The first Steering Committee meeting for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held in New Delhi on August 21 under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L. Murugan to review preparations for the forthcoming edition and discuss measures to further strengthen the festival’s position as a leading international film event.
The 57th IFFI is scheduled to be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2026.
Addressing the meeting, Dr Murugan outlined his vision for the upcoming edition, emphasising greater opportunities for young students, emerging filmmakers and unsung contributors to the Indian film industry. He said the festival should provide young talent with a platform to showcase their creativity, learn from established filmmakers and engage with the global film community.
He also stressed the need to strengthen IFFI’s international outreach by bringing outstanding films and leading creative talent from across the world to India.
Dr Murugan said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, under the leadership of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, was taking new initiatives to promote India’s Orange Economy and strengthen the country’s creative industries, creating greater opportunities for talent, innovation and global collaboration.
The Minister called for an expansion of 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 creating greater avenues for international collaboration and professional exchange.
Acknowledging the role of the Government of Goa in the festival’s growth, Dr Murugan recalled the contribution of late former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, whose vision, he said, was instrumental in establishing Goa as an internationally recognised destination for cinema. He also appreciated Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for the state government’s continued support for IFFI.
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Chanchal Kumar said IFFI should be leveraged as a flagship platform to promote India’s growing creative economy and deepen collaboration between Indian and international creative communities. He also stressed the importance of ensuring a high-quality and seamless experience for filmmakers, cinephiles, delegates and guests.
National Film Development Corporation Managing Director Prakash Magdum made a presentation on the preparations and initiatives being undertaken for the 57th edition.
IFFI Festival Director and filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker welcomed the Steering Committee’s recommendations and emphasised the need to strengthen masterclasses, expand opportunities for young filmmakers, select outstanding films from India and abroad, and enhance the participation of leading filmmakers and creative personalities from across the world.
The Secretary of the Information and Public Relations Department of the Government of Goa apprised the committee of the preparations being undertaken by the state government and assured members that necessary efforts would be made to complete all required activities on time and ensure smooth arrangements for the festival.
The Steering Committee also emphasised the need for wider international outreach, with focused efforts to curate outstanding films from around the world and invite leading filmmakers, artists and creative professionals from different countries.
Members noted that IFFI is envisaged not only as a celebration of cinema but also as a platform for creative exchange, professional collaboration and the promotion of India’s expanding creative economy.
The committee reiterated the importance of sustained coordination among the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, NFDC, the Government of Goa and other stakeholders to ensure the successful organisation of the festival. It expressed confidence that the 57th IFFI would further strengthen its position as an international platform for cinema, creativity, cultural exchange and global collaboration, while creating greater opportunities for Indian filmmakers and creative professionals to engage with the world.
The meeting was attended by Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Ashutosh Gowariker, Festival Director, IFFI; Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC; the Secretary, IPR, Government of Goa; and Steering Committee members Bhavna Kher, Ram Sampath, Aparna Purohit, Prerna Singh, Namitha, Suhasini Maniratnam, Abhishek Jain, Santosh Sivan, Gaurav Banerjee, Aditya Bhat, Prashant Chothani and Dharam Gulati.
