The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) began at the Dinanath Mangeshkar auditorium at Panaji’s Kala Academy on November 22nd 2009. Veteran actress Waheeda Rahman graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The first film to be screened at the IFFI was Wheat, a Chinese war film directed by He Ping.

Those present at the inaugural ceremony were the Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni and the Chief Minister of Goa Digambar Kamat. Asin also made it to the function and assisted the dignitaries in the traditional lamp lighting. The event was compered by Kabir Bedi and Divya Dutta.