NT Reporter | Panaji
The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open with a 26-float float parade, on November 20,while for the very first time the inauguration will be held outdoors at an open venue at the Old GMC complex in Panaji.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the decision on Monday after reviewing IFFI preparedness at Mantralaya. He said that while the inaugural ceremony will take place at the Old GMC complex, the closing ceremony will be held at the Dr Shyama Prasad Stadium, Taleigao. The festival will run from November 20 to 28, 2025.
“The inaugural ceremony will be in an open format for the first time. The main stage for the VIP and inaugural ceremony will be at the Old GMC complex while the red-carpet area will be inside the INOX complex. The cultural programmes will take place along the stretch from the Old Secretariat to Kala Academy,” he said.
Sawant dismissed reports claiming that the venue was changed due to the unavailability of the stadium.
“Some media has spread a wrong message among people by saying the IFFI programme was shifted due to unavailability of a stadium as the FIDE event is going on there. Actually, the FIDE world championship event is currently underway at Rio Resort at Arpora. So, this event has nothing to do with the IFFI inaugural ceremony. The open-format celebration including the float parade was suggested by IFFI directors themselves,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the float parade will transform the stretch from the Old Secretariat to Kala Academy into a vibrant celebration of cinema and culture. The D B Road will remain closed for the day to facilitate the parade and related activities.
He said that of the 26 floats, 12 are from Goa, 11 created by production houses across India, and three from other states. “The Goan floats will be totally film-industry related where Konkani film producers can showcase their content through live floats,” he said.
Seating arrangements will be made for around 2,000 to 2,500 VIPs and registered guests, with standing space for about 5,000 people. Public viewing areas will also be set up so that everyone can witness the event.
In addition to the parade, several competitions such as Akash Kandil, drawing, and photography contests will be held.
