The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026 added a touch of nostalgia, imagination, and wonder to its diverse programme with a special screening of the legendary animated classic Alice in Wonderland. The screening offered festival audiences a rare opportunity to experience this beloved masterpiece on the big screen.
Based on Lewis Carroll’s celebrated novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the film was directed by the visionary trio of Wilfred Jackson, Clyde Geronimi, and Hamilton Luske. Widely regarded as one of animation’s enduring classics, the film demonstrates how timeless literature can be transformed into a vibrant and entertaining cinematic experience.
A Bright and Musical Dreamscape
While Lewis Carroll’s original work is renowned for its clever wordplay, whimsical characters, and philosophical undertones, the animated adaptation brings Wonderland to life through colourful visuals, lively storytelling, and memorable music.
The film follows the curious young Alice as she embarks on an extraordinary adventure through a fantastical world inhabited by talking flowers, the mischievous Cheshire Cat, the perpetually late White Rabbit, and the formidable Queen of Hearts. Along the way, Alice encounters a series of unforgettable characters and experiences that blur the line between reality and imagination.
One of the film’s most celebrated features is its enchanting musical score. Beloved songs such as The Unbirthday Song and Golden Afternoon are woven seamlessly into the narrative, capturing Wonderland’s playful spirit and transforming its delightful absurdity into memorable musical moments.
Celebrating More Than Seven Decades of Magic
More than seventy years after its original release, Alice in Wonderland continues to captivate audiences around the world. Its enduring appeal lies in its celebration of imagination, curiosity, and the idea that dreams do not need to follow logic to hold meaning.
With its imaginative animation, vibrant characters, and surreal landscapes, the film remains a timeless work that resonates with both children and adults. Its screening at MIFF 2026 served as a reminder of the lasting power of animated storytelling and the universal joy of exploring worlds beyond reality.
Following other major festival highlights—including screenings of Oscar-winning short films and masterclasses by renowned international filmmakers—the inclusion of Alice in Wonderland further enriched MIFF 2026’s diverse programme, celebrating the magic, creativity, and enduring charm of cinema.
