IFFI Goa-2025 Masterclass Series to Turn Into a World Cinema Classroom

By Pickle November 21, 2025

With global mentors, public access for the first time, and a special focus on AI, sustainability, and women-led cinema, IFFI’s Masterclass Series is setting new benchmarks in cinematic learning and collaboration.

Goa’s vibrant cultural heart, the Kala Academy, was abuzz with anticipation as Dr. L Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, inaugurated the Masterclass Series at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025).

The event marked a watershed moment for the festival, as—for the first time ever—the Masterclass inauguration welcomed the general public, signaling a powerful commitment to wider engagement and accessibility for film lovers and aspiring creators alike.

Dignitaries, including Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Sanjay Jaju, Joint Secretary Dr. Ajay Naghbhushan, National Film Development Corporation Managing Director Prakash Magdum, acclaimed filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, and film industry stalwart Ravi Kottarakara, graced the occasion, underscoring the festival’s stature on the world stage.

This year’s Masterclass Series stands out for its truly international flavor. Participants and speakers have flown in from Australia, Japan, Germany, and Canada, cementing IFFI’s reputation as a global platform for cinematic collaboration and talent exchange. This cross-cultural influx is poised to enrich the learning experience for Indian and international attendees alike.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Murugan highlighted the festival’s expansive scale, with over 200 films set to be screened—an impressive showcase of India’s burgeoning cinematic influence. He emphasized IFFI’s alignment with the nation’s journey toward “Viksit Bharat” and India’s ambition to expand its creative footprint on the world stage.

Notably, Dr. Murugan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women empowerment, pointing out that 50 films directed by women will be featured this year—a testament to the “Nari Shakti” vision championed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The Masterclass segment is designed as a powerhouse of knowledge-sharing, offering a variety of formats such as panel discussions, workshops, roundtable interactions, interview sessions, fireside chats, and conversational workshops.

Renowned cinema personalities, including Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, Muzaffar Ali, Shad Ali, Shekhar Kapur, Rajkumar Hirani, Aamir Khan, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Suhasini Maniratnam, will be conducting sessions throughout the festival—each bringing decades of experience and unique perspectives to the table.

Setting the tone for an insightful series, Muzaffar Ali led the very first session of the Masterclass, sharing his expertise with an eager and diverse audience.

This year’s curriculum is particularly forward-looking, with dedicated sessions on Artificial Intelligence in film, sustainability in production, and specialized technical workshops on cinematography, VFX, and SFX. Additionally, the inclusion of masterclasses on theatre acting by top industry experts adds a new dimension, bridging the worlds of stage and screen for a holistic learning experience.

By embracing global participation, championing inclusivity, and addressing pressing industry themes, IFFI 2025’s Masterclass Series is not just a festival highlight—it’s a blueprint for the future of Indian and world cinema. As Goa’s Kala Academy becomes the nexus of cinematic exchange and innovation, the message rings clear: Indian film education is now a global conversation, open to all.