After a three-year hiatus, the Goa State Film Festival is set to return with renewed vigor. The much-anticipated four-day celebration of regional cinema will be held from August 14 to 17, 2025. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also heads the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG)—during a press conference in Panaji.
Film entries will be accepted from June 17 to July 7 at the ESG office. The festival will feature both feature-length and non-feature films in Konkani and Marathi, showcasing Goa’s vibrant and diverse cinematic culture.
A cash prize of ₹5 lakh awaits the winner of the Best Film category, with awards also lined up for second and third places. In total, accolades will be distributed across 21 categories, including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Screenplay, and several technical fields.
Acknowledging the festival’s absence over the past three years, Chief Minister Sawant announced that awards in all 21 categories will also be presented retrospectively for films released during the hiatus. This gesture ensures recognition for filmmakers who contributed to regional cinema even when the festival was on hold.
The government has earmarked ₹4.5 crore for the event, reflecting its strong commitment to supporting and revitalizing Goa’s local film industry.