The 19th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival, popularly known as MIFF, began today with a grand opening ceremony at Ravindra Natya Mandir in Mumbai. The festival is organised by the National Film Development Corporation under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It is India’s biggest and oldest festival dedicated to documentary films, short fiction films, animation films and AI generated films. Every edition of MIFF attracts talented filmmakers, industry experts and cinema lovers from different parts of India and around the world, making it one of the most important events for non feature films in South Asia.
The opening ceremony was a colourful celebration of creativity and storytelling. Distinguished guests, filmmakers, delegates and artists gathered at the venue to mark the beginning of the six day festival. The event was attended by several well known personalities from the film industry and cultural sector, who came together to celebrate the growing influence of documentary, animation, short films and new age AI powered storytelling. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as participants looked forward to screenings, discussions and networking opportunities over the coming days.
This year’s MIFF promises to offer audiences a rich mix of powerful stories, fresh ideas and creative filmmaking from across the globe. The festival provides a unique platform for both experienced and emerging filmmakers to showcase their work before international audiences and industry professionals. Visitors can expect a wide range of films that explore social issues, culture, history, science, environment and human experiences through different storytelling styles.
Apart from film screenings, MIFF 2026 will also feature workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions and interactive sessions where filmmakers, students and cinema enthusiasts can learn from leading experts in the industry. The inclusion of AI generated films reflects the rapid changes taking place in filmmaking and highlights how technology is creating new opportunities for creative expression. As the festival unfolds over the coming days, Mumbai once again becomes the meeting point for global storytellers, celebrating the power of cinema to inspire, educate and connect people across cultures.