Ashutosh Gowariker Appointed as Festival Director for 57th International Film Festival of India

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has appointed noted filmmaker Shri Ashutosh Gowariker as the Festival Director for the 57th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), to be held in Goa.

Appointment
- The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has named Ashutosh Gowariker as Festival Director for IFFI 2026 in Goa.
- Gowariker has a long association with IFFI, from attending in 1984 to serving as Jury President for International Cinema in 2024.

Gowariker’s Statement
- He expressed pride in continuing the festival’s legacy, calling it a “great honour” and a “renewed sense of responsibility.”
- He emphasized collaboration with the Ministry and Government of Goa to carry forward IFFI’s tradition.

About IFFI
- Established in 1952, IFFI is South Asia’s oldest film festival and a major global platform for cinema.
- Jointly organized by NFDC (under the Ministry of I&B) and the Entertainment Society of Goa.
- Known for its blend of international competitions, country focuses, masterclasses, tributes, and the WAVES Film Bazaar.
- The 57th edition will be held in November 2026, promising a diverse showcase of languages, forms, and storytelling traditions.

This appointment signals a creative and globally-minded direction for IFFI, with Gowariker’s cinematic vision expected to shape the festival’s programming and international collaborations.