Veteran filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker Named Festival Director for 57th IFFI in Goa
The appointment was announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, recognising Gowariker’s long-standing contribution to Indian cinema and his deep association with the festival over the decades.
Expressing his views, Gowariker said he feels “immense pride and joy” in taking on the role, recalling his journey with IFFI from attending the festival in 1984 to serving as Jury President for International Cinema in 2024.
New Delhi: Veteran filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has been appointed as the Festival Director for the 57th edition of the International Film Festival of India, scheduled to be held in Goa in November 2026.
The appointment was announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, recognising Gowariker’s long-standing contribution to Indian cinema and his deep association with the festival over the decades.
Expressing his views, Gowariker said he feels “immense pride and joy” in taking on the role, recalling his journey with IFFI from attending the festival in 1984 to serving as Jury President for International Cinema in 2024.
He noted that carrying forward the festival’s legacy, built and expanded since 1952, comes with both honour and responsibility. He added that he looks forward to working closely with the ministry and the government of Goa to deliver a meaningful edition.
Established in 1952, IFFI is among Asia’s leading film festivals and serves as a key platform for showcasing global cinema and fostering cultural exchange.
About IFFI
Jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation of India under the ministry of information and broadcasting, along with the Entertainment Society of Goa, the festival has evolved into a major global cinematic platform. It features international competitions, curated country focus segments, masterclasses, tributes, and the Film Bazaar that enables industry collaborations.
Set in Goa, the festival brings together diverse cinematic voices—from established auteurs to emerging filmmakers—across languages, formats, and storytelling traditions.
