International Film Festival of India (IFFI)
Asia's oldest and India's most prestigious international film festival, held annually in November in Goa, with FIAPF Competitive Specialised accreditation and competitive programming alongside a major Indian cinema celebration.
Overview
The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is Asia's oldest international film festival and India's most prestigious. Founded in 1952 and now held annually in November in Goa, the festival holds FIAPF Competitive Specialised accreditation and presents competitive international programming alongside a major celebration of Indian cinema.
IFFI's history spans the full arc of Indian independence and the development of Indian cinema. The festival has been held in various Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai before finding its permanent home in Goa in 2004. Goa's resort atmosphere, its colonial Portuguese architecture, and its beaches create a distinctive festival setting.
India's cinematic diversity -- including Hindi-language Bollywood, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, and dozens of other language traditions -- is celebrated at the festival alongside world cinema. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest film honor, is presented at IFFI.
Key Sections
- International Competition -- world films competing for the Golden Peacock Award
- Indian Panorama -- a curated selection of the best Indian films of the year
- Retrospectives -- programs dedicated to major Indian and international filmmakers
- Country Focus -- a rotating spotlight on a single nation's cinema
- Open Forums -- masterclasses and discussions with major filmmakers
- Film Bazaar -- the associated co-production market
What Filmmakers Should Know
IFFI accepts open submissions for its international competition. The Golden Peacock Award is one of Asia's most prestigious film prizes. The Film Bazaar, which operates alongside IFFI, is the most important co-production market for South Asian cinema, connecting South Asian filmmakers with international co-producers and buyers.
Major Awards
- Golden Peacock Award -- Best Film in the International Competition
- Silver Peacock Award -- Best Director
- Special Jury Award
- Best Debut Director -- Indian Panorama section
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award -- lifetime achievement in Indian cinema
Festival History
IFFI was founded in 1952, only five years after Indian independence, making it one of the world's oldest film festivals. The festival has been held across India's major cities before settling in Goa in 2004.
See Also
For Indian cinema, see International Film Markets. For the Film Bazaar market, see Film Festival Strategy.
