The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will bring together filmmakers, cinema enthusiasts and creative voices from across the world in Goa from 20 to 28 November 2026, under the theme ‘Stories Without Borders’. Reflecting its growing global reach, the festival has received over 1,900 film submissions from 137 countries and will showcase more than 150 international films representing 86 countries, creating a vibrant platform for cross-cultural exchange, diverse storytelling and cinematic excellence.
The Curtain Raiser Press Conference of the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2026, held at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, Goa, was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, who unveiled the festival’s expansive programme celebrating Indian and international cinema. Expressing pride in Goa’s association with IFFI, he described the festival as an integral part of the state’s cultural identity and calendar. He also highlighted the state government’s preparations to welcome the global film fraternity, with arrangements for screening venues, transport, hospitality and public facilities.
The Curtain Raiser Press event was also attended by Ms. M Delilah M. Lobo, Vice Chairperson, Entertainment Society of Goa, , Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, Shri Krishna Kumar, Chairperson, NFDC, and Shri Ashutosh Gowariker, Festival Director, IFFI 2026, Shri Prabhat, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Shri Madhur Bhandarkar, Chairperson, Feature Film Jury; Shri Himanshu Shekhar Khatua, Chairperson, Non-Feature Film Jury; Shri Deepak Mandekar, CEO, Entertainment Society of Goa; and Shri Dheeraj Singh, Managing Director, NFDC, & Smita Vats Sharma, DG West Zone PIB
Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, highlighted IFFI’s evolution as a major platform for Indian and international cinema, promoting cinematic excellence, cultural exchange and engagement with diverse voices. He recalled Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s observation that “The stories may have an address, but emotions have no borders.” Elaborating on this thought, he emphasised this year’s theme, ‘Stories Without Borders’, and the ability of cinema to transcend geographical, linguistic and cultural barriers. He also highlighted India’s rich storytelling traditions across languages, cultures and communities, and expressed confidence that the 57th IFFI would further strengthen the festival’s standing on the international cinematic stage.
Festival Director Ashutosh Gowariker explained the theme ‘Stories Without Borders’, highlighting cinema’s power to transcend geographical, linguistic and cultural boundaries and connect audiences through universal human emotions and storytelling.
Dheeraj Singh, MD, NFDC, presented the festival’s overall vision, highlighting its global outreach, diverse cinematic offerings and evolving identity.
Key Highlights of the 57th Edition
Opening Film
The opening film, Fatherland, directed by Paweł Pawlikowski, follows Nobel laureate Thomas Mann and his daughter Erika as they travel through post-war, divided Germany in 1949, exploring the political and personal divisions of the time. The film received the Best Director Award at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival and was also nominated for the Sydney Film Prize 2026.
‘I Matter’ Named Mid-Fest Film of 57th IFFI 2026
The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2026 will showcase I Matter, directed by Alina Șerban, as its Mid-Fest Film. A 101-minute film co-produced by Romania, Germany and Belgium, it features dialogues in Romanian and Romani, bringing a diverse European cinematic perspective to the festival.
Gala Premieres
The Gala Premieres segment will feature 14 screenings, with participation from 87 countries showcasing a curated selection of films and providing audiences an opportunity to experience diverse cinematic stories and acclaimed filmmaking.
The Country of Honour: Spain
The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) highlights Spain as the Country of Honour, showcasing four Spanish films: The Bad Son, directed by Jaime Lorente; Trinidad; Bitter Christmas, directed by Pedro Almodóvar; and Persegiuiendo a Michael, directed by Jaime Machia. The selection celebrates Spanish cinema and its diverse storytelling, bringing Spanish filmmakers and cinematic perspectives to the international platform of IFFI.
Partner Country: Russia
The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) presents Russia as the Partner Country, with a special showcase of four films representing the diversity and creative richness of Russian cinema. The featured films include Four (Четыре), New Home, Bo Bo, directed by Anastasia Kuzina, and Sidney Lumet’s Birthday. The showcase provides Indian and international audiences with an opportunity to discover contemporary Russian filmmaking, engage with its evolving cinematic landscape and appreciate the cultural and artistic exchange between India and Russia through the medium of cinema.
