Panaji, Nov 13: Goa is gearing up to welcome filmmakers, artists and cinema enthusiasts from across the world as the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) returns from November 20 to 28, 2026, with the theme ‘Stories Without Borders’.

The nine-day festival will celebrate the diversity of Indian and international cinema, bringing together creative professionals and audiences for a series of cinematic showcases, cultural exchanges and film-related programmes.

Ahead of the grand opening, the organisers will hold a curtain-raiser press conference on November 13 at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, where details of the festival's major attractions, programme highlights and special initiatives will be announced.

Goa Chief Minister to attend curtain-raiser event

Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant will grace the press conference, which will also be attended by senior officials and representatives from the film and entertainment industry.

Among those expected to be present are Smt. Delilah Lobo, Vice Chairperson of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG); Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Shri G. Krishnakumar, Chairperson of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC); and Shri Dhiraj Singh, Managing Director, NFDC.

IFFI 2026 Festival Director Ashutosh Gowariker and the Chairpersons of the Festival Jury will also participate in the event.

'Stories Without Borders' to define this year's festival

The theme of this year's edition, ‘Stories Without Borders’, reflects cinema's ability to connect people across nationalities, cultures and languages through compelling storytelling and shared human experiences.

With an expanded and diverse programme, IFFI 2026 aims to showcase the creative strength of Indian cinema alongside outstanding works from international filmmakers.

The festival is expected to provide a platform for filmmakers, industry professionals and emerging creative talents to exchange ideas, explore new perspectives and build connections across the global film community.

Goa prepares for nine days of cinematic celebrations

Over the years, IFFI has emerged as an important platform for showcasing world cinema and promoting India's engagement with the international film industry.

The 57th edition will continue this tradition by bringing together diverse cinematic voices and offering audiences an opportunity to experience films and creative expressions from different parts of the world.

The November 13 curtain-raiser is expected to offer the first comprehensive glimpse of the festival's programme and key attractions ahead of its opening on November 20.

With ‘Stories Without Borders’ as its guiding theme, IFFI 2026 seeks to reinforce cinema's role as a universal language that brings cultures closer and celebrates the power of stories to transcend boundaries.