The biggest film festival in India is here and Goa will witness the 55th International Film Festival of India with new films making it to the big screen.
Giving equal weightage to Goan films, this year, the Goan Section will be opened on November 21.
The Entertainment Society of Goa has special section of films produced by Goan film directors and producers in feature and non-feature category.
This year, ESG received total of 25 entries in both the sections out of which 14 films are selected by jury members.
The Goan Section is divided into two categories: Goan Director’s Cut and Goan Producers.
Four films will be showcased under this category:
Kharvan (Dir: Nitya Navelkar)
Hanging by a Thread (Dir: Akshay Parvatkar)
Guntata Hriday He (Dir: Sainath Uskaikar)
Mai (Dir: Saujas Shetye)
Ten films will represent this category, including:
Prarabdh (Dir: Jay Amonkar)
Kalkhi Vaat (Dir: Shirish Rane)
Memoirs of the Mangifera (Dir: Himanshu Singh)
Aiz Maka Falea Tuka (Dir: Sreejith Karnavar)
Adeus (Dirs: Nehal Chari, Aaditya Swaroop)
Dir: Kishor Arjun
A black-and-white short film exploring self-discovery through the simplest of acts—a homemaker rediscovering herself over a cup of tea. Screening: November 21, 6:30 PM, Inox Screen 4.
"IFFI is an incredible platform to see how the world tackles diverse subjects visually," says Arjun.
‘Kharvan’ was created to document the rich heritage of Goa, focusing on its Khazans and the wildlife that thrives within them. This film follows the search for the elusive smooth coated otter, a bio-indicator species that has made the Khazan its home. The narrative unfolds through a blend of live-action and animation, inviting viewers into this fascinating world. This film was Nitya’s graduation project at the National Institute of Design, Madhya Pradesh.
"This is my first screening at IFFI, and I’m eager to see how audiences connect with this story," shares Navelkar.
Screening: November 21, 6:30 PM, Inox Screen 4.
Adeus by Nehal Chari and Aaditya Swaroop
Dealing with a social issue that many Goans are currently facing, 'Adeus' directed by Nehal Chari and Aaditya Swaroop is a thought provoking film on the outsider-insider dilemma. Aaditya, originally from Bihar, studied in Goa and had his own experience as an outsider in the city. This shared interest in the dynamic between locals and migrants sparked the idea for the film.
Screening: November 25, Inox Screen 4.
At its core, 'Adeus' is about perspectives. No matter where we come from, everyone has their own struggles.It feels incredibly rewarding to showcase our very own film at the 55th IFFI. I’m truly fortunate to have a producer like Sachin Surlikar, and such an amazing cast and crew,especially Saiesh Pai Panandikar. I've been attending IFFI for the past five years. Goa is thriving with a vibrant film culture, and this year, we’re proud to have 14 films featured in the Goan section—a true testament to the talent emerging from our stateNehal Chari - Director
Dir: Dilip Borkar
A documentary on the iconic Konkani Jnanpith Awardee, screened during his birth centenary year.
"This recognition is a tribute to Kelekar’s legacy and the pride of Goa," says Borkar.
Screening: November 25, 11:00 AM, Inox Screen 4.
Screening: November 25, 5:45 PM, Inox Screen 4.
A heartwarming documentary about the filmmaker’s grandmother, Kanchan Kurtarkar.
"It’s surreal to see my grandmother’s story celebrated on such a big stage," says Shetye.
Screening: November 25, 5:45 PM, Inox Screen 4.
The 55th IFFI underscores Goa’s growing cinematic culture with its most extensive lineup of local films yet. ESG’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent ensures that Goan filmmakers have a global platform to showcase their work.
Catch the Goan Section screenings at Inox Panjim and witness the rich tapestry of stories emerging from the land of sun, sand, and creativity.