’s design, the Steering Committee has been significantly expanded—from 16 to 31 members—reflecting a more diverse and industry-representative body. The committee includes notable names such as Anupam Kher, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Suhasini Maniratnam, Khushboo Sundar, Pankuj Parashar, and Prasoon Joshi bringing a wealth of expertise from across cinema, production, media, and cultural leadership.
IFFI 2025 is also aligned with India’s broader vision of strengthening the Creative Economy, supporting startups in media and entertainment, and encouraging global productions to shoot in India through single-window facilitation and incentive-based policies. With its ambitious programming, inclusive approach, and commitment to cinematic excellence, the 56th edition of IFFI is poised to be a landmark celebration – one that reflects the evolving meaning of cinema in a connected, creative, and collaborative world.