Constructing The International Film Festival of India 2025

The 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa is not just a celebration of world cinema — it’s a clear signal of the government’s serious backing for creative talent. At the heart of this edition are major figures from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting: Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who chairs the IFFI steering committee, and I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju, both of whom have emphasized a “Convergence of Creativity & Technology” as this year’s guiding theme.

The International Film Festival of India 2025 is being organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), now more directly responsible for the festival after absorbing several film units. At the July 2025 steering committee meeting, Prakash Magdum, the Managing Director of NFDC, joined hands with Mr. Vaishnaw and Mr. Jaju to plan an expansive line-up, new outreach initiatives, and an inclusive vision for young creators.

In a striking move, IFFI has introduced India’s first AI Film Festival & Hackathon, under the aegis of NFDC and supported by the Ministry. This gives filmmakers and technologists a unique platform to explore AI-driven storytelling, with veteran festival director Shekhar Kapur himself heading the jury.

FTII (Film & Television Institute of India)  another institution under the I&B Ministry is also contributing to IFFI 2025’s spirit of learning. According to recent reports, FTII faculty will lead a Film Appreciation course in Goa during the festival, helping journalists and delegates deepen their understanding of cinema. The involvement of FTII underscores how education and policy are converging within the Ministry’s broader push for creative excellence.

Moreover, Press Information Bureau (PIB) leadership is closely connected: the media accreditation office has highlighted the role of PIB in facilitating IFFI’s press coverage, underlining the institutional seriousness behind the glitz.

All in all, IFFI 2025 feels like much more than just a film festival it’s a strategic, state-supported effort to bridge cinema, technology, and talent.

India Showcases Global Ambition with WAVES Bazaar Pavilion at Busan Film Festival 2025

Swati Bhat

Busan, South Korea –September 20,2025

India strengthened its global creative footprint at the Busan Film Festival 2025 with the inauguration of the WAVES Bazaar Pavilion, a dedicated space designed to connect Indian creators with international markets. Dignitaries at the event emphasized India’s growing influence in the global content economy and the pavilion’s role as a bridge between Indian storytelling and global audiences.

The WAVES Bazaar Pavilion serves as a dynamic platform for showcasing Indian films, digital content, and original stories to international buyers and distributors. It will also host B2B meetings between Indian and foreign producers, distributors, and content platforms, fostering new collaborations in global entertainment.

A major highlight of the pavilion is its focus on emerging creative industries such as animation, VFX, gaming, and immersive storytelling, aligning with India’s ambition to lead in new-age media innovation.

“WAVES Bazaar embodies India’s creative vision and its commitment to global collaboration,” noted one of the dignitaries at the Busan Film Festival.

The launch marks a significant milestone in India’s active participation in international film markets, further strengthening its position as a global hub for creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange.

Women in Film India Partners with I&B Ministry & NFDC to Spotlight Six Women-Led Projects at Toronto International Film Festival 2025

Swati Bhat

In a groundbreaking move to elevate women’s voices in cinema, Women in Film (WIF) India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s WAVES Film Bazaar and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), will select six women-led Indian film projects to be showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025.

The initiative, titled #WIFIndiaAtTIFF, reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering women through creativity and entrepreneurship. Led by Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, WIF India is calling for entries from filmmakers across India — each project must feature at least one woman in a key creative role.

“This is not just a delegation, it’s a declaration — Indian women in film are owning the global stage,” said Guneet Monga Kapoor, Founder of WIF India.

Selected filmmakers will gain access to TIFF 2025, mentorship from industry experts, and opportunities to network with international producers, distributors, and festival curators.

Entries are open until August 20, 2025, via the official WIF India website. The chosen six projects will represent India’s diverse storytelling spirit at TIFF 2025, running from September 4–14, 2025, marking a historic moment for women in Indian cinema.

https://womeninfilmindia.org/

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