56th IFFI 2025 would turn out to be a rich cinematic feast for cinéphiles © film critic Lalit Rao (FIPRESCI)

56th International Film Festival of India 2025 would turn out to be a rich cinematic feast for cinéphiles from India and abroad © film critic Lalit Rao (FIPRESCI) dated 17.11.2025 

 

 

For cinéphiles around the world, there is a simple benchmark of a worthwhile film festival: whether it offers at least ten truly good films. If this yardstick is applied to the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), to be held in Goa from 20 November 2025 onward, this edition promises to surpass expectations. With more than twenty high-quality films selected across its diverse sections—and many with significant acclaim already attached—IFFI 2025 is shaping up to be a stellar year for film lovers, critics, scholars, and industry professionals.

 

A major highlight of the upcoming festival is the ‘‘World Cinema’’ / ‘‘Cinema of the World’’ section, which, in 2025, is particularly impressive. Out of the many films chosen, as many as 21 feature films have represented their respective nations as official submissions for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. This strong presence of Oscar-submitted films signals an exceptional level of curatorial rigor.

 

Among these prominent titles are “Magellan” by Filipino auteur Lav Diaz, “The President’s Cake” from Iraq, directed by Hasan Hadi, and “Orphan” by Hungary’s acclaimed director László Nemes. These films reflect a wide array of cultures, cinematic sensibilities, and narrative styles, offering audiences a deeply global film experience. The selection underscores IFFI’s growing stature in curating films that not only resonate artistically but also represent major national cinematic trends.

 

                                         A new phase: Waves Film Bazaar 2025

 

Another important chapter in IFFI’s history will unfold this year. For the first time, the festival’s professional networking and market platform—long known as Film Bazaar—will be organized as Waves Film Bazaar 2025. Scheduled from 21 to 24 November, this newly expanded marketplace aims to enhance business opportunities, encourage collaboration across borders, and provide a structured environment for distribution, sales, co-production, pitching, and talent discovery.

For anyone involved in the buying, selling, or promotion of films, attendance at Waves Film Bazaar is likely to be hugely beneficial. The new structure promises updated facilities, more international participation, and improved platforms for project exposure.

 

                         A welcome correction : Strong representation of women jury members

 

In the run-up to the festival, an article in a well-known Indian newspaper has mistakenly suggested that women had been underrepresented across various IFFI juries. This claim stands corrected by the official festival information. As it turns out, ten women artists—from India as well as abroad—have been appointed to different juries across the festival’s competitive categories. This balanced representation reflects the festival’s steady commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities within the programming and evaluation process.

 

                              A powerful opening film from Brazil : “O Último Azul”

 

 

The opening film of the 56th IFFI 2025 is the much-celebrated Brazilian feature “O Último Azul” (The Last Blue), directed by Gabriel Mascaro. The film has already made waves on the international circuit, having won the Grand Jury Prize at the Berlinale 2025.

 

The story centres on a 75-year-old woman who breaks free from surveillance and enforced retirement. In a bold act of rebellion, she embarks on a journey through the Amazon River, hoping to pursue her lifelong dream of flying. What follows is a tender, deeply emotional tale of resistance and self-discovery. Mascaro’s film promises to set a resonant and moving tone for this edition of IFFI.

 

                                       A daring closing film from Thailand : “A useful ghost”

 

 

The closing film of IFFI 2025 is the Thai feature film “A Useful Ghost”, which received the Grand Prize AMI Paris during Critics’ Week (Semaine de la Critique) at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. Thailand has a strong tradition of producing horror films, but this new title by debutant director Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke refuses to conform to any single genre.

 

Instead, the film offers a rich and inventive blend of fantasy, romance, horror, comedy, arthouse sensibilities, and sharp social commentary. "A Useful Ghost" shifts effortlessly between tones while exploring themes of classism, oppression, trauma, and historical memory in modern Thailand. With such a layered narrative and genre-defying structure, the film is likely to be one of the most talked-about screenings at the festival.

 

                                                                   Japan as the country of focus

 

 

In 2025, Japan has been chosen as the Country of Focus, with six notable Japanese films slated for screening. Among them is “A Pale View of Hills”, directed by Kei Ishikawa, which was previously selected for the Cannes and Toronto International Film Festivals.

 

Based on the first novel by Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro, the film reflects on the memories of post-war Nagasaki as experienced through the perspectives of women. Its introspective, atmospheric approach complements IFFI’s goal of showcasing cinematic works rooted deeply in cultural and historical complexities.

 

                                                               Spain as the partner country

 

 

Spain joins 56th IFFI 2025 as the partner country, bringing with it four acclaimed films, including the widely praised “Sirat”, directed by Ólivier Laxe. Since its award-winning début at the Cannes film festival, “Sirat” has been among the most talked-about films of the year.

