IFFI Goa 2025, 10: Film selection--The Good (rare), the Bad (many) and the Ugly (too many)

Films that are screened at IFFI are selected by a large committee that takes several weeks to vet the available movies, entered in the festival. Each category of films has a different committee assigned to it. The Preview Committee (sometimes referred to as the Selection Jury) for the International Section at IFFI 2025, which selects the international (non-Indian) films that are screened at IFFI, comprised:

1. Niraj Kumar Mishra (writer, director)
2. Gautam Narayanan (writer, director)
3. Thripthi Sundar Abhikar (writer, director)
4. Chethan Kumar Shetty (director)
5. Hariom Kaushik (film-maker, writer)
6. Haril Shukla (film-maker)
7. M. Gita Gurappa (cinema journalist and critic)
8. Mahesh Digrajkar (cinematographer and educationist)
9. Satish Varma (news-reader and news editor)
10. Runa Bhutda (news-reader and news editor)
11. Prashantanu Mohapatra (film-maker and cinematographer)
12. Mr. Gyan Sahay (DOP, director and producer)
13. M. Maniram (director, story and screenplay writer)

It is not mentioned whether this Committee had a Chairperson or not.

This information is obtained from the Official Catalogue, which, unlike in many previous editions, encompasses all Sections of films and all necessary information, plus the messages of VIPs.

There is no detail about the respective standings of the Committee members in the fields of their specialty. Perhaps the powers that be felt that in the age of Google and AI, there is no need to provide such details in the catalogue.

I confess that, besides Gyan Sahay, who I know to be a reputed DOP, and with whom I have worked as an actor, I have never heard of any of the other 12 members.

Over to Google and AI, for one/two line intros.

*Niraj: Wrote Baaghi 2, produced, wrote and directed Samanantar (National Film Award for Best Feature Film-Maithili)

*Gautam: Unable to identify the right person. Several results on Google, but difficult to match them to his face and profession.

*Thripthi: From the Kannada film industry. Known for Nalke (2019). Source: imdb

*Chethan: Likely refers to the Kannada film director, Chethan Kumar, known for Bahaddur (2014), Bharjari (2017), and Bharaate (2019). (AI).

*Hariom: Probably member of CBFC (2023-24) and Preview Jury Member, IFFI 2022 (Instagram).

*Haril Shukla: Preview Committee member, International Cinema), 54th International Film Festival of India, Maker of short film U Turn.

*M. Gita: 71st National Film Awards, 2023, Feature films Jury, Central panel, Ms. Geeta M. Gurappa (Member). I presume that the this is the same person, notwithstanding the spelling.

*Mahesh: Known for Dr. Hedgewar (2025) and Everybody Says I'm Fine! (2001). (imdb)

*Satish Varma: No suitable match was found.

*Runa Bhutda: Multimedia Journalist at Webdunia Hindi, 18 years’ experience in Electronic & Print news media, Anchoring, Voice over, Scripting, Production & Reporting (LinkedIn).

*Prashantanu: Winner of Best DOP at the National Film Awards 2023, for The Kerala Story. “He believes in Responsible cinema.” (imdb).

*Gyan Sahay: A FTII graduate in Cinematography, turned Director and Producer. Known for many works on Television. (X).

*M. Maniram: Moirangthem Maniram Singha, popularly known as M. Maniram, made Mon Jai as a tribute to late cultural icon, Zubeen Garg, and is making Mon Jai Chapter 2.

A 13-member Jury. 1 film critic. No actors.

I shall not comment about

IFFI Goa 2025, 08: Prizes and surprises

Vietnamese film Skin of Youth, written and directed by Ashleigh Mayfair, was adjudged the best feature film in the International Competition section, thereby bagging the prestigious Golden Peacock in 56th IFFI, which concluded on the 28th of November in Panaji, Goa. Ashleigh, who hates being called Ashleigh, and prefers ‘Ash’, has highlighted the problem of trans-gender persons in her country, using a real life story, with the protagonist played by a real trans-gender individual. Both were present at IFFI. Ash’s interest in the subject was aroused by the fact that in her own family, there was a trans-gender person. In VietNam, trans-gender operations are illegal, and it would cost USD 15,000 to get such operations performed in other countries. In this part of the world, we hear a lot about trans-gender persons in Thailand, called Lady-Boys., but the condition is not unique to Thailand.

