Goa, 11 November 2025

 

As a prelude to the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025, Shri Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India, and Ms. Smita Vats Sharma, Director General, PIB West Zone, MIB, interacted with editors and bureau chiefs of prominent media organisations in Goa at Panaji today, November 11^th.

The interactive session was organised to discuss media facilitation plans and preparations for the upcoming 56th IFFI. The discussion highlighted key initiatives for the media during the IFFI, scheduled to take place from 20th to 28th November, 2025.

While addressing the gathering, Shri Dhirendra Ojha spoke about PIB’s broader role in supporting the media during IFFI, especially in terms of press conferences, coverage of important events and media facilitation. He said that PIB would continue to provide comprehensive media services, including well-equipped spaces for one-on-one interviews, live streaming of key events, and real-time information dissemination through various channels such as LED Screen Updates, WhatsApp group notifications, Press Releases and Social Media posts.

He also urged the media to extend their full cooperation, stating that the success of IFFI 2025 depends on the active participation of all stakeholders. “Your support and collaboration are essential in ensuring that the festival garners the recognition it deserves on a global scale. PIB is taking all the efforts to project the media participation at the IFFI in front of the world as an example of our country’s soft power. But after all, it is the media that need to take the process further. Together, we can take IFFI to new heights,” Shri Ojha said.

The Principal Director General also highlighted the various initiatives of PIB for IFFI. “For the first time last year, digital content creators had the opportunity to register separately for IFFI, which was a recognition of their growing influence in the digital media space. We will continue to do that this year as well. Additionally, a Certificate Course in Film Appreciation in association with Film and Television Institute of India, will be held this year also for selected media persons, to enrich the media’s understanding of cinema,” he said and added that in line with its commitment to inclusivity, PIB will keep making press releases available in Konkani this year too, ensuring that local audiences are informed and engaged.

Ms. Smita Vats Sharma talked about the vital role of the media in enhancing the visibility of IFFI globally and discussed the various tools and systems PIB will use to support media engagement, including real-time updates, multimedia releases, and dedicated media spaces. She assured the media that all necessary provisions would be in place to ensure the festival runs smoothly from a communication perspective.

At the event, a Q&A session also took place, where the attendees asked questions and shared suggestions and feedback on the registration process, media facilities, and overall festival coverage.

Earlier, Shri Nana Meshram, Director, PIB Goa, welcomed the attendees, while Shri Sayyid Rabeehashmi, Director, PIB Mumbai, presented vote of thanks expressing gratitude to all attendees for their participation and commitment to the success of IFFI 2025.

The session, was attended by editors and bureau chiefs of prominent print and electronic media houses in Goa.

 

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PIB Panaji | Riyas Babu/Darshana Rane

 

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