Panaji: The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2026) will bring filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from across the world to Goa from November 20 to 28. The festival will feature more than 150 international films from 86 countries under the theme ‘Stories Without Borders’.
The festival has received over 1,900 film submissions from 137 countries. It aims to create a platform for international storytelling, cultural exchange and cinematic excellence. Moreover, the programme will bring together filmmakers, creative professionals and audiences from different countries.
Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant unveiled the festival programme at a curtain-raiser press conference held at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon. He described IFFI as an important part of Goa’s cultural identity and annual calendar. He also said the state was preparing to welcome the international film community. Arrangements include screening venues, transport, hospitality and public facilities.
Festival Director Ashutosh Gowariker highlighted cinema’s ability to connect cultures across borders. The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Entertainment Society of Goa.
IFFI 2026 puts Indian and international cinema in focus
The festival will open with ‘Fatherland’, while ‘I Matter’ will be screened as the mid-festival film. ‘We Are All Strangers’ will serve as the closing film. India’s ‘Ramayana’ will open the BRICS cinema segment, which receives special attention this year.
The Indian Panorama section will present 76 films in 18 languages. It will open with ‘Dhurandhar’ and ‘Becoming’, celebrating the diversity of Indian cinema. Spain will participate as the Country of Honour, while Russia will join as the Partner Country.
Additionally, WAVES Film Bazaar and Netflix will collaborate to support Indian creative talent and strengthen global storytelling. Seven international films will compete in the Best Debut Feature Films category, providing a platform for emerging filmmakers.
The curtain-raiser was attended by M Delilah M. Lobo, Vice Chairperson of the Entertainment Society of Goa; Chanchal Kumar, Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; and Krishna Kumar, NFDC Chairperson.
Other attendees included Prabhat, Additional Secretary in the Ministry; Madhur Bhandarkar, Feature Film Jury Chairperson; and Himanshu Shekhar Khatua, Non-Feature Film Jury Chairperson. Deepak Mandekar, Dheeraj Singh and Smita Vats Sharma also attended the event.
🎬 The countdown to cinematic brilliance begins! ✨
🎞️ Get ready to celebrate the magic of cinema, creativity and storytelling as the 57th International Film Festival of India (#IFFI57) takes centre stage
🌍 This year, under the inspiring theme ‘Stories Without Borders’, #IFFI celebrates the power of cinema to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, bringing people together through stories and shared human experiences
🎥 The excitement is building, the spotlight is ready, and the world of cinema awaits!
▶️ Watch the video to catch a glimpse of the grand cinematic celebration that awaits! 🍿🌟
@IFFIGoa @MIB_India #IFFI2026 #StoriesWithoutBorders
— PIB India (@PIB_India) November 13, 2026
