⚡ Quick Summary
The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) runs in Goa from Friday, November 20, to Saturday, November 28, 2026. Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker is Festival Director. The festival is organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Entertainment Society of Goa. Delegate registration is open on BookMyShow. The full 2026 programme, including the opening film, was not yet published on the official site at our research cutoff of November 13, 2026.
IFFI, one of Asia's oldest film festivals, returns to Goa next week. The 57th edition opens on Friday, November 20, 2026, and closes on November 28, giving film lovers nine days of screenings, masterclasses and industry events. This guide covers what has been confirmed so far and what you should check before you travel. It is written ahead of the festival, so it does not describe any screenings, awards or ceremonies as having taken place.
IFFI 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | What we know |
|---|---|
| Edition | 57th International Film Festival of India |
| Dates | Friday, November 20, to Saturday, November 28, 2026 |
| Host city | Panaji and other venues in Goa |
| Festival Director | Ashutosh Gowariker |
| Organisers | Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, NFDC and the Entertainment Society of Goa |
| Reported theme | "Stories Without Borders" (per Business News Week) |
| Delegate registration | Open on BookMyShow |
| Opening film and country of focus | Not announced on the official site at our cutoff |
Dates and Organisers
The official IFFI website and All India Radio both give the dates as November 20 to 28, 2026, in Goa. The festival's news page posted an "8 days to go" countdown on November 12. All India Radio reported in August that Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L. Murugan chaired the first steering committee meeting in New Delhi, where officials discussed more opportunities for students and emerging filmmakers, expanded masterclasses and mentoring, and greater international collaboration.
IFFI is jointly hosted by the NFDC, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), the Goa government body that supports the festival locally.
A curtain-raiser on November 13
Business News Week reported that a curtain-raiser press conference was scheduled in Goa on November 13 to announce programme highlights, with Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant expected to attend along with ministry, NFDC and ESG officials. The same report gives the 2026 theme as "Stories Without Borders". We have not yet seen this theme on the official IFFI site, so treat it as reported rather than confirmed, and check the festival's announcements for the official line-up.
Ashutosh Gowariker as Festival Director
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting appointed Ashutosh Gowariker, the director of Lagaan, Swades and Jodhaa Akbar, as Festival Director of the 57th IFFI. The official site announced the appointment on May 6, 2026. According to Adda247's report on the appointment, Gowariker first attended IFFI in 1984 and served as Jury President for International Cinema at the 2024 festival, so he knows the event from both sides of the screen.
What to Expect: Sections and Awards
The 2026 call for entries gives a good idea of the festival's structure.
Indian Panorama
All India Radio reported that the flagship Indian Panorama section will showcase 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films, selected from entries that closed in August. It is the main window for Indian cinema at the festival, covering many languages.
International cinema and competitions
International entries were accepted through FilmFreeway until August 31, 2026. The international programme normally includes a competition for the Golden Peacock, IFFI's top award for best film, along with other prizes. The call for entries also mentions awards for debut directors, the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal, and an award for the best web series (OTT).
Industry and talent programmes
Several programmes run alongside the screenings:
- Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT): a talent programme for young filmmakers, whose 2026 entries opened on September 1.
- WAVES Film Bazaar: the festival's market for buyers, sellers and co-producers. Delegate registration opened on October 1, with fees listed from INR 18,000 (early bird) to INR 25,000.
- WAVEX at WAVES Bazaar: an invitation for registered startups in film and media technology to showcase their work.
- Script Pitching Lab: Prasar Bharati invited applications for a lab to be held in Panaji during the festival.
Looking Back: The 56th IFFI in 2025
Last year's festival also ran from November 20 to 28. According to Wikipedia's page on the 56th edition, it screened more than 240 films from 81 countries, with Japan as Country of Focus. The Golden Peacock went to Skin of Youth by Ash Mayfair. Instead of a traditional inaugural ceremony, The Goan reported that the 2025 festival opened with a float parade from the Old Secretariat to Kala Academy in Panaji.
Screenings in 2025 took place at INOX Panjim, Maquinez Palace, INOX Porvorim, Z-Square Samrat Ashok and Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, with open-air screenings at Miramar and Vagator beaches. The 2026 venue list had not been published on the official site at our cutoff, so do not assume it will be identical.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Register before you travel
The official site says delegate registration for the 57th IFFI is available on BookMyShow. Registration usually gives access to screenings through a seat-booking system, so book early for popular films. Media accreditation closed on November 4.
Plan travel and stays early
Late November is part of Goa's busy tourist season, and the festival adds thousands of visitors to Panaji. Book flights, trains and rooms as early as you can, and consider staying close to the main screening venues to cut travel time.
Check the schedule daily
Film festival schedules often change. Use the official IFFI website and app for the final programme, timings and any venue changes, rather than social media posts.
Respect local rules
Carry valid ID for venue entry, follow security instructions and be mindful of local residents when attending open-air events.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is IFFI 2026?
From Friday, November 20, to Saturday, November 28, 2026, in Goa.
Who is the Festival Director of IFFI 2026?
Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker.
How can I attend IFFI 2026?
Register as a delegate through BookMyShow, as listed on the official IFFI website, and then book screenings according to the festival's rules.
What is the opening film of IFFI 2026?
It had not been announced on the official site at our research cutoff of November 13, 2026. Check the festival's announcements.
What is the top award at IFFI?
The Golden Peacock for best film in the international competition.
Conclusion
IFFI 2026 brings world cinema back to Goa from November 20 to 28, with Ashutosh Gowariker leading the festival and a strong focus on young filmmakers and the film industry. The key details are confirmed, while the full programme was still to be announced at the time of writing. Register early, follow the official channels for the line-up, and read our November 20, 2026 guide for the other events taking place on opening day.
