The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFI) is poised to be one of the most remarkable celebrations of cinema yet — a true global meeting of storytellers, creators, and cultural voices. This year’s festival will feature over 240 films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres, four international premieres, and 46 Asian premieres, selected from more than 2,300 submissions representing 127 nations.
Adding to the excitement, over 50 women directors will have their films showcased, underscoring IFI’s renewed commitment to inclusivity, gender balance, and artistic excellence. The festival will also pay tribute to cinematic legend Rajinikanth, who will be felicitated for his extraordinary 50 years in Indian cinema — a milestone that has already captured global media attention.
Amidst this distinguished gathering, South African actor, producer, and cultural ambassador Tarina Patel has been appointed to the Advisory Council and Steering Committee of IFI 2025 — an extraordinary honour that highlights her long-standing efforts to strengthen artistic and diplomatic ties between South Africa and India.
The IFI Steering Committee this year features some of the biggest names in world cinema — not only from India but from across the globe. Esteemed figures such as Shekhar Kapur, Academy Award-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, and other internationally acclaimed filmmakers, producers, and thought leaders serve alongside Patel. Together, they form one of the most illustrious collectives of cinematic minds anywhere in the world, shaping the vision and creative direction of this year’s festival.
“As a proud South African of Indian heritage, it’s an honour to serve on a committee that brings together such powerful and creative minds from all over the world,” says Patel. “To represent South Africa in this space — and to contribute to the cultural and cinematic dialogue between our nations — fills me with deep pride.”
Patel’s appointment follows her recognition earlier this year as the Cross-Cultural Ambassador between India and South Africa, acknowledging her ongoing efforts to unite the two nations through film, art, and diplomacy. Her prestigious new position at IFI not only allows her to further this mission but also positions her to lead one of the most meaningful initiatives yet — the facilitation of a co-production treaty between India and South Africa.
This landmark treaty, which Patel is helping to initiate through her seat on the Steering Committee and Advisory Council, aims to formalize collaboration between the two countries’ film industries, paving the way for shared resources, stories, and opportunities.
Patel is also currently developing a real-life feature film that epitomizes the spirit of this cross-cultural partnership — a powerful biographical drama about an unsung hero of South Africa, a golfer of Indian heritage who was denied his opportunities during the apartheid era. The project, a co-production between India and South Africa, seeks to celebrate resilience, representation, and justice through cinema.
“This film is deeply personal to me,” Patel shares. “It’s a story that deserves to be told — one that bridges both my worlds, South Africa and India. I’m honoured that my role within IFI now allows me to not only advance this film but also use it as a cultural vehicle to help seal the co-production treaty between our nations.”
For Patel, IFI 2025 is more than a festival — it’s a platform for diplomacy through art, a bridge between histories, and a stage where collaboration can lead to lasting impact.
“This festival is not only about cinema — it’s about connection,” she adds. “It’s about celebrating our shared stories, our differences, and our unity. To see my two worlds come together in this space of creativity is truly special.”
As IFI 2025 prepares to open in Goa from November 20–28, it promises to be a cinematic event of immense scope and soul — one that will showcase the very best of global storytelling, honour legends, and, through voices like Tarina Patel’s, continue to strengthen the bridge between nations and cultures.
IOL Entertainment