The film is a good effort, but not good enough to bag the coveted prize. The Jury, however, thought otherwise. In their citation, they said, “With its compelling narrative, the film delivers a powerful message—to humanise, to illuminate, and to challenge silence. All elements of the film came together beautifully with good music and skillful editing. The Jury defined the film as - bold and brave, stunning and stylish. The love and sacrifice shown in the film informs us of a life few of us will know, and hence the film will live long in our minds.”

Santosh Davakhar, director of Marathi feature Gondhal earned the Silver Peacock for the Best Director. A film I did not see, it was set against the rich fabric of cultural tradition, prompting the Jury to declare that “Director Santosh Davakhar has given birth to a cinematic gem. A captivating narrative that keeps us on edge, surprising us beyond our wildest imagination. Gondhal is like a Shakespearean fable, set in a real world.

The lead actor of Spanish film, A Poet, Ubeimar Rios was honoured with the Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Male) award. This film too was on my ‘missed’ list, but found itself on the hit list of the Jury. “The film explores the age-old clash between Art and Survival, but in a unique and unexpected way. The film showcased a brilliant first time performance from actor Ubeimar Rios, who portrays a suffering, defeated poet, in a serious emotional crisis, until he meets a talented teenager, who changes his life. The film, and Ubeimar’s portrayal, are supremely uplifting and ultimately wonderfully redeeming.”

A Slovenian entry, Little Trouble Girls was like a documentary on Biblical metaphors and Christian religious choirs. It had its moments, but will appeal more to followers of the Bible, definition of sin, the orders of nuns and the temptations of the flesh. The leading actor played a confused teenager, whose confusion was never really explained. Nevertheless, it brought Jara Sofija Ostan the Silver Peacock for Best Female Actor for her remarkably subtle and deeply expressive performance. The Jury applauded her acting skills by citing that much is said through the simplest, most truthful, tiniest expressions and extremely delicate gestures." Jara was not present, and the ward was accepted by her producer.

“THE DUMP OF UNTITLED PIECES”  MAKES ITS WORLD PREMIERE AT THE TALLINN BLACK NIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL!

Written and directed by Melik Kuru, THE DUMP OF UNTITLED PIECES held its world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. Competing in the First Feature section, the film tells the story of a young woman striving to exist through her passion in Turkey’s economic and political ecosystem, offering a satirical, original narrative blending drama and comedy within the contemporary art world. The cast features award-winning young actress Manolya Maya and Ekremcan Aslandağ, joined by acclaimed actors Tuğrul Tülek and Tülin Özen.

Facing imminent eviction, an idealistic young female photographer and her hapless roommate attempt to sell her work to galleries for the first time, embarking on a bumpy journey through the collapsing art market of Istanbul.

The film stars Manolya Maya (winner of the Best Actress Award at the 42nd Istanbul Film Festival) alongside Ekremcan Aslandağ, with Tuğrul Tülek and Tülin Özen as well as Ceylan Özgün Özçelik, Okan Avcı, Cüneyt Yalaz, Emrah Özdemir, Ege Derin in supporting roles.

In his first feature film THE DUMP OF UNTITLED PIECES, Melik Kuru seeks to redefine the value of art within a marketplace where the personal is glorified without question, and where countless narratives complete their brief butterfly lifespans before being forgotten in a metaphorical “dump.” Turkey is losing its youth. Those who leave live with the unbearable lightness of feeling foreign in a place that is foreign to them. Those who stay face a deep existential crisis marked by anxieties about their own capacities.

THE DUMP OF UNTITLED PIECES reveals this reality through both satire and an interplay of drama and humor, suggesting that the value of art lies not in the work itself but in the youth of the late-capitalist era: their friendships, joys, anxieties, exhilarations, and indecisions.

