57th International Film Festival of India Opens Entries, Announces Key Awards

The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), operating under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, has officially commenced the entry process for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). This prestigious event, held in collaboration with the Government of Goa and the Entertainment Society of Goa, is scheduled from November 20 to 28, 2026, in Goa. The festival serves as a crucial platform designed to highlight both established and emerging cinematic voices from India and across the globe. For its 57th edition, IFFI is actively seeking submissions across several distinguished categories. Notably, the Indian Panorama section, a cornerstone of the festival, will feature a curated selection of 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films, reflecting the rich diversity and innovative spirit of contemporary Indian cinema. To further nurture new talent and acknowledge the evolving landscape of digital content, IFFI has introduced awards for the Best Debut Director of an Indian Feature Film, offering a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, and the Best Web Series (OTT) Award, which comes with a ₹10 lakh cash prize, both accompanied by certificates. The renowned Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has been appointed as the Festival Director, bringing his considerable expertise to shape this year's programming. This initiative collectively underscores the Indian government's ongoing commitment to bolster the nation's film ecosystem, promote diverse storytelling, and ensure wider international exposure for Indian filmmakers and digital creators. The deadline for online submissions is August 10, 2026.