The Goa State Film Festival 2025 honoured the best of Goan and Indian cinema
The 10th, 11th, and 12th editions of the Goa State Film Festival 2025 wrapped up as a resounding success, marking a momentous occasion for the state’s vibrant film industry. Over four days, from August 14th to August 17th, the festival transformed Panaji into a hub of cinematic artistry, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and enthusiasts to celebrate the best of Goan and Indian cinema. The event was a testament to the thriving creative spirit of the region, offering a platform for both established legends and promising new voices.
A Star-Studded Inauguration
The festival began with a spectacular opening ceremony on August 14th at Inox Panaji, setting a celebratory tone for the days to come. The event was formally inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, who spoke of the government’s commitment to supporting regional cinema. He was joined by a distinguished group of dignitaries, including Delilah M Lobo, MLA and Vice Chairperson of ESG; Damu Naik, a respected film personality; and Rohit Monserrate, the Mayor of Panaji. Their presence underscored the importance of the festival to the state’s cultural landscape. 
Following Delilah M Lobo’s warm welcome address, the ceremony enthralled the audience with a series of captivating performances. The highlight was a special appearance by the esteemed actor, comedian, and television presenter, Mohammad Ali, whose presence added a touch of national stardom. The crowd was also treated to melodic performances by renowned singer Jolly Mukherjee and Goa’s own talent, Mukesh Ghatwal.
The atmosphere was filled with laughter as popular comedians Sagar Karande and Ankur Wadhave delivered a hilarious performance, perfectly blending cinema and entertainment.
A pivotal moment of the opening night was the announcement of the 48-Hour Short Film Competition winners by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant. This competition, a cornerstone of the festival, highlighted the creativity and technical skill of emerging filmmakers.
The top prize for Best Film went to Ful ani Savli (Flower and Shade), which also swept multiple technical awards, including Best Director for Glen Cardozo, Best Cinematographer for Tejas V. Naik, and Best Editor for Yuri B. Carvalho. The film’s lead actress, Rati Bhatikar, also won Best Actress, while Niraj Arrie took home the award for Best Actor for his performance in Lift.
The inaugural day concluded with a vote of thanks from Dipak Bandekar, Director of the Department of Information and Publicity, who expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the festival’s commencement. The energy from the opening ceremony carried into the following days, which saw the screening of 19 feature films and 4 non-feature films, along with bustling food and handicraft stalls that turned the INOX courtyard into a vibrant public space.
Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence
The festival culminated in a powerful closing ceremony on August 17th at Kala Academy, where the most prestigious awards were presented. The event was once again graced by the presence of all the dignitaries, who came together to honour the best of Goan cinema from the past few years. Delilah M Lobo welcomed the audience, setting the stage for an emotional and celebratory night.
A deeply moving moment occurred when the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the legendary actress, singer, and social worker Varsha Usgaonkar. Her decades-long career and immense contributions to Hindi, Marathi, and Konkani cinema were celebrated with a standing ovation. The ceremony also paid tribute to the legacy of Late Baba Naik, who was posthumously honored for his pioneering role in Goan cinema, a recognition that underscored the festival’s commitment to preserving its rich history. 
The awards ceremony was the evening’s main event. Winners from three different editions were recognized, highlighting the enduring quality of their work. The 10th edition’s Best Feature Film award was given to Juze, which earned an impressive 14 awards in total.
The 11th edition saw Ransaavat win Best Film and Kupamcho Daryeo take the prize for Best Non-Feature Film. For the 12th edition, the award for Best Feature Film went to #Mog!, while Gathan was recognized as the Best Non-Feature Film.
The awards were presented by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and other dignitaries. The evening was made even more memorable with stellar performances by Goan singer Sonia Sirsat, singer Ajit Parab, and a series of dynamic comedy acts by popular artists like Bharat & More and the Vardhan and group.
Dipak Bandekar proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the immense support from the film community and the public. The Goa State Film Festival 2025 was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of cinema to unite people and celebrate culture. By honouring both legends and new talent, the festival not only reflected on the past but also paved the way for a brighter future for Goan cinema.
