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, on November 13, was inaugurated by the 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 M Delilah M. Lobo, Vice Chairperson, Entertainment Society of Goa, Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, Krishna Kumar, Chairperson, NFDC, and Ashutosh Gowariker, Festival Director, IFFI 2026, Prabhat, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Madhur Bhandarkar, Chairperson, Feature Film Jury; Himanshu Shekhar Khatua, Chairperson, Non-Feature Film Jury; Deepak Mandekar, CEO, Entertainment Society of Goa; and Dheeraj Singh, Managing Director, NFDC, & Smita Vats Sharma, DG West Zone PIB.
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.
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) 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, on November 13, was inaugurated by the 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 M Delilah M. Lobo, Vice Chairperson, Entertainment Society of Goa, Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, Krishna Kumar, Chairperson, NFDC, and Ashutosh Gowariker, Festival Director, IFFI 2026, Prabhat, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Madhur Bhandarkar, Chairperson, Feature Film Jury; Himanshu Shekhar Khatua, Chairperson, Non-Feature Film Jury; Deepak Mandekar, CEO, Entertainment Society of Goa; and Dheeraj Singh, Managing Director, NFDC, & Smita Vats Sharma, DG West Zone PIB.
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.
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