The Vietnamese film Skin of Youth, directed by Ash Mayfair, earned the top honour for its emotional story of love, identity, and struggle in 1990s Saigon. The film explores the relationship between San, a transgender sex worker, and Nam, a cage fighter, as they fight social pressure and personal battles. The audience and jury praised its strong storytelling.

The awards night also celebrated other powerful works. Marathi filmmaker Santosh Davakhar won Best Director for Gondhal. My Daughter’s Hair and Fränk shared the Silver Peacock for Best Debut Feature Film. Performances by Jara Sofija Ostan and Ubeimar Rios won top acting honours.

The festival also honoured legendary actor Rajinikanth for completing 50 years in cinema. He thanked his fans and said their love keeps him inspired.

IFFI 2025 highlighted fresh voices, global themes, and innovative filmmaking, showing how cinema continues to grow across cultures.

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Mishra shared that Odisha has very few functional cinema halls, forcing filmmakers to release movies in villages and temporary screening locations. He recalled how his film Mindgame had to be shown in venues without fans or air conditioning, yet audiences still watched enthusiastically. He said this shows the strength of Odia storytelling, but the lack of infrastructure holds the industry back.

Mishra added that Odisha has many talented actors, directors, and technicians, but they struggle to reach national and global platforms due to limited support and distribution options. He urged well-known artists like Aamir Khan to encourage independent filmmakers so that regional cinema can grow.

Aamir Khan responded positively. He said the Government of India is examining the issue seriously and believes that building more theatres across all states will greatly boost Indian cinema.

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Director Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke explains how the idea started as a simple ghost tale. However, he soon changed it into something stranger and more meaningful. He links the story to Thailand’s dust pollution, which causes the wife’s death. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner works as a poetic symbol in the film. He also says he studied ghost stories from many cultures before choosing a soft and intimate style.

Cinematographer Song Pasit adds that the team used odd angles, bright colours, and playful frames. These choices helped them match the film’s emotional tone. He encourages other filmmakers not to fear unusual visuals.

Actor Wisarut Homhuan says the film changed his career. It finally gave him recognition in the small Thai film industry. Associate Producer Tanade also calls for more variety in Thai cinema.

Overall, the film’s mix of humour, honesty, and social meaning creates a finale that viewers will remember for a long time.

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Sikaar set an emotional tone. Director Debangkar Borgohain remembered late musician-actor Zubeen Garg, calling the film a tribute to their long collaboration. He described shooting challenges, including remotely guiding a London-based crew from Guwahati. The film’s houseful response encouraged him to keep portraying the strength and dignity of Assam.

A sense of awe arrived with Nilgiris. Associate Producer Adarsh N C explained how the team spent months capturing wildlife in 8K and 12K. He said the film celebrates coexistence and the hidden biodiversity living near people’s homes. The crew hopes audiences continue watching the documentary in theatres before it reaches OTT platforms.

Laughter filled the room when the Mukkam Post Bombilwadi team spoke. Director Paresh Mokashi discussed adapting their stage play into a 1942-set comedy. He believes humour can reveal truth without losing depth and wants regional cinema to first win hearts locally.

Together, the films showcased India’s diverse, fearless storytelling spirit.

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Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched the ceremony at the Old GMC precinct and shared his vision of turning Goa into an international film production hub. He said that Goa offers natural beauty, strong infrastructure, and quick licensing that already attract filmmakers from around the world. He added that the State will revive its film promotion scheme to support producers and boost creativity.

Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan praised IFFI for strengthening India’s creative economy. He said the festival gives new opportunities to content, culture, and talent.

The event brought together Governor Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Union Minister Shripad Naik, Festival Director Shekhar Kapur, and several film personalities. Veteran actor N Balakrishnan received warm applause for completing 50 years in cinema.

Actor Anupam Kher admired the cultural parade and said it captured the heart of the festival. With screenings and discussions ahead, IFFI 2025 begins with Goan colours and promises a celebration of global cinema.

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Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the parade gives the festival a warm and inclusive beginning. Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Goa presented tableaus that highlighted their culture, cinema and landscapes. In addition, major production houses joined the event and added more artistic energy to the celebration.

This year, IFFI 2025 will screen over 240 films from 81 countries. The lineup includes 13 world premieres, 4 international premieres and 46 Asian premieres. Moreover, Japan is the Country of Focus, while Spain and Australia join as partner nations with special curated film packages.

Information and Broadcasting Minister L. Murugan stated that the festival received a record 3,400 film submissions from 127 countries. As a result, more than 270 films will be screened, showing India’s growing presence in global cinema.

The festival opened with The Blue Trail by Gabriel Mascaro. Along with this, tributes, competitions, gala premieres and a special honour for Rajinikanth will continue until November 28.

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