The capital city came alive as the 10th, 11th, and 12th Editions of the Goa State Film Festival officially kicked off at INOX Panaji, setting the stage for four spectacular days of cinematic brilliance, cultural celebration, and artistic exchange. The grand inauguration was done by Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, in the presence of a host of dignitaries, film personalities, and creative visionaries from across the state.
A Star-Studded Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony was a spectacular affair, graced by esteemed guests including:
- Smt. Delilah M. Lobo, MLA, Siolim Constituency and Vice Chairperson of ESG
- Shri. Damu Naik, film personality and former Vice Chairman of ESG
- Shri. Rohit Monserrate, Mayor of Panaji
- Shri. Sarpreet Singh Gill, IAS, Secretary, Department of Information & Publicity
- Shri. Ashwin Chandru, IAS, CEO of ESG
- Shri. Dipak Bandekar, Director, Department of Information & Publicity
Smt. Delilah M. Lobo warmly welcomed the guests, setting a celebratory tone for what promises to be one of Goa’s most memorable cultural events.
The highlight of the evening was the presence of Mohammad Ali, a renowned actor, comedian, and television presenter who has acted in over 1200 films across Telugu and other languages. His presence added a national charm to the Goan festival.
The entertainment quotient was further elevated with a powerful performance by singer Jolly Mukherjee, a soulful rendition by Goa’s own Mukesh Ghatwal, and a comedic act by Sagar Karande and Ankur Wadhave, popular faces from the hit Marathi show Chala Hawa Yeu Dya.
48-Hour Short Film Competition Winners Announced
Adding momentum to the inaugural day, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant announced the winners of the 48-Hour Short Film Competition, honouring some of the most promising young talents in Goa’s film scene:
🏆 Best Film – First Prize: Ful ani Savli (Flower and Shade)
🥈 Best Film – Second Prize: Before Sunrise
🎬 Best Director: Glen Cardozo (Ful ani Savli)
🎥 Best Cinematographer: Tejas V. Naik (Ful ani Savli)
✂️ Best Editor: Yuri B. Carvalho (Ful ani Savli)
👨🎤 Best Actor (Male): Niraj Arrie (Lift)
👩🎤 Best Actor (Female): Rati Bhatikar (Ful ani Savli)
These awards will be formally presented during the closing ceremony on 17th August, with a special screening of the winning films scheduled at 11:15 AM at Maquinez Palace, Panaji.
A Cinematic Feast Across Four Days
The festival will run from August 14 to 17, 2025, showcasing 19 feature films and 4 non-feature films in Konkani and Marathi — Goa’s beloved regional languages. Screenings will be held at Maquinez Palace Theatre and INOX, Panaji, offering audiences a rich and immersive cinematic experience.
The event is not just about watching films — it is about living cinema. From storytelling to cinematography, direction to dialogue, the festival celebrates every thread that weaves the cinematic tapestry.
More Than Just Films: Food, Craft & Learning
Adding to the festive atmosphere, visitors can explore a food court and handicraft stalls at the INOX Courtyard, running parallel to the film screenings from 14th to 17th August. This unique cultural zone allows cine-goers to indulge in local flavours and shop for Goan artistry between screenings.
The festival also includes a line-up of masterclasses and workshops by esteemed film personalities, offering attendees an opportunity to learn, interact, and grow within the creative community.
