Goa loves a good carnival—and this year, the state brought that festive spirit straight into the opening of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). On Thursday evening, instead of the traditional indoor inauguration, Panaji’s streets came alive as dancers, musicians, and colourful floats turned the city into a moving celebration of film and culture.
The parade stretched from the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) office to Kala Academy, with folk troupes from across India leading the way. Behind them rolled eye-catching cinema-themed tableaux—celebrating recent hits, iconic movies, and film organisations—much to the delight of hundreds gathered along the Mandovi riverside. Makeshift seating on the Panaji promenade gave locals and visitors a front-row experience to a rare blend of Indian traditions and cinematic glamour.
For years, IFFI has opened at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Taleigao, where central and state ministers, film personalities, and dignitaries would gather. But as Goa hosts IFFI for the 22nd year in a row, organisers are now trying to make the festival feel bigger, more inclusive, and more rooted in the Goan experience. This year’s festival opened with Brazilian filmmaker Gabriel Mascaro’s The Blue Trail and will run until November 28.
Government Pushes ‘Orange Economy’ Vision
Before the parade kicked off, dignitaries highlighted the government’s push for the “orange economy”—a growing global concept focused on blending creativity, culture, technology, and intellectual property.
Information & Broadcasting Ministry Secretary Sanjay Jaju remarked that this edition of IFFI has attracted the “largest collection of movies” yet, receiving nearly 3,000 entries. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and I&B, L. Murugan, added that the WAVES Film Bazaar would provide filmmakers with new international opportunities and global visibility.
‘Goa Is Becoming a Film Hub’
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant used the occasion to highlight how Goa has nurtured IFFI since it became the festival’s permanent home in 2004. He said the state’s infrastructure and hospitality have helped IFFI grow into a major global event.
“This year’s IFFI explores the theme—convergence of creativity and technology,” Sawant said, expressing the government’s goal to turn Goa into a year-round film production hub. He pointed to revamped film finance schemes, easier shooting permissions, and ongoing efforts to roll out a single-window clearance system.
Sawant also celebrated the achievement of two Goan films—Pilot and Claudia—being selected for the gala premiere section. “India is emerging as a global soft power,” he added, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strengthening the country’s cultural presence worldwide.
A Carnival That Brings IFFI Home
Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju praised the decision to bring the opening ceremony to the streets, saying it made IFFI more accessible to everyday Goans. He recalled former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who brought the festival to Goa two decades ago and ensured it remained here permanently.
Special Honour for Telugu Star
The evening also saw a special moment as Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna was honoured for completing 50 years in the film industry.
As the music, lights, and cultural displays filled Panaji’s streets, the festival’s new opening format hinted at a broader vision—an IFFI that doesn’t just take place in Goa but one that blends with its culture, its people, and its vibrant spirit
