Vinod Bhat
New Delhi: The 19th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), India’s premier festival for documentary, short fiction and animation films, was inaugurated at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Dadar in Mumbai on Monday evening amid a grand celebration of cinematic excellence, cultural diversity and creative innovation.
Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan inaugurated the festival and delivered a keynote address that set the tone for the week-long event, positioning India as an emerging global hub for storytelling, content creation and creative entrepreneurship.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Murugan talked about the growth of India’s media and entertainment ecosystem under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. “India today is recognised across the world as a creative powerhouse and a reliable partner in content creation. Our stories have the ability to inspire audiences across continents, while our creative talent pool remains unmatched in its scale and capability,” he said.
“India’s media and entertainment industry grew by 9 per cent to ₹2.78 lakh crore in 2025, driven by rapid digital transformation and expanding content consumption. Digital media has become the largest segment of the industry, crossing the ₹1 lakh crore revenue milestone for the first time,” the minister said and added that the sector is projected to reach ₹3.3 lakh crore by 2028, growing at over seven per cent CAGR, while more than 1,900 films were released in India in 2025 alone, contributing to a 16 per cent rise in theatrical revenues.
Describing Mumbai as the creative capital of India, he recalled the success of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) hosted in the city in 2025 and said platforms such as MIFF play a crucial role in advancing India’s ambition of becoming the world’s leading creators’ hub.
Talking about the growing significance of the WAVES Doc Bazaar, which has emerged as a major platform connecting documentary filmmakers with producers, distributors, industry experts and global audiences, Dr. Murugan said the initiative is helping bridge the gap between emerging talent and established professionals while enabling the creation and international distribution of impactful documentaries.
Congratulating the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and all other stakeholders associated with the festival, Dr. Murugan expressed confidence that MIFF 2026 would contribute significantly to shaping the future of media and entertainment through innovation, creativity and collaboration.
Maharashtra’s Minister for Cultural Affairs and Information Technology Shri Ashish Shelar, who also spoke at the Opening Ceremony, welcomed the participants from across the world to Mumbai and reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting the creative industries. Appreciating the government of India for setting up the maiden Indian Institute of Creative Technology in Mumbai, the minister said that the State government has a plan to set up a media hub in the city with the support of the central government. Shri Shelar also appreciated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the initiative of World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit which was held in Mumbai in 2025.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, described MIFF as a celebration of India’s enduring civilisational belief in the free exchange of ideas and creative expression. Quoting the Rig Veda’s timeless invocation, “Let noble thoughts come to us from every side,” he said the festival brings together films, ideas and creators from across the world. The Secretary also said MIFF reflects the ‘Create in India’ vision of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi by providing a vital platform for filmmakers who dare to explore deeper realities and present them through compelling cinematic narratives.
Jaideep Ahlawat felicitated for contribution to Indian cinema
One of the highlights of the evening was the felicitation of acclaimed actor Jaideep Ahlawat for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. The honour was presented by Dr. L. Murugan in the presence of other dignitaries.
Receiving the recognition, Ahlawat expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the importance of festivals such as MIFF in creating space for meaningful storytelling and encouraging cinematic voices beyond mainstream narratives.
Cast and crew of opening films honoured
The ceremony also celebrated the creative teams behind the festival’s opening films. Representatives of the internationally acclaimed short film ‘Agapito’ and the documentary ‘Time & Water’ were felicitated on the stage.
Actor Anton Nolasco and Casting Director Ma. Christina Simon from ‘Agapito’ were honoured, while members of the National Geographic and JioStar teams associated with ‘Time & Water’ were also recognised for bringing compelling global stories to audiences.
Felicitation of juries
In another segment of the inauguration, the festival formally welcomed and felicitated members of the International Competition Jury, National Competition Jury and FIPRESCI Jury.
The jury panels comprise filmmakers, critics, scholars, programmers and media professionals from India and across the world, entrusted with evaluating the festival’s diverse selection of documentary, short fiction and animation films.
The opening ceremony also featured a vibrant cultural presentation showcasing India’s artistic heritage. The ceremony was attended by noted filmmaker and Festival Director of IFFI 2026 Shri Ashutosh Gowariker, Chairman of Prasar Bharati Shri Prasoon Joshi, Chairman of NFDC Shri Krishnakumar G, Festival Director of MIFF and NFDC Managing Director Shri Prakash Magdum, Indian Documentary Producers’ Association (IDPA) President Shri Sanskar Desai, industry leaders, filmmakers, jury members and distinguished guests from India and abroad.
Organized biennially by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and executed by NFDC, the seven-day festival promises an enriching experience for filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema enthusiasts alike. This year’s edition has also introduced two new curated sections — “Marathi Films” and “Echoes from North East” — with an aim of showcasing regional cinematic voices and celebrating India’s cultural diversity.
Click here for more details of the package of an extraordinary array of films, voices, and perspectives the MIFF is bringing together from India and across the world.
Please find the high resolution photos of the MIFF events here
About 19th MIFF 2026
Recognized as South Asia’s oldest and largest film festival dedicated to non-feature cinema, the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) has long stood as a vibrant celebration of documentary, short fiction, and animation filmmaking. Established in 1990 and organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, MIFF has grown into a prestigious international platform that attracts filmmakers, artists, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world.
The 19th edition of MIFF promises an immersive and enriching cinematic experience, featuring a thoughtfully curated lineup of acclaimed international films alongside an exciting array of industry-focused initiatives.
- This year, the Competitive Section of the festival has received 1,459 film entries from 46 countries, including India.
- The festival showcases films in more than 42 Indian languages and over 30 languages from outside India, reflecting its global reach and cultural diversity.
- Featuring works by acclaimed filmmakers from around the world, the festival will present some of the finest documentaries, short fiction films, animations, debut director films, and student films.
- Alongside the screenings, the 2nd edition of Doc Bazaar, enriching masterclasses, and an Open Forum by IDPA will further enhance the cinematic and creative exchange at the festival.
Step into the vibrant world of storytelling at MIFF 2026, where powerful cinema, creative minds, and inspiring voices come together to create an unforgettable celebration of documentary, animation, and short fiction filmmaking.
