Grand Finale: Celebrating the Triumphs of Young Filmmakers at the 48-Hour Challenge in IFFI 2025

Day 04 of IFFI 2025 highlighted international talent through creative challenges

Swati Bhat

Day 04 of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 was a vibrant assembly of global talent, marked by the conclusion of intense creative challenges and inspiring masterclasses.

The day began with the grand finale of the 48-hour Challenge of Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT), capturing the exhaustion, relief, and joy of young filmmakers as they presented their final projects.

The PIB Media Centre was the lively heart of the festival, hosting a series of significant press conferences. Directors and actors from 'De Tal Palo' (Iván Dariel Ortiz Landrón, José Félix Gómez) and 'Pike River' (Robert Sarkies) shared their compelling stories, while the teams behind 'Seaside Serendipity' (Tomomi Yoshimura) and 'Tiger' (Anshul Chauhan, Kosei Kudo, Mina Moteki) highlighted the strong influence of Asian cinema.

Indian regional cinema and documentaries were prominently showcased, with Sandesh Kadur, Paresh Mokashi, and Debangkar Borgohain discussing their unique films: 'Nilgiris – A Shared Wilderness,' 'Mukkam Post Bombilwadi,' and 'Sikaar'. International artistry continued to captivate as directors Christina Theresa Tournatzès ('Karla') and Hayakawa Chie ('Renoir') shared their creative journeys in a joint session.

The highlight of Day 04 was the much-anticipated Masterclass: 'Giving Up is NOT a Choice!'. Renowned Actor and Speaker Anupam Kher enthralled the audience at Kala Academy with a powerful and motivational speech that reinforced the day's theme of resilience and passion.

Conclusion of 48 hours of Challenge of CMOT

The 48-hour "Creative Minds of Tomorrow" (CMOT) challenge concluded with a closing ceremony today, November 23, 2025, at the Kala Academy in Goa, as part of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025.

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Capturing India's Essence: CBC Troupes Showcase Vibrant Cultural Heritage Through The Various Art Forms at IFFI 2025

The INOX venue buzzed with the energy of India's folk traditions. Artists from across the nation, showcased by the Central Bureau of Communication's troupes, captivated audiences with traditional dances, regional songs, and vibrant storytelling, celebrating India's heart and heritage.

The Thadiya folk dance and song from Garhwal, Uttarakhand, brings the Himalayan spirit to IFFI 2025, performed soulfully by CBC PRTs.

The CBC PRTs' performance of Assam's captivating Bhortal dance enthrals the audience at IFFI 2025.

The vibrant Sambalpuri folk dance of Odisha highlights the state's rich rhythmic heritage.

Jajhiya folk dance performance from the Mithila region of Bihar by CBC PRTs at IFFI 2025

The SINHTOO DANCE of the Hatti Tribe in Sirmour District, Himachal Pradesh, vibrantly showcases tribal culture and energy.

The Gussadi-Tribal dance of Telangana captivates with its intricate steps, traditional attire, and raw cultural energy.

A lively Dogri dance from Jammu showcases the region's cultural melodies and joyful spirit at IFFI 2025.

A beautiful Raas Folk Dance by People's Action for Social Development, Daman and Diu, celebrating unity through rhythm.

The spectacular Addukke Karagattam, a traditional Tamil Nadu folk dance requiring immense skill and grace, thrills the IFFI 2025 audience.

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Unveiling the Connection Between Breath & Emotions at IFFI 2025 with Vinay Kumar

Interpreting the Body’s Secret Language

Swati Bhat

‘Breath and Emotion: A Masterclass on Performances,’ conducted by Vinay Kumar K J of Adishakti, was a standout event at IFFI. As a protégé of Veenapani Chawla and the Artistic Director at Adishakti, Vinay infused his session with discipline, tradition, and insight.

Shri Prabhat, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, recognized Vinay's contributions prior to the session. Vinay engaged the audience directly, transforming the environment into a collaborative exploration.

He encouraged the audience to reconsider their understanding of emotion, highlighting its evolution over time and across cultures. Vinay stressed the importance of the body's role in expressing emotions, proposing that gestures are acquired behaviors.

Vinay asserted that breath, rather than the brain, governs human mechanics. He explained that breath affects muscularity and emotion, which manifests physiologically before psychologically. He connected this to ancient Indian wisdom, acknowledging the complexity of contemporary emotional challenges.

Vinay delved into the Navarasa, illustrating how each rasa elicits a distinct bodily response and breath pattern. He emphasized the subtle rhythms in communication, such as gestures and breath signals.

Through demonstrations and interaction, Vinay's masterclass provided profound insights into the interplay of breath, body, and emotion, offering valuable knowledge for performers and anyone interested in a deeper understanding of the human condition.

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