Cinema Carnival: Shekhar Kapur Charts a Bold Future for IFFI with Tech, Parade, and Global Market Vision

Updated: November 21, 2025 04:11

Image Source: Deadline

Shekhar Kapur, acclaimed filmmaker and festival director of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), has unveiled a transformative vision for the 56th edition in Goa. His blueprint emphasizes integrating technology like AI, launching a carnival-style opening, and expanding the WAVES Film Bazaar into a global marketplace for co-productions and collaborations.

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), now in its 56th edition, is set for a dramatic reinvention under the leadership of Shekhar Kapur. Known for his cinematic masterpieces like Elizabeth, Kapur is steering India’s flagship film festival toward a future that blends innovation, spectacle, and global collaboration.

Kapur’s vision is to make IFFI not just an industry gathering but a citywide celebration of cinema. His plans include integrating cutting-edge technologies, transforming the festival’s business arm into a global hub, and opening the event with a carnival-style parade that brings film culture directly to the streets of Goa.

Major Takeaways

Tech Integration: IFFI will feature AI hackathons and technology showcases, partnering with firms like Larsen & Toubro and Google to highlight how emerging tools are reshaping filmmaking.

Carnival Opening: The traditional opening ceremony will be replaced with a street parade, turning Goa into a vibrant stage for cinema and community engagement.

Global Film Market Expansion: The rebranded WAVES Film Bazaar aims to become a major international marketplace, offering co-production opportunities and a new $20,000 cash grant for emerging filmmakers.

Audience-Centric Approach: Kapur emphasizes that IFFI should be for audiences as much as for industry insiders, making the festival more inclusive and accessible.

Cultural Impact: By merging technology, spectacle, and commerce, IFFI seeks to position India as a global hub for film innovation and collaboration.

Notable Updates

The WAVES Film Bazaar will showcase over 300 films, strengthening its role as Asia’s premier film market.

Kapur’s philosophy reflects his belief that AI is the most democratic medium, capable of empowering creators across boundaries.

The festival’s transformation aligns with India’s ambition to expand its cultural footprint globally.

Conclusion: Shekhar Kapur’s vision for IFFI 2025 is both ambitious and symbolic—a fusion of tradition and modernity. By embracing technology, celebrating cinema with a carnival spirit, and expanding global market opportunities, IFFI is poised to redefine its role as a cultural and commercial powerhouse in the international film landscape.

Sources: Variety, Yahoo Entertainment, Gazettely

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