The present dignitaries collectively expressed optimism about collaborating with India’s creative workforce, accessing its technological strengths, and exploring co-production avenues that could mutually enrich their cinematic ecosystems.

Delivering the welcome remarks at the event, secretary of MI&B Sanjay Jaju highlighted India’s rapidly expanding media environment and its growing appeal as a production hub. He noted that the roundtable would “help in strengthening cultural ties and deepening partnerships,” while emphasising the country’s multilingual talent pool and its emergence as a “studio of the world, where global stories can be imagined, produced, and shared.”

Meanwhile, Murugan also inaugurated the IFFI’s Masterclass Series in the presence of Managing Director of National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) Prakash Magdum and acclaimed filmmaker Muzaffar Ali and noted film personality Ravi Kottarakara.

Masterclasses has attracted participants from Australia, Japan, Germany, and Canada, further strengthening its position as a global platform for cinematic collaboration and talent exchange. At the ceremony, the minister also underscored the participation and contribution of women filmmakers, noting that 50 films directed by women will be showcased this year.

Push for global film partnership

IFFI 56 in Goa hosted an Ambassadors’ Roundtable to explore new avenues for bilateral audio-visual cooperation and co-production opportunities

Diplomats from Cuba, Nepal, Israel, Guyana, Australia, Ireland, etc, discussed unlocking economic value and easing hurdles for filmmakers

Minister of State for I&B L Murugan chaired the session, calling co-production the strongest tool for strengthening audio-visual partnerships

Murugan highlighted India’s media and entertainment sector is projected to reach $31.6 bn in 2025