The festival aims at providing a common platform for the cinemas of the world to project the excellence of the film art; contributing to the understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations in the context of their social and cultural ethos, and promoting friendship and cooperation among people of the world.

The festival is conducted jointly by the National Film Development Corporation of India (under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) and the state Government of Goa.

[3] Ayam nijam paroveti gananā laghuchetasām, Udāracharitānām tu vasudhaiva kutumbakam[4] (Extract from the Vedic scripture Maha Upanishad, meaning "This is for me and that is for other – is the thinking of a narrow-minded person.

The Indian entries for the festival were Awara (Hindi), Pathala Bhairavi (Telugu), Amar Bhoopali (Marathi) and Babla (Bengali).

The notable world panorama during the festival were Bicycle Thieves, Miracle in Milan, and Rome, Open City from Italy.

This comprises a representation of the peacock, India's national bird, with a permanent motto of the festival 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The whole world is a family).

While the Filmotsavs were organized at major film – producing centres of India, IFFI was held in New Delhi only.