The black-and-white film, shot in Istanbul, features a production team consisting of Hilal Şenel as producer and creative producer, Fahriye Ismayilova as producer, Simla Güran as co-producer, and Koray Arıgümüş as executive producer. Barış Aygen serves as the director of photography, Elif Önel as the production designer, Serhad Mutlu as the editor, Alexander Dumitru as the sound designer, Efe Demiral as the original music composer, Ezgi Baltaş as the casting director, Edze Ali as the still photographer and consultant, and Aslı Melisa Uzun as the choreographer.

THE DUMP OF UNTITLED PIECES held its world premiere on Friday, November 14th at Apollo Plaza Cinema with the participation of the film’s cast and crew.

The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 21. Competing in the First Feature section, THE DUMP OF UNTITLED PIECES is among 13 films from 12 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America.

https://www.instagram.com/thisisadumpofpromotion/

Melik Kuru (1989) dropped architecture school and had his BA at Koc University Media and Visual Arts program ranking first in his class. He pursued his MFA in Film at Columbia University where

IFFI Goa 2025, 05: Films competing for the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal

Instituted at the 46th International Film Festival of India, the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal is an international honor presented in collaboration with the ICFT Paris under the aegis of UNESCO. The honor is given to an excellent film, which promotes peace and inter-cultural dialogue, and honours Mahatma Gandhi's vision of non-violence and peace.

This year’s 10 notable films will be judged by an esteemed Jury panel comprising of Dr. Ahmed Bedjaoui, Film and Television Director-Producer and the Artistic Director of the International Film Festival of Algiers (Jury Chairperson); Xueyan Hun, Vice-President of the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication (CICT-ICFT) and Director of the Platform for Creativity and Innovation (PCI); Serge Michel, Vice-President of UNICA (Union Internationale du Cinéma); Tobias Biancone, Former Director-General of the International Theatre Institute (ITI); and Georges Dupont, Director-General of the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication (CICT-ICFT), former Senior International Civil Servant at UNESCO.

Brides

Playwright and filmmaker Nadia Falls’s debut drama Brides premiered at the Sundance Film Festival 2025, where it was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize in the World Cinema (Dramatic) category.

The film follows the journey of two British-Muslim teenaged girls who run away from their troubled lives to find belonging away from their broken homes. However, they have to confront what they’ve left behind before they can come to terms with where they’re going.

The film is a gripping yet humane take, away from sensationalism, on the issue of radicalisation, youth identity, belonging, faith, and choice in an increasingly polarised world.

Safe House (Original Title – Før mørket)

Norwegian writer and filmmaker Eirik Svensson, from the new generation of Norwegian filmmakers, brings his latest civil war drama Safe House. The film had its World Premiere as the Opening Feature of the 48th Göteborg Film Festival 2025, where it won the Audience Dragon Award (Best Nordic Film).

Inspired by true events, the film is set over 15 harrowing hours inside a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Bangui during the 2013 civil war in the Central African Republic. Though driven by tense, real-time drama, Safe House stays rooted in the ethics of care, courage, and humanity under siege.

Hana

Award-winning Kosovan filmmaker Ujkan Hysaj’s debut feature Hana makes its World Premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India 2025.

The film follows an actress who joins an art-therapy program at a women’s rehabilitation center in Kosovo, helping war survivors transform pain into expression — until their stories trigger her own buried trauma and fractured identity.

Hana is a deeply affecting exploration of memory, healing, and the power of art to confront wounds that history refuses to silence.

K Poper

Iranian actor and screenwriter Ebrahim Amini makes his directorial debut with K Poper, which screened at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2025.

The film follows an Iranian teenage girl obsessed with a K-pop idol, determined to travel to Seoul, both to watch him perform, and compete in a contest she has already qualified for. Her mother’s firm refusal sets off a tender yet tense clash of dreams, fears, and generational values.

Told with warmth and restraint, K Poper examines youth aspiration, pa

IFFI Goa 2025, 04: Indian Panorama Selection and Best Web-Series (OTT) Award nominations

In the Indian Panorama section, 25 feature films (including 5 films from Mainstream Cinema), 5 films nominated for Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film Award films and 20 non-feature films for the year 2025, will be shown.

