The first Meeting of Steering Committee for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held on 21st August 2026 at Kartavya Bhawan-2, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Dr. L. Murugan, Hon’ble Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, to review preparations for the forthcoming edition of the festival and deliberate on measures to further strengthen its standing as a world-class international film festival.
The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is scheduled to be held in Goa from 20 to 28 November 2026.
Addressing the meeting, Dr. L. Murugan outlined his vision for the 57th edition of IFFI, emphasising greater opportunities for young students, emerging filmmakers and unsung heroes of the Indian film industry. He said that IFFI should provide a platform for young talent to showcase their creativity, learn from established filmmakers and connect with the global film community, while strengthening its international outreach by bringing outstanding films and leading creative talent from across the world to India.
Dr. Murugan emphasised that the ministry under the leadership of Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, is taking new initiatives to boost India’s Orange Economy and strengthen the country’s creative industries, creating opportunities for talent, innovation and global collaboration.
Dr. Murugan further emphasised the need to expand masterclasses, structured interactions with established filmmakers and meaningful mentorship opportunities for young and emerging talent. He also highlighted the importance of showcasing the diversity and strength of Indian cinema while strengthening avenues for international collaboration and professional exchange.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of the Government of Goa in IFFI’s growth and continued success, the Minister paid tribute to the legacy of late Shri Manohar Parrikar, former Chief Minister of Goa, whose vision was instrumental in transforming Goa into a globally recognised destination for international cinema. He also appreciated Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa Shri Pramod Sawant for his continued support and efforts towards making IFFI a truly world-class cultural event.
During the event, Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, underscored that IFFI must be leveraged as a flagship platform for promoting India’s growing creative economy and deepening collaboration between Indian and international creative communities. He also stressed the importance of ensuring a high-quality, seamless experience for filmmakers, cinephiles, delegates and guests attending the festival.
Shri Prakash Magdum, MD, NFDC, made a presentation on the preparations and various initiatives being undertaken for the 57th IFFI. Shri Ashutosh Gowariker, Festival Director, IFFI, welcomed the recommendations of the Steering Committee and emphasised the importance of strengthening masterclasses, opportunities for young filmmakers, the selection of outstanding films from India and abroad, and the participation of leading filmmakers and creative personalities from India and across the world.
The Secretary, IPR, Government of Goa, apprised the Committee of the preparations being undertaken by the State Government and assured that all necessary efforts would be made to ensure timely completion of all required activities and smooth arrangements for the 57th IFFI.
The Steering Committee Members placed significant emphasis on wider international outreach for IFFI, with focused efforts to curate outstanding films from across the world and invite leading filmmakers, artists and creative professionals from different countries. The festival is envisaged not merely as a celebration of cinema, but also as an important platform for creative exchange, collaboration and the promotion of India’s growing creative economy.
The Steering Committee reiterated the importance of close and sustained coordination among the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, NFDC, the Government of Goa and all associated stakeholders for the successful organisation of the festival. The Committee expressed its collective confidence that the 57th IFFI will further consolidate its position as a leading international platform for cinema, creativity, cultural exchange and global collaboration, while creating greater opportunities for Indian filmmakers and creative professionals to engage meaningfully with the world.
The meeting was attended by Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting; Shri Ashutosh Gowariker, noted filmmaker and Festival Director, IFFI; Shri Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, National Film Development Corporation (NFDC); the Secretary, IPR, Government of Goa; and noted steering committee Members Ms. Bhavna Kher, Ram Sampath, Aparna Purohit, Prerna Singh, Namitha, Suhasini Maniratnam, Abhishek Jain. Santosh Sivan, Gaurav Banerjee, Aditya Bhat, Prashant Chothani and Dharam Gulati.
