Elsa Angel Rose
The 56th IFFI 2025 opened bigger and better with the first-ever grand open parade, featuring vibrant floats, energetic performances and artistic showcases. It started from the old GMC building all the way to Kala Academy, setting the magic of cinema in motion. Artistes immersed in their dance and music rehearsals, wearing shimmery and glittery clothes, in all its glitz and marvel, excited and nervous at the same time to perform, along with enormous, life-like floats, added to the charm of the inaugural ceremony. The grand opening parade served as a golden opportunity for artistes from across the globe, to bring their art to a diverse audience. Durga Prakash, Manager of Lotus cultural group from Sirinagar, Kashmir, shared, “This is our first time in IFFI, we are happy and excited to be here. We perform for different central government events. And I am truly honoured to bring my troop here.” Another performer from the same troop shared, “I am very excited to be here, to perform. The weather in Goa is quite different from the weather in Kashmir, but I still love it.” There were more than 30 floats and performances from all over the country representing different states and cultures. Another performer, Ritika from Sambalpur district of Odisha, shared, “Here we are performing for the first time, seeing different groups from all over the country perform is inspiring.”
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She further went on to describe her outfit, “We are wearing our traditional Odisha saree, and traditional jewellery.” This Odissa team represents Lokshastr Kalaparishad. The vibrant parade is led by production houses, state governments, and cultural troupes. A huge float, which got the attention of many, was ‘Jackie’. This f loat was created by Triveni Kalasangh from Ponda. Nandadeep Naik, from the group, shared, “Jackie represents a global culture and Goan culture amalgamation. It shows a scene from the prominent movie ‘Mahavatar Narasimha’. The float has taken inspiration from this movie. He further added, “This float was created together by a group of friends. I am an artist, and the four of us came together to bring this vision to life.” The international festival, which had a spirited and dynamic start, will go on till November 28th with its closing ceremony happening at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium.
