IFFI 2026 will bring filmmakers, actors, film lovers and industry professionals from around the world to Goa from November 20 to 28, 2026. The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held under the theme “Stories Without Borders”, highlighting how cinema connects people across different countries, languages and cultures.

The festival will present films from different parts of the world and provide a platform for filmmakers to share their stories with international audiences. A curtain-raiser press conference held on November 13 at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon announced the main attractions and programme highlights for this year’s event.

Stories Without Borders: Theme of IFFI 2026

The theme “Stories Without Borders” reflects the ability of films to reach audiences beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. Cinema allows people to understand different societies, traditions and experiences through storytelling.

Films made in different languages can connect with viewers through common human emotions and experiences. The theme also highlights the importance of international cooperation and cultural exchange through cinema.

The 57th edition aims to bring together filmmakers and audiences from different backgrounds while celebrating creative work from India and other countries.

Ashutosh Gowariker Appointed Festival Director

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has been appointed as the Festival Director for IFFI 2026. He is known for directing films such as Lagaan, Swades and Jodhaa Akbar.

His appointment brings an experienced filmmaker into the organisation of one of India’s major international film events. The festival is expected to provide opportunities for discussions, film screenings and interaction between filmmakers and audiences.

Polish Film Fatherland to Open the Festival

The 57th IFFI will open with Fatherland, directed by Polish filmmaker Paweł Pawlikowski. The film will begin the festival’s international programme and introduce audiences to a selection of cinema from different countries.

The Indian Panorama segment will open with Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh. Indian Panorama is an important part of IFFI because it presents selected Indian feature and non-feature films to audiences from India and abroad.

The selection offers a platform for Indian filmmakers to showcase their work and reach viewers beyond their usual audiences.

Spain Named Guest Country

Spain has been selected as the Guest Country for IFFI 2026. This recognition is part of the Spain-India Dual Year 2026, which aims to strengthen cultural connections between the two countries.

The Guest Country programme provides an opportunity to introduce international audiences to Spanish cinema, filmmaking traditions and creative talent.

The participation of Spain also adds an international cultural dimension to the festival. Through film screenings and related activities, visitors will have an opportunity to explore stories and creative styles from Spanish filmmakers.

159 Films from 86 Countries

IFFI 2026 will screen 159 films from 86 countries. These films were selected from around 1,400 submissions, reflecting the wide range of international entries received for the festival.

The programme is expected to include different styles, subjects and filmmaking approaches. By bringing together films from many countries, IFFI creates a space where audiences can discover stories that may not usually be available in mainstream cinema theatres.

The international selection also gives filmmakers an opportunity to present their work to industry professionals, critics and film enthusiasts from different parts of the world.

New Best Web Series (OTT) Award

One of the major additions to the 57th IFFI is the Best Web Series (OTT) Award. The new award recognises the growing role of digital platforms in the entertainment industry.

Streaming services have changed how people watch films and series. They have also created new opportunities for writers, directors, actors and production teams to reach audiences.

The Best Web Series award will recognise outstanding digital storytelling. The winner will receive a cash prize of ₹10 lakh along with a certificate.

The addition of this category shows how the festival is adapting to changes in the way entertainment content is created and distributed.

Major Competitions at IFFI 2026

Along with its international film screenings, the festival will feature several competitions that recognise creative work from filmmakers.

The International Competition will bring selected films from different countries into the spotlight. The Best Debut Feature Film Competition will recognise filmmakers presenting their first feature-length films.

Another important recognition is the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal, which highlights films connected with values such as peace, humanity and understanding between cultures.

These competitions provide opportunities for filmmakers to gain recognition and introduce their work to a wider audience.

Goa Prepares for Nine Days of Cinema

Goa will host the festival for nine days, from November 20 to 28, 2026. The event is expected to attract filmmakers, film industry representatives, media professionals and visitors interested in international cinema.

IFFI is jointly organised by the National Film Development Corporation of India and the Government of Goa. Over the years, the festival has developed into an important platform for international film exchange and the promotion of Indian cinema.

With films from 86 countries, Spain as the Guest Country and a new award for OTT storytelling, the 57th edition will bring together traditional filmmaking and the changing digital entertainment industry.