The selection of the Indian Panorama is made by eminent personalities from the world of cinema from across India comprising a total of twelve Jury members for Feature films and six Jury members for Non-Feature films led by the respective Jury Chairpersons. Exercising their individual expertise, the eminent Jury panels contribute evenly to the consensus that leads to the selection of Indian Panorama films of respective categories.

The Feature Film Jury, comprising twelve members, was headed by acclaimed Actor, Filmmaker and Producer; Chairperson Shri. Raja Bundela. The Feature Jury comprises of the following Members, who, individually, represent various acclaimed films, are well-known film professionals, while collectively representing the diverse Indian fraternity:

Shri. Krishna Hebbale, Actor

Shri. Asim K Sinha, Editor and Film-maker

Shri. Kamlesh K. Mishra, Film-maker and Writer

Shri. Aroon Bakshi, Actor and Singer

Shri. Jadumoni Dutta, Filmmaker, Producer and Actor

Shri. Ashok Sharan, Producer and Film-maker

Shri. Subhash Sehgal, Editor, Producer, Film-maker and Writer

Shri. Malay Ray, Cinematographer and Film-maker

Prof. Amaresh Chakrabarti, Film Educator and Film-maker

Shri. B S Basavaraju, Cinematographer and Film-maker

Shri. Sukumar Jatania, Cinematographer

Shri. Napoleon RZ Thanga, Film-maker

A package of 25 Feature Films (including 5 films from Mainstream Cinema) and nomination of   5 films for the Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film Award has been selected to be screened in the Indian Panorama section of the 56th IFFI from a broad spectrum of 516 contemporary Indian feature films received as entry to Indian Panorama -2025. The following package of 25 selected feature films and nomination of 5 films for the Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film Award reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the Indian film industry.

List of 25 feature films selected in the Indian Panorama 2025 is as follows:

(name of film, followed by language, then the name of the director)

Sarkeet

Malayalam

Thamar K

Amaran

Tamil

Rajkumar Periyasamy

Vimukt

Braj

Jitank Singh Gurjar

The Bengal Files

Hindi

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri

Tanvi The Great

Hindi

Anupam Kher

Vanya

Kannada

Badiger Devendra

White Snow

Urdu

Praveen Morchhale

Bhaimon Da

Assamese

Sasanka Samir

Gondhal

Marathi

Santosh Davakhar

Su From So

Kannada

Prakash (JP Tuminad)

Pokkhirajer Dim

Bengali

Soukarya Ghosal

Imbu

Tulu

Shivadhwaj Shetty

Drushya Asdrushya

Marathi

Purushottam Lele

(Milind Lele)

Oitharei

Manipuri

Naorem Dinesh Singh

Barobabu

Bengali

Reshmi Mitra

Piranthanaal Vazhthukal

Tamil

Raju Chandra

(Rajkumar MR)

Maliput Melodies

Oriya

Vishal Patnaik

Mukkam Post Bombilwadi

Marathi

Paresh Mokashi

Ground Zero

Hin

IFFI Goa 2025, 01: Birds eye view aka drone view

It’s that time of year when cineastes who can healthy and can afford to travel will be heading to the tourist paradise of Panaji, Goa, not for browsing the beaches of Goa but the brochures and schedules of the 56th International Film Festival of Goa, 2025. IFFI 2025 will be held in Goa from November 20-28, carrying forward the festival’s legacy as South Asia’s only FIAPF (the international body that grants recognition to film festivals that meet its requirements)-accredited competitive film festival, since 1952, when it was first held in Mumbai.

The festival, which was a travelling one for many years, found its permanent home in Goa, in 2004, where it is jointly organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG). Till a couple of years ago, the festival was mainly organised by the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF), which has, since, been dissolved. Its role has been taken over by the NFDC.

The 56th edition deepens the festival’s international partnerships, with Japan as the Country of Focus, presenting a panoramic showcase of six contemporary Japanese films, across genres and forms. Spain joins as the Partner Country, while Australia enters the festival as the Spotlight Country, each bringing curated packages, institutional collaborations and cultural programmes that enrich global dialogue.

