IFFI 2025 to honor Rajinikanth for 50 years in cinema
What's the story
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held from November 20-28. It'll feature over 240 films from 81 countries, including world premieres and Asian premieres. The festival has received a record-breaking number of submissions, with over 2,314 films from 127 countries. This year, the Country of Focus is Japan and the opening film is Brazilian filmmaker Gabriel Mascaro's The Blue Trail. Moreover, superstar Rajinikanth will be felicitated on the closing day for completing 50 years in cinema.
Minister's statement
Vision to promote Indian regional cinema: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said the festival will celebrate the spirit of "inclusivity, diversity, and innovation." He said their vision is to not only promote Indian regional cinema but also provide a platform for new-age filmmakers through initiatives that focus on "digital storytelling and nurturing emerging talent."
Special screenings
Special screenings to celebrate these filmmakers
IFFI 2025 will also celebrate the centenary of Indian cinema legends Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury with special screenings of their iconic films. The festival will feature masterclasses and in-conversations with industry stalwarts like Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, and Aamir Khan, among others.