The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2026 will feature 21 films under its special 'Films from BRICS' showcase, bringing together diverse cinematic narratives exploring democracy, freedom, identity, history and contemporary global concerns.
The selection spans different countries, languages and genres, highlighting themes such as social inequality, family relationships, conflict, displacement and belonging. Several films revisit significant historical struggles, including pro-democracy movements, the fight against slavery and resistance to colonial rule.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
IFFI 2026 will feature 21 films under the 'Films from BRICS' showcase.
The selection explores democracy, freedom, identity, history and social inequality.
India's entry is Aditya Dhar's Article 370.
The films address historical struggles, climate change, family relationships and social realities.
The 57th IFFI will be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2026.
More than 150 international films from 86 countries are scheduled for the festival.
Among the notable selections, Brazil's Amadeo and the Hypothetical New World tells the story of an African inventor in 1830s Brazil whose invention becomes part of the struggle to liberate enslaved people. Indonesia's The Sea Speaks His Name follows the disappearance of a student activist during the country's 1998 pro-democracy movement and his family's search for answers.
South Africa's The Trek takes viewers across the Kalahari Desert in the mid-19th century, highlighting the brutality of the colonial frontier.
Contemporary concerns also feature prominently in the selection. Dreaming of Serenada, a Uganda-UK documentary, explores climate change through a father-daughter relationship and the impact of flooding on a rainforest landscape. Faya Dayi, a production from Ethiopia and the United States, examines communities associated with khat cultivation and consumption, focusing on livelihoods, social realities and the aspirations of young people.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The showcase provides an opportunity for audiences to explore different cultural experiences, historical struggles and contemporary global challenges through cinema. It also highlights the role of international film festivals in encouraging cross-cultural understanding and creative exchange.
Iran's Poultry Farm follows an undocumented child from Iraq whose search for a missing friend puts his own life at risk.
Family, identity and personal choices form another important theme. Saudi Arabia's Hijra follows a young girl, her grandmother and her missing sister on a journey that uncovers family secrets and generational differences.
China's Embers explores the consequences of a mix-up involving cremated ashes, bringing two women face to face with loss and mortality. The Condor Daughter, a Bolivia-Peru production, portrays a young woman from an indigenous Andean community torn between inherited musical traditions and her dream of becoming a performer.
Nigeria-UK production Lady follows a young taxi driver in Lagos whose encounter with a group of sex workers leads her towards solidarity and self-discovery.
India's entry in the showcase is Article 370, directed by Aditya Dhar. Set against the backdrop of the 2016 Kashmir unrest, the film follows a mission to abrogate Article 370. It received three honours at the 72nd National Film Awards in the categories of Best Film, Best Actress and Best Music.
The complete line-up also includes Kindik (The Cord) (Kazakhstan), Baracoa (Cuba and Italy), Bo Bo (Russian Federation), Safe Exit (Egypt, Germany, Libya, Qatar and Tunisia), 9 Temples to Heaven (Thailand, Singapore, France, Norway, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Qatar), Cotton (Uzbekistan), Baga: Tomorrow Belongs to No One (Malaysia), 1982 (Vietnam), And the Snow Was Falling (Belarus) and Baab (United Arab Emirates).
Together, the 21 films offer audiences diverse cinematic perspectives, with stories that cross national boundaries while exploring shared questions of freedom, belonging, memory, resilience and change.
The 57th IFFI is scheduled to take place from November 20 to 28, 2026, across multiple venues in Goa. The festival will showcase more than 150 international films from 86 countries through competitive and non-competitive sections, curated packages, retrospectives, tributes and thematic showcases.
