57th IFFI in Goa, 20–28 Nov, on 'Stories Without Borders'

13 November 2026 · English History, Art & Culture

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Current affairs of 13 November 2026 (Shanmugam IAS Academy) – explained for UPSC, TNPSC and other competitive exams

News

The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is being held at Panaji, Goa, for nine days from 20 to 28 November 2026, on the theme 'Stories Without Borders'. Details were announced at a curtain-raiser press conference in Goa on 13 November, attended by Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Festival Director Ashutosh Gowariker. Over 150 international films from 86 countries and 76 Indian films in 18 languages will be screened, with 14 gala premieres. Spain is the 'Country of Honour' and Russia the 'Partner Country'. The opening film is 'Fatherland' by Polish director Pawel Pawlikowski (joint Best Director, Cannes 2026); the closing film is 'We Are All Strangers' by Singapore's Anthony Chen. 'Dhurandhar' opens the Indian Panorama and 'Ramayana' opens the BRICS section; two new sections – Animation and 'Films About Films' – have been added. Director Aanand L. Rai chairs the international competition jury, and the birth centenary of Polish director Andrzej Wajda is being marked. Prize money: Golden Peacock (best film) ₹51 lakh; Silver Peacock (best director) ₹20 lakh. Over 1,400 entries from 137 countries; 9 world premieres.

Key facts for the exam

Background

• IFFI is among Asia's oldest film festivals. The first edition was held in Bombay (Mumbai) from 24 January to 1 February 1952, and then travelled to Madras, Delhi, Calcutta and Thiruvananthapuram. A competitive section began in 1965 (3rd edition), the year the Paris-based International Federation of Film Producers' Associations (FIAPF) gave it 'A' category status.
• Goa became IFFI's permanent venue from the 35th edition in 2004. The best film in the international competition gets the 'Golden Peacock', and the best director and actors get 'Silver Peacock' awards; since 2021 the lifetime award is named the 'Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award'. The 'ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal' goes to a film reflecting Gandhian ideals of peace, tolerance and non-violence.
• Under the Constitution, sanctioning cinematograph films for exhibition is a Union power under Entry 60 of the Union List; accordingly the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) works under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Theatres and entertainments are a State subject under Entry 33 of the State List.
• Media reports say the opening film 'Fatherland' completes Pawlikowski's historical trilogy after 'Ida' and 'Cold War'. This year there is a separate section for films from all 11 BRICS members; the 6th edition of 'Creative Minds of Tomorrow' (CMOT) for young talent has 100 participants in 13 crafts.

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Sources: PIB / News On AIR (13 Nov 2026; 22 Aug 2026); ANI; DT Next; ETV Bharat; iffigoa.org (history); festival-cannes.com. Compiled by Shanmugam IAS Academy.

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