57th IFFI to open in Goa with 159 films from 86 countries

The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2026, The Sentinel Assam reported. The festival is organised around the theme “Stories Without Borders”, a phrase the festival director said reflects the intent to select and screen films that cross geographic, linguistic and cultural lines.

Festival line-up and opening films

A press conference on Friday unveiled a programme that includes 159 films from 86 countries, chosen from roughly 1,400 submissions. Polish director Pawel Pawlikowski’s film “Fatherland” will serve as the opening feature for the overall festival. In the Indian Panorama segment, the Ranveer Singh-headlined movie “Dhurandhar” has been selected to open that showcase. The diversity of the line-up underscores the festival’s aim to present stories that resonate beyond national boundaries.

Competition categories and awards

The festival will host three principal competitions: the International Competition, the Best Debut Feature Film Competition and the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal. In addition, a Best Web Series (OTT) Award will be presented to acknowledge the growing influence of digital platforms on storytelling. These categories are intended to recognise both established and emerging talent across different formats.

Jury and organisational remarks

The International Competition will be judged by a five-member jury chaired by Indian filmmaker Aanand L Rai, according to the festival’s announcements. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, speaking at the press event, said the state is prepared to receive filmmakers and cinema lovers from around the world and described IFFI as an important platform for creative exchange and cultural interaction. He added that Goa is ready to welcome participants and audiences alike.

Director’s vision for the festival

Festival Director Ashutosh Gowariker explained that the theme “Stories Without Borders” is more than a slogan; it guides the selection of films and the overall curation of screenings. He emphasized cinema’s capacity to connect audiences across different geographies and cultural contexts, reinforcing the festival’s aim to bring together directors, actors, producers and critics. Gowariker noted that cinema has the power to link people through shared emotions and human experiences.

Expected impact and schedule

The eight-day schedule is expected to showcase the selected films across multiple venues in Goa, providing a platform for dialogue among participants from varied backgrounds. Organisers hope the gathering will reaffirm cinema’s universal ability to bridge divides and foster interaction among filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences. The festival’s programme, as outlined at the press conference, reflects a concerted effort to celebrate storytelling that transcends borders while highlighting the contributions of both international and Indian cinema.