IFFI 2025 presents a lineup of 240+ films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres, 5 international premieres, and 44 Asian premieres. A record 2,314 submissions from 127 countries reflects the festival’s expanding global resonance. The opening film — The Blue Trail by Brazilian auteur Gabriel Mascaro, winner of the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at Berlinale 2025 — sets the tone for an edition defined by bold storytelling and cinematic ambition.

The Gala Premieres segment will present 18 titles, including 13 World Premieres, 2 Asia Premieres, 1 India Premiere and 2 Special Showcase screenings. The red carpet will welcome a distinguished line-up of artists and filmmakers.

Three major international competitions will feature 32 films from five continents, bringing some of the year’s most celebrated titles to Indian audiences for the first time. IFFI will also present award-winning films from Cannes, Berlinale, Venice, Locarno, TIFF, Busan and IFFR, reinforcing its role as India’s gateway to outstanding contemporary cinema.

This year’s programming includes nine curated sections — Docu-Montage, From the Festivals, Rising Stars, Mission Life, Experimental Films, Restored Classics, Macabre Dreams, UNICEF, and Cinema of the World. In total, IFFI will present 15 competitive and curated segments, including the International Competition, Best Debut Feature Film of a Director, and the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal.

Celebrating legacies central to Indian cinema, IFFI 2025 will honour the centenaries of Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika and Salil Chowdhury. Restored masterpieces like Musafir and Subarnarekha will offer audiences rare encounters with cinematic heritage.

IFFI 2025 will honour legendary actor Rajinikanth, for completing 50 years in cinema, marking a milestone that celebrates his enduring influence on Indian film culture. He will be felicitated at the Closing Ceremony, recognising his iconic body of work, widespread popularity, and contribution to shaping Indian storytelling across decades.

The Indian Panorama 2025 will present 25 feature films, 20 non-fe

Laundry (Uhlanjululo) Directed by Zamo Mkhwanazi Has Been Picked Up For Global Sales By Summerside Media

Summerside Will Launch Global Sales At AFM

Laundry (Uhlanjululo), from South Africa, written and directed by Zamo Mkhwanazi, has been acquired for International Distribution from the Rome based Summerside Media, announced Summerside Managing Director Francesca Manno.

Following its world premiere in the Discovery section at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it received an enthusiastic response from both audiences and critics, Laundry has emerged as one of the most compelling new voices in contemporary cinema. Summerside Media will introduce Laundry at this year’s American Film Market currently underway in Los Angeles.

“From the very first screening, we were deeply moved by Zamo’s vision,” said Francesca Manno, managing director and co-founder at Summerside Media: “Her direction is powerful and poetic. We believe she is an exceptionally promising filmmaker, and Laundry is an extraordinary and visually stunning work”.

An intimate portrait of family, resistance, and art under Apartheid, the film stands out for its emotional storytelling, striking cinematography, and evocative soundtrack, which together create a cinematic experience of rare beauty and depth.

International sales have just begun. “We are honored to represent such a remarkable film” added Summerside. “Our goal is to bring this small yet significant masterpiece to audiences around the world.”

Laundry marks a powerful new chapter for African cinema — and for Zamo Mkhwanazi, a bold new voice with a universal story to tell.

“On behalf of the Laundry team, I’d like to say that we are all thrilled to be in such good hands as those of Summerside Media,” stated Producer Philippe Coeytaux. “Francesca and Summerside’s understanding and enthusiasm for our film is extremely gratifying and we look forward to a successful journey with them.”

Laundry, written and directed by Zamo Mkhwanazi, is a Switzerland/South African production from Akka Films and Kude Media, in Co-Production with RTS – Radio Télévision Suisse and Mojo Entertainment. Producers include Philippe Coeytaux, Zamo Mkhwanazi, Jim Stark, Nicolas Wadimoff, and Co-Producer Marco Orsini.

Rome and Lecce - based Summerside Media has established itself - over the years - as a boutique international sales and production company with a strong focus on auteur-driven cinema. The company is known for its tailor-made approach to each title in its lineup, features and documentaries, working closely with filmmakers to craft strategies that highlight the unique strengths of each project. With a sharp eye for quality storytelling and emerging talent, Summerside Media continues to build a curated slate of films that resonate with both festival audiences and the global market.