- It is biggest state-backed international film festival in India.
- It is conducted jointly by Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Directorate of Film Festivals and Government of Goa.
- It was started in 1952 and since then held annually in Goa.
- It aims at providing common platform for cinemas of world to project the excellence of the film art.
- It also seeks to contribute to create awareness for understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations in context of their social and cultural ethos and promote friendship and cooperation among people of the world