Venita Gomes
The first edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held in the year 1952 in Mumbai. It was subsequently taken to Madras, Delhi and Calcutta.
In the year 2004, Goa was officially made the permanent venue for the annual International Film Festival Of India (IFFI).
In 2004, the 35th edition of IFFI became the very first one to be held in Goa featuring seven major sections, including Asian Competition, Cinema of the World, Tributes, Indian Panorama, Indian and Foreign Retrospectives and Mainstream Indian Cinema.
The critically acclaimed 2004 historical drama film, Vanity Fair, directed by Mira Nair and starring Hollywood A-list actress, Reese Witherspoon, was the opening film at the 35th edition of IFFI.
Goa had the opportunity to celebrate the golden jubilee of IFFI in 2019. On the occasion, special sections such as Golden Peacock Retrospective, Debut Film Competition and Soul of Asia Retrospective were introduced.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the film festival was organised in 'hybrid' mode, enabling cinema lovers to experience it virtually. However, the opening and closing ceremonies took place in Goa, albeit with a reduced audience.
The 52nd edition of IFFI brought in several collaborative initiatives like OTT participation, recognition of 75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow and the BRICS Film Festival, showcasing films from the five nations which form BRICS.
New introductions such as Books to Box Office, accessibility, animation, OTT etc., have been the focus of the latest editions of IFFI.