The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is all set to commence with a glittering Opening Ceremony at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Goa on November 20.

The festivities will commence with the red carpet premiere of the Opening Film ‘Better Man’, directed by Australian filmmaker Michael Gracy, and

will be attended by Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw along with Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, Goa’s Chief Minister of Goa Pramod Sawant, apaprt from delegates and other government officials.

According to an official statement from the organisers of the film fest, the gala opening ceremony, amidst the presence of cinematic legends, promises to deliver an unforgettable evening of cultural performances.

The Opening Ceremony will be hosted by popular film personalities, Abhishek Banerjee and Bhumi Pednekar. The grand evening will bring together the best of Indian cinema as the 55th IFFI begins its week-long journey of cinematic excellence from November 20 to 28.

Celebrated filmmakers and creators such as Subhash Ghai, Dinesh Vijan, Amar Kaushik, NM Suresh, RK Selvamani, Ishari Ganeshan, Ravi Kotarakara and lyricist Prasoon Joshi will attend the Opening Ceremony. Actors Nagarjuna, Nitya Menon, Aamla, Vikrant Massey, Rakul Preet, Manushi Chillar, Boman Irani, Rajkummar Rao, Jaideep Ahlawat, Randeep Hooda, Sanya Malhotra, Jayam Ravi, Jacky Bhagnani, R. Sarath Kumar, Mukta Barve, Sonalee Kulkarni and Radhakrishnan Parthiban will also be present besides other dignitaries.

The dazzling gathering of cinema icons is a resounding affirmation of the festival’s ability to bring together the best of Indian and international film talent. The stellar lineup also includes spiritual guru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who will inspire attendees with a special address.

This year’s IFFI will feature Australia as the Country of Focus. The Jannawi Dance Clan, an Australian First Nations dance group, will present an enthralling cultural program, promoting international cultural exchange.

A special ’90s Rewind: Dance Explosion’ will bring nostalgia to life with electrifying performances on iconic Bollywood hits, while a poetic tribute, ‘Timeless Souls’, will honour cinematic legends such as Raj Kapoor, ANR and Mohammed Rafi through visuals, music and poetry.

The ceremony will also highlight the evolution of Indian cinema, taking the audience through its journey from the silent era to modern cinematic masterpieces, concluding with a Grand Finale: The Cinematic Symphony, featuring a high-energy medley by Sunny Kaushal and Sanya Malhotra.

For the first time in IFFI’s history, the opening ceremony will feature live Indian sign language interpretation, ensuring that all attendees, including those with hearing difficulties can fully engage and enjoy the festival.