The first meeting of the Steering Committee for the 56th International Film Festival of India has been convened at the National Film Development Corporation headquarters in Mumbai to shape strategic planning and implementation for the upcoming edition in Goa. Chaired by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw, the meeting included Secretary Sanjay Jaju, Festival Director Shekhar Kapur, NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum, senior government representatives from Goa and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and distinguished steering committee members from the Indian and international film industries.
The committee deliberated on programming, talent development, outreach strategies and creative partnerships with an emphasis on youth-centric activities. IFFI 2025 will host curated masterclasses, industry workshops and networking platforms focused on student filmmakers and emerging creators, expanding its long-standing commitment to inclusive creative growth.
The WAVES Film Bazaar—formerly Film Bazaar—has been officially rebranded and retained as South Asia’s largest film market, with the committee endorsing its strategic evolution to strengthen co-production frameworks and showcase India as a hub for global creative collaboration. The expanded committee now includes 31 members, up from 16, marking a clear shift toward deeper industry representation. New members such as Anupam Kher, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Suhasini Maniratnam, Khushboo Sundar, Pankuj Parashar and Prasoon Joshi bring diverse perspectives from cinema, cultural governance and media innovation.
The committee also underscored the festival’s role in advancing India’s Creative Economy, signaling renewed efforts to enable global productions in India through streamlined single-window permissions and incentive-backed schemes. The festival’s strategic roadmap reflects an effort to position IFFI as a dynamic, inclusive and globally relevant cultural institution while aligning with the country’s ambition to lead in cinematic excellence and creative diplomacy.
