Goa/Patna: The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) commenced in Goa today with a spectacular celebration attended by filmmakers, directors, actors, and industry professionals from around the globe. The festival highlighted the diversity of world cinema, cutting-edge film technology, and India’s rich cultural heritage, which has become synonymous with IFFI. The inaugural day was marked by a blend of glamour, creativity, and international cooperation as guests gathered for one of the world’s leading film events. A key highlight of the first day was the pavilion of the Bihar State Film Development Corporation (BSFDC), which garnered significant attention.
From the outset, numerous filmmakers, producers, directors, actors, and technicians from India and overseas visited the Bihar Pavilion, admiring the state’s distinctive filming locations, natural beauty, rivers, mountains, historical sites, and cultural richness. Many attendees noted that Bihar has the potential to evolve into “India’s film hub,” offering remarkable opportunities for international film production. Visitors also commended the Bihar Film Policy, which includes attractive incentives for film projects, streamlined permissions, administrative assistance for shooting, and support for local artists and technicians. Several international filmmakers expressed interest in filming their next projects in Bihar after learning about the state’s support framework.
Notable figures such as theatre and Hindi cinema actor Manoj Joshi, along with directors Pan Nalin, Rima Das, and Raviraj Patel, were among those who visited the pavilion on the opening day. Officials from the Bihar State Film Development Corporation provided guests with detailed information regarding the film policy, shooting location catalog, upcoming projects, and government initiatives. Ajay Kumar Singh, Information and Public Relations Officer of the Department of Arts, Culture and Youth, along with film consultant Gaurav Kumar and SO Komal Kumar Mahato, welcomed delegates and addressed inquiries. The steadily growing crowd at the pavilion indicates that Bihar is solidifying its presence in both national and international cinema.
The Bihar Pavilion has already emerged as a focal point at IFFI, with more prominent figures from the film industry anticipated to visit in the days ahead.