The first Steering Committee meeting for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held on August 21, 2026, at Kartavya Bhawan-2, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting. The meeting reviewed preparations for the festival scheduled to be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2026.
Dr. Murugan outlined his vision for the 57th edition, emphasizing greater opportunities for young students, emerging filmmakers, and unsung heroes of the Indian film industry. He stated that IFFI should provide a platform for young talent to showcase creativity, learn from established filmmakers, and connect with the global film community. The minister highlighted the ministry's initiatives under Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw's leadership to boost India's Orange Economy and strengthen creative industries, creating opportunities for talent, innovation, and global collaboration.
Specific emphasis was placed on expanding masterclasses, structured interactions with established filmmakers, and meaningful mentorship opportunities for young talent. The committee stressed the importance of showcasing Indian cinema's diversity while strengthening avenues for international collaboration and professional exchange. The minister acknowledged the Government of Goa's pivotal role in IFFI's growth and paid tribute to late Shri Manohar Parrikar, whose vision transformed Goa into a globally recognized destination for international cinema.
Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, emphasized leveraging IFFI as a flagship platform for promoting India's growing creative economy and deepening collaboration between Indian and international creative communities. He stressed ensuring high-quality, seamless experiences for filmmakers, cinephiles, delegates, and guests. Shri Prakash Magdum, MD of NFDC, presented preparations and various initiatives for the 57th IFFI, while Shri Ashutosh Gowariker, Festival Director, welcomed recommendations focusing on strengthening masterclasses, opportunities for young filmmakers, film selection, and participation of leading creative personalities.
The Secretary, IPR, Government of Goa, apprised the committee of state government preparations and assured timely completion of required activities. Steering Committee members placed significant emphasis on wider international outreach through curated outstanding films and invitations to leading filmmakers, artists, and creative professionals worldwide. The festival is envisaged as both a cinema celebration and an important platform for creative exchange, collaboration, and promotion of India's creative economy.
The committee reiterated the importance of close coordination among the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, NFDC, Government of Goa, and all stakeholders for successful festival organization. The meeting was attended by key officials including Shri Chanchal Kumar, Shri Ashutosh Gowariker, Shri Prakash Magdum, the Secretary of IPR (Goa), and committee members including Ms. Bhavna Kher, Ram Sampath, Aparna Purohit, Prerna Singh, Namitha, Suhasini Maniratnam, Abhishek Jain, Santosh Sivan, Gaurav Banerjee, Aditya Bhat, Prashant Chothani, and Dharam Gulati.