IFFI 2026 Introduces Two New Segments
The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2026 has introduced two new segments this year to broaden its cinematic offerings and celebrate diverse forms of storytelling. The first segment, Animation, will feature five outstanding films, showcasing creativity and innovation in animated cinema. The second segment, Films About Films, will also present five films and has been introduced in response to suggestions from renowned filmmakers, with the objective of bringing the art and craft of filmmaking to the forefront.
IFFI 2026 Places Special Focus on BRICS Cinema
Another key highlight of the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2026 will be its special focus on BRICS cinema. India’s Ramayana will be the opening film of the BRICS segment, which will showcase films from all 11 member countries, along with contributions from partner countries, offering audiences an opportunity to explore diverse cinematic traditions and storytelling from across the BRICS nations.
Indian Panorama
Total 76 films are being showcased under Indian Cinema section in 18 diffrent languages, reflecting the country’s diverse storytelling traditions and creative excellence.
The selection process received 404 feature film submissions& the non-feature category received 358 submissions. The Best Web Series (OTT) category received 46 eligible entries.
‘Dhurandhar’ and ‘Becoming’ to Open Indian Panorama at IFFI 2026
The Indian Panorama section of the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2026 will open with Dhurandhar, a Hindi feature film, and Becoming, a Ladakhi-language non-feature film. Bringing together films from two distinct linguistic and cinematic backgrounds, the opening selection reflects IFFI’s vision of celebrating India’s diverse storytelling traditions and showcasing cinema without borders.
Best Debut Feature Films Competition
The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) presents the Best Debut Feature Films Competition, featuring seven films from different countries, celebrating emerging filmmakers and fresh cinematic perspectives from across the world. The competition includes Fading Man from Germany, The Sledge from India, Paris from Belgium, The Black Sea from Egypt, L’Âge d’Or (The Golden Age) from France and Italy, Birds on Ice from India, and Atlantic from China. The competition provides an international platform for first-time feature film directors to showcase their talent, gain wider recognition and connect with global audiences, while highlighting IFFI’s commitment to encouraging new voices and nurturing the next generation of filmmakers.
Women Filmmakers, Debut Voices & Emerging Talent
Celebrating fresh perspectives and diverse storytelling, the 57th IFFI will bring together 52 women filmmakers and 62 debut filmmakers, reflecting the expanding creative landscape of Indian and international cinema. The competitive sections will further spotlight 10 women filmmakers and 12 debut filmmakers, underscoring the festival’s commitment to amplifying women’s voices, nurturing new talent and providing a global platform for the next generation of cinematic storytellers.
Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT)
The sixth edition of Creative Minds of Tomorrow will bring together 100 selected participants across 13 filmmaking crafts.
The programme will feature specially curated masterclasses, workshops, in-conversation sessions, a 48-hour filmmaking challenge and the CMOT Talent Camp. Participants will engage with leading filmmakers and industry professionals, pitch creative concepts and explore opportunities across the media and entertainment industry.
WAVES Film Bazaar
WAVES Film Bazaar will bring together filmmakers, producers, buyers, distributors and industry stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, co-production and business opportunities.
The Bazaar will welcome 150 invited guests, including buyers and production houses. Its key initiatives will include the Screenwriters’ Lab, Co-production Market, Viewing Room and Work-in-Progress Lab.
Netflix, the Knowledge Series partner at WAVES Bazaar, will support industry capacity-building and showcase its collaboration with the Government to strengthen India’s VFX capabilities and nurture a future-ready talent pipeline. Its participation will also feature the Gala Premiere of Pushpak Viman, an international screening of Ray Gunn and engagement in pitching sessions to support emerging creative talent and foster industry opportunities.
Masterclasses, Panels & Interactive Programmes
IFFI 2026 will host 14 sessions at Kala Academy from 21 to 27 November 2026, featuring masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions, retrospectives, in-conversation and interview sessions.
The sessions will bring together filmmakers, artists and industry professionals to explore subjects ranging from documentary cinema and filmmaking across borders to women shaping world cinema, storytelling, casting, subtitling and emerging cinematic practices.
Centenary Tributes & Restored Classics
The festival will celebrate the legacy of distinguished filmmakers and artists through centenary tributes, retrospectives and restored classics.
A special centenary tribute to filmmaker Andrzej Wajda will feature five films. The Restored Classics section will also present five films, providing audiences an opportunity to revisit significant works of cinematic history.
