#IFFIWood, 24 November 2025

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) continues to present a diverse tapestry of global cinema, showcasing powerful narratives from across the world. Among the international films drawing attention are the Uzbek film In Pursuit of Spring and the Slovak film Flood.

At a press conference held today, the directors, producers and actors of the two films shared insights into their filmmaking journeys.

Producer of the Slovak film “Flood”, Katarina Krnacova, said the film is based on the displacement of a village for the construction of a water reservoir. Shot in the Májová region of Slovakia, nearly 80% of the cast comprises members of the Ruthenian minority community. “The film offered the Ruthenian community a rare opportunity to perform in their own language on the silver screen,” she added.

Flood had its second worldwide premiere at IFFI Goa, following its debut at a film festival in Argentina. The team is planning a special screening for communities affected by the real-life project on which the film is based.

The Uzbek film “In Pursuit of Spring” was represented at the press conference by Director Ayub Shakhobiddinov and lead actress Farina Jumaviya. Introducing the film, the director said it follows the journey of its protagonist, Rahat Shukurova, who confronts painful memories and long-buried secrets. “As the past resurfaces, Rahat must navigate through old wounds and hidden truths to seek reconciliation with herself,” he explained.

Though set during the final years of the Soviet era in Uzbekistan, the film’s themes and emotional struggles remain relevant today. Expressing his appreciation, the director said that IFFI provides filmmakers with a valuable international platform to showcase their work and build global networks. “We are happy to be part of IFFI,” he added.

SYNOPSIS:In Pursuit of Spring

Rahat Shukurova, a resident of Tashkent, learns about the death of someone from her past and returns to the remote mountain village of Archaly, where she once worked as a teacher. Decades ago, during the Soviet era, her life was shattered by a scandal that led to disgrace and exile. Now, back in Archaly, she is forced to confront painful memories and long-buried secrets. As the past resurfaces, Rahat must navigate her way through old wounds and hidden truths, seeking reconciliation with herself.

SYNOPSIS: FLOOD

Fate of the villages in Mara’s home valley is sealed by the project of the new water reservoir and the villagers are forced to gradually leave their homes. Mara longs to leave the countryside and study in town, however, her father, a Ruthenian farmer, keeps her tied to the family land, which he refuses to let go of despite the end approaching. Mara finds herself in the core of the village community fighting against the failing infrastructure, hidden terrors of the authorities and incoming flood.

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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.

For more information, click on:

IFFI Website: https://www.iffigoa.org/

PIB’s IFFI Microsite: https://www.pib.gov.in/iffi/56/

PIB IFFIWood Broadcast Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEiBaML2AU6gnzWOm3F

X Handles: @IFFIGoa, @PIB_India, @PIB_Panaji

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PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Jaydevi Pujari Swami/ Saurabh Khekde/Darshana Rane | IFFI 56 - 057