Preparations for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) were reviewed at the festival's first Steering Committee meeting held in New Delhi on August 21.

The meeting was chaired by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L. Murugan, who discussed plans to strengthen IFFI's position as a major international platform for cinema, creativity and cultural exchange.

The 57th edition of IFFI is scheduled to take place in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2026.

Focus on Young and Emerging Filmmakers

Dr Murugan highlighted the need to provide greater opportunities to young students, emerging filmmakers and professionals working behind the scenes in the Indian film industry.

He said IFFI should offer young talent opportunities to showcase their work, interact with established filmmakers and connect with the international film community.

The minister also called for more masterclasses, structured interactions and mentorship programmes involving experienced filmmakers and creative professionals.

He stressed that the festival should showcase the diversity and strength of Indian cinema while creating opportunities for international partnerships and professional exchanges.

Boosting India's Creative Economy

Dr Murugan said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, under Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, was pursuing initiatives aimed at promoting India's Orange Economy and strengthening the country's creative industries.

He said these efforts could create more opportunities for talent, innovation and international collaboration.

Information and Broadcasting Secretary Chanchal Kumar also said IFFI should be used as a flagship platform to promote India's expanding creative economy and strengthen links between Indian and international creative communities.

He stressed the importance of providing filmmakers, delegates, guests and cinema audiences with a high-quality and seamless festival experience.

Goa to Host Festival in November

Goa will host the 57th IFFI from November 20 to 28. The state government briefed the committee about preparations and ongoing arrangements for the event.

The Secretary of the Information and Public Relations Department of the Government of Goa assured the committee that necessary work would be completed on schedule to ensure smooth organisation of the festival.

Dr Murugan also acknowledged the contribution of Goa's government to the development of IFFI and recalled the role of late former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in establishing Goa as an internationally recognised destination for cinema.

He also appreciated Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for the state's continued support for the festival.

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Ashutosh Gowariker Highlights International Participation

IFFI Festival Director and filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker welcomed the recommendations made by the Steering Committee.

Gowariker stressed the importance of expanding masterclasses, creating more opportunities for young filmmakers and selecting outstanding films from India and other countries.

He also highlighted the need to increase the participation of leading filmmakers and creative personalities from around the world.

National Film Development Corporation Managing Director Prakash Magdum presented an overview of preparations and initiatives planned for the upcoming edition.

IFFI to Strengthen Global Creative Exchange

The Steering Committee emphasised the importance of expanding IFFI's international outreach through stronger efforts to curate notable films from around the world.

Members also discussed inviting leading filmmakers, artists and creative professionals from different countries to participate in the festival.

The committee said IFFI should serve not only as a celebration of cinema but also as a platform for creative exchange, professional collaboration and the growth of India's creative economy.

Sustained coordination among the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, NFDC, the Government of Goa and other stakeholders was also highlighted as important for the successful organisation of the festival.

The committee expressed confidence that the 57th IFFI would further strengthen India's position on the global cinema map while creating new opportunities for Indian filmmakers and creative professionals to connect with international audiences and industry leaders.