Dr L Murugan inaugurates IFFI 2025 Masterclass Series at Kala Academy, Goa
Global Masters of the Craft to Lead Sessions with special focus on AI, Sustainability and Women-led Cinema
#IFFIWood, 21 November 2025
Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr L Murugan, today inaugurated the Masterclass Series at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) at the Kala Academy, Goa. Present on the occasion were Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Shri Sanjay Jaju, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting; Dr. Ajay Naghbhushan, Managing Director of National Film Development Corporation Shri Prakash Magdum and acclaimed filmmaker Shri Muzaffar Ali and noted film personality Shri Ravi Kottarakara.
Marking a historic milestone, this year’s Masterclass inauguration was held for the first time in the presence of the general public, reflecting the festival’s commitment to accessibility and wider engagement.
Masterclasses has attracted participants from Australia, Japan, Germany, and Canada, further strengthening its position as a global platform for cinematic collaboration and talent exchange.
In his inaugural address, Shri Loganathan Murugan highlighted that more than 200 films will be screened at IFFI 2025, representing India’s growing cinematic influence across the world. He added that the festival is aligned with the nation’s journey towards Viksit Bharat, and reaffirms India’s ambition to expand its global creative footprint. The Minister also underscored the participation and contribution of women filmmakers, noting that 50 films directed by women will be showcased this year — a reflection of the Government of India’s commitment to Nari Shakti and women empowerment, inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The Masterclass segment at IFFI 2025 will feature an extensive range of knowledge-sharing formats, including panel discussions, workshops, roundtable interactions, interview sessions, fireside chats, and conversational workshops. Esteemed cinema personalities such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, Muzaffar Ali, Shad Ali, Shekhar Kapur, Rajkumar Hirani, Aamir Khan, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Suhasini Maniratnam will conduct various sessions throughout the festival.
Renowned filmmaker Shri Muzaffar Ali led the first session of the Masterclass series, setting the tone for the days ahead.
This year’s Masterclasses will also explore contemporary and forward-looking themes, with specialized sessions on Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, and technical workshops focusing on cinematography, VFX, and SFX. Additionally, masterclasses on theatre acting by top industry experts will add depth to the learning experience.
About IFFI
Born in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands tall as South Asia’s oldest and largest celebration of cinema. Jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), State Government of Goa, the festival has grown into a global cinematic powerhouse—where restored classics meet bold experiments, and legendary maestros share space with fearless first-timers. What makes IFFI truly sparkle is its electric mix—international competitions, cultural showcases, masterclasses, tributes, and the high-energy WAVES Film Bazaar, where ideas, deals and collaborations take flight. Staged against Goa’s stunning coastal backdrop from November 20–28, the 56th edition promises a dazzling spectrum of languages, genres, innovations, and voices—an immersive celebration of India’s creative brilliance on the world stage.
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