 

The film follows a father (played by Sergi López) and his 12-year-old son (Bruno Núñez Arjona) on their desperate search for the family’s missing teenage daughter. Their journey leads them to a remote rave in southern Morocco. After failing to find her there, they join a group of ravers journeying across a vast desert expanse. Deeply symbolic and visually captivating, “Sirat” has already been screened at major festivals such as Toronto, San Sebastián, BFI London, New York, and Sarajevo. At IFFI 2025, it will serve as the Mid-Fest Film, a distinction offered to one of the festival's biggest highlights.

 

                                                           Mission Life: cinema with a purpose

 

 

The ‘‘Mission Life’’ section features a collection of thought-provoking films crafted to reflect humanist values, environmental concerns, and social issues. Among these titles are “Hen”, directed by György Pálfi, and “Silent Friend” by the acclaimed Ildikó Enyedi. Both films offer meditative, artistically daring explorations of the human condition.

 

                                                    Indian Panorama: A showcase of national talent

 

 

The Indian Panorama section—one of the most important components of IFFI—returns this year with 25 feature films and 20 documentaries, including five début feature films. This section provides a crucial platform for showcasing India’s diverse regional and independent cinema.

 

The opening film of the feature category is “Amaran”, directed by Rajkumar Periasamy. Set against the backdrop of the Indian Army, it narrates the emotionally complex story of Major Mukund Varadarajan and his wife, Indhu. The film explores themes of honour, sacrifice, and romantic devotion as the protagonist rises through the ranks while facing significant personal challenges.

 

 

For the non-feature category, the opening film is “Kakori”, directed by Kamlesh K. Mishra. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Kakori Rail Action, the film pays homage to the young revolutionaries whose courage and sacrifice became defining moments in India’s freedom struggle.

 

Among the notable films worth seeking out within the Panorama section are “Whispers of the Mountain”, directed by Jigar Nagda, and “White Snow”, directed by Praveen Morchhale. “White Snow,” which positions itself as an artistic revolt against repressive political structures, has already been screened at prestigious festivals such as the São Paulo International Film Festival (Mostra) and the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) in Indonesia.

 

                                                Macabre Dreams: revisiting genre cinema

 

 

Genre lovers will find their haven in the Macabre Dreams section, which includes “Alpha”, directed by Julia Ducournau. Her earlier film Titane made headlines at 52nd IFFI 2021 and across the world. “Alpha” is expected to bring a similarly bold approach to body horror, emotional extremities, and cinematic experimentation.

 

                                           Honouring the masters: centenaries and restorations.

 

 

The 56th IFFI 2025 will also celebrate the artistic legacies of several legendary filmmakers on the occasion of their centenaries. The festival will pay tribute to towering cinematic figures including Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury. Among the restored classics being showcased are Chowdhury’s “Musafir” and Ghatak’s timeless masterpiece “Subarnarekha.”

 

Adding to the excitement is the 125th birth anniversary celebration of iconic filmmaker V. Shantaram. To honour this milestone, 56th IFFI 2025 will present a special 4K restored screening of his 1946 classic “Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani.” Known for its deeply humanistic portrayal of compassion, courage, and medical heroism, this restored version—prepared by NFDC–NFAI—is set to be a major draw for classic cinema enthusiasts.

 

                                                              A talk for the true cinéphile

 

Film criticism and its role in contemporary media will take centre stage in the discussion “Beyond the Thumb – The Role of a Film Critic: A Gatekeeper, An Influencer or Something Else?” Scheduled for 26 November 2025, this session promises a refreshing and intellectually engaging look at how criticism shapes cinematic culture today.

 

                                             Restored ‘‘World Cinema’’ classics for the new generation

 

To complement its richly curated lineup, the festival will present four restored classics celebrated worldwide: “Yi Yi” directed by Edward Yang, “Muriel’s Wedding” by P. J. Hogan, “Pulp Fiction” by Quentin Tarantino, and “Calamity” by Věra Chytilová. The presence of these films provides today’s audiences a chance to revisit or discover landmark works that continue to influence global cinema.

 

                                                 Conclusion: A film festival overflowing with choice

 

With so much extraordinary cinema across genres, countries, and formats, cinéphiles attending 56th IFFI 2025 will have a difficult—but delightful—time choosing what to watch. Likewise, industry professionals will find immense value in the renewed and expanded Waves Film Bazaar. Whether one seeks artistic brilliance, compelling storytelling, historic restorations, or professional networking, the 56th IFFI promises something rich and rewarding for everyone.