1. What drew you to attend IFFI Goa this year?
I’ve always loved the way films hold entire worlds inside them and IFFI felt like the right place to step into those worlds more deeply. The festival brings together so many voices and visions that I knew it would broaden the way I look at cinema both as a viewer and as a learner.
2. Was there a film or moment at the festival that stayed with you?
Yes, there was a quiet indie film from a first-time director that really moved me. It wasn’t flashy at all but it captured emotions in such a bare, honest way that I walked out feeling unexpectedly full. I think that’s what cinema does best surprise you without warning.
3. You were part of a panel discussion. How did that experience feel?
It was actually thrilling. The panel brought together two groups: emerging filmmakers and more experienced directors. Being in the beginners circle, I got to share my perspective while also listening to people who have shaped cinema for years. The contrast made the conversation lively and it reminded me how much there is to learn.
4. Did the discussions change the way you think about filmmaking?
Definitely. Hearing seasoned directors talk about their process made me realise that technique evolves but the core of storytelling stays the same attention, pacing, emotion and authenticity. It made me more curious about experimenting without losing my own voice.
5. What would you tell another student who wants to attend IFFI someday?
Go with an open mind and let yourself get lost in the films. Don’t worry about understanding everything — just experience it. And if you get the chance to join discussions or meet people, take it. Festivals like IFFI aren’t just about watching movies, they’re about discovering what kind of stories move you.
6. How would you describe your experience of Goa as a city?
Goa showed me two worlds woven together, the Konkani locals and the Anglo-Indian community, each with their own rhythm, language, and attitude. I moved from the simple everyday side of Goa that I never expected to the Goa we usually imagine with its Portuguese-influenced streets, cafes, and a certain boldness in the air. Even small details stood out: the architecture, the food, the sudden appearance of cats everywhere, and the way the whole city slows down after 6 p.m. when most transportation shuts off. Seeing these layers blend inside one place fascinated me and the whole mix made the experience feel unexpectedly rich.
– Malavika Sasidharan
IIIrd DC English Literature,M1
LIT SCROLLS 