PANAJI, 21 November (H.S.): The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) achieved a significant milestone on Friday as its prestigious Masterclass series was formally inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Loganathan Murugan, at the Kala Academy in Goa.

In a landmark shift towards greater public engagement, the inauguration was held for the first time in the presence of the general public, democratizing access to cinematic knowledge.During his inaugural address, Minister Murugan highlighted India's growing global influence in cinema, announcing that over 200 films are slated for screening. He particularly emphasized the festival's alignment with 'Nari Shakti' (women's empowerment), revealing that the lineup prominently features 50 films directed by women, reflecting the government's commitment to fostering female leadership in the creative industries.

This year's series promises a compelling confluence of legendary talent and forward-looking themes. Esteemed industry veterans such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Aamir Khan, Shekhar Kapur, and Rajkumar Hirani will helm sessions that explore contemporary issues, including the role of Artificial Intelligence in film, sustainable production practices, and technical workshops on VFX and cinematography.

The series commenced with an inaugural session led by acclaimed filmmaker Shri Muzaffar Ali.Reinforcing its international stature, IFFI 2025 has drawn participants from Australia, Japan, Germany, and Canada. The festival will also pay tribute to the enduring legacies of Indian cinema icons, with special homages dedicated to luminaries like Lata Mangeshkar and Guru Dutt, further cementing its role as a global platform for cinematic collaboration and exchange.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar