NewzVille Entertainment Desk
The curtain-raiser event for the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held in New Delhi today. It highlights an extensive and diverse programme: more than 240 films from 81 countries, 13 world premieres, 4 international premieres, and 46 Asian premieres.
The festival has received a record 2,314 submissions from 127 countries, underscoring IFFI’s growing prominence on the global festival circuit.
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan highlighted that this year’s IFFI introduces several new initiatives reflecting innovation and inclusivity. The Minister highlighted that over 50 women directors have their films featured this year, underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting Nari Shakti in cinema. He also announced that OTT awards will continue this year to recognise excellence in web and streaming content.
Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, highlighted that Indian cinema is making a strong global impacts. He informed that Japan, Spain, and Australia will bring new collaborations to IFFI this year. A grand carnival parade featuring production houses, states, and cultural groups will add a vibrant spirit, while a larger Film Bazaar will boost international co-productions.
IFFI 2025 Festival Director Shekhar Kapur said India is both the world’s largest film-making and film-watching nation, celebrating its people’s love for stories. He emphasised that storytelling builds understanding and peace across cultures.
Highlighting the Film Bazaar, he called it a movement that empowers young creators through technology. He added that Artificial Intelligence should be seen as a creative tool helping storytellers share India’s stories with the world.
Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau; Prabhat, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting; Dr. Ajay Nagabhushan, Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting; Raja Bundela, Chairman, Indian Panorama Jury (Feature); Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC; and Dharam Gulati, Chairman, Indian Panorama Jury (Non-feature) were also present during the event.
