Goa Ready to Welcome Global Cinema Community for 57th IFFI: CM Pramod Sawant
PANJIM: The Chief Minister of Goa , Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Curtain Raiser Press Conference of the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2026, held at Panjim, Goa on Friday. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, unveiled the festival’s expansive programme celebrating Indian and international cinema.
“As the Chief Minister of Goa it gives me great pleasure to welcome all delegates and the film industry for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Great stories bring the world together. Goa is proud to host IFFI. It’s a matter of pride for Goa. The State creates a memorable experience,” said CM Sawant.
“We are hosting the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa and for that I am thankful to the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Naraendra Modi for his support. We have an approximate cost of Rs 30cr expenditure for this Gala event being hosted by Goa,” informed Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
“The International Film Festival has grown over the years. The theme aims to bring people from different countries together. The International Film Festival features the best OTT series and growing digital platforms. Spain as Country of Honour and Russia as partner this IFFI adds new dimensions. Screening of films in 4 cities of Goa, Margao, Panjim, Porvorim and Ponda is to give all a novel experience,” informed CM Sawant.
“We want to showcase Goan hospitality through the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2026. The 20th Waves Film Bazar has been getting a good response. The workshops will help highlight the key areas in the film industry. We want all delegates, film makers and audience to get a wonderful opportunity,” said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
Expressing pride in Goa’s association with IFFI, he described the festival as an integral part of the state’s cultural identity and calendar. He also highlighted the state government’s preparations to welcome the global film fraternity, with arrangements for screening venues, transport, hospitality and public facilities.
The Curtain Raiser Press event was also attended by Delilah Lobo, Vice Chairperson, Entertainment Society of Goa, Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, Krishna Kumar, Chairperson, NFDC, and Ashutosh Gowariker, Festival Director, IFFI 2026, Prabhat, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Madhur Bhandarkar, Chairperson, Feature Film Jury; Himanshu Shekhar Khatua, Chairperson, Non-Feature Film Jury; Deepak Mandekar, CEO, Entertainment Society of Goa; and Dheeraj Singh, Managing Director, NFDC, & Smita Vats Sharma, DG West Zone PIB.
Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, highlighted IFFI’s evolution as a major platform for Indian and international cinema, promoting cinematic excellence, cultural exchange and engagement with diverse voices. He recalled Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s observation that “The stories may have an address, but emotions have no borders.” Elaborating on this thought, he emphasised this year’s theme, ‘Stories Without Borders’, and the ability of cinema to transcend geographical, linguistic and cultural barriers. He also highlighted India’s rich storytelling traditions across languages, cultures and communities, and expressed confidence that the 57th IFFI would further strengthen the festival’s standing on the international cinematic stage.
