New Delhi : Preparations for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) came under review at the first meeting of the festival’s Steering Committee, held on August 21, 2026, at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, who discussed measures to further enhance IFFI’s stature as a premier international platform for cinema. The 57th edition of IFFI will be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2026.
Dr. Murugan said the upcoming edition should place greater emphasis on young students, emerging filmmakers and lesser-known contributors to the Indian film industry. He stressed that IFFI should give young talent opportunities to present their work, interact with experienced filmmakers, gain professional exposure and establish connections with the international film community.
The Minister also called for stronger global participation at the festival, with efforts to bring acclaimed films and prominent creative personalities from different parts of the world to India. He emphasised the expansion of masterclasses, filmmaker interactions and mentorship programmes to help emerging talent learn from established names in cinema.
Highlighting the Government’s broader efforts to promote India’s creative industries and Orange Economy, Dr. Murugan said new initiatives are being undertaken under the leadership of Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw to encourage creativity, innovation, talent development and international collaboration.
The Minister also acknowledged the contribution of the Government of Goa to the growth of IFFI. Remembering former Goa Chief Minister late Shri Manohar Parrikar, he said his vision played an important role in establishing Goa as a prominent international destination for cinema. He also appreciated Goa Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant for his continued support towards the festival.
Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, said IFFI should increasingly serve as a flagship platform for India’s expanding creative economy and facilitate stronger links between Indian and international creative communities. He also stressed the need to provide filmmakers, delegates, cinema enthusiasts and other visitors with a smooth and high-quality festival experience.
Shri Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC, presented an overview of preparations and initiatives planned for the 57th edition. Shri Ashutosh Gowariker, Festival Director, IFFI, welcomed the committee’s suggestions and highlighted the need to strengthen masterclasses, create more opportunities for young filmmakers and ensure the participation of outstanding films and leading creative personalities from India and abroad.
The Secretary, IPR, Government of Goa, briefed the committee on preparations by the state government and assured that necessary arrangements would be completed in time for the festival.
The Steering Committee also stressed the importance of expanding IFFI’s international outreach, including wider participation of films, filmmakers, artists and creative professionals from across the world. Members said the festival should go beyond being a showcase of films and develop further as a space for creative exchange, professional collaboration, cultural dialogue and international networking.
The committee underlined the need for continuous coordination between the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, NFDC, Government of Goa and other stakeholders to ensure the successful conduct of the festival.
The meeting was attended by Shri Chanchal Kumar, Shri Ashutosh Gowariker, Shri Prakash Magdum, 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.
The committee expressed confidence that the 57th IFFI would further strengthen its position as a major international forum for cinema, creativity, cultural exchange and global collaboration, while opening new avenues for Indian filmmakers and creative professionals to connect with audiences and the industry worldwide.