Mumbai, 15 June 2026

The 19th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), India’s premier festival for documentary, short fiction, animation and AI-generated films, commenced today with a grand inaugural ceremony at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Mumbai.

Organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, MIFF is South Asia’s oldest and largest festival dedicated to non-feature films. A cinematic fiesta and creative extravaganza transcending borders, the festival brings together filmmakers, industry experts and cinema enthusiasts from across the world to celebrate excellence in documentary, short fiction, animation and AI-driven storytelling.

The opening day witnessed the arrival of distinguished guests, filmmakers and delegates, followed by the inaugural ceremony attended by eminent personalities from the film and cultural sectors.

The Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Chanchal Kumar and eminent filmmaker and Director Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi arriving on the Red Carpet during the opening ceremony of the 19th MIFF

The Cultural Affairs and IT Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Ashish Shelar with the Secretary, Marathi Bhasha Department, Dr. Kiran Kulkarni during the inaugural evening of the 19th MIFF

The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan along with the Chairman NFDC Shri G. Krishnakumar and Managing Director NFDC Shri Prakash Magdum arriving on the Red Carpet during the Opening Ceremony of the 19^th MIFF

Legendary filmmaker and son of V Shantaram, Shri Kiran Shantaram graces the Red Carpet during the opening ceremony of the 19th MIFF

Noted filmmaker Shri Ashutosh Gowariker and IFFI Director arriving on the Red Carpet during the opening ceremony of the 19th MIFF

Noted film actor Shri Jaideep Ahlawat and actress Ms. Sheena Chohan arriving on the Red Carpet during the opening ceremony of the 19th MIFF

The Director General, PIB Mumbai Smt. Smita Vats Sharma interacting at the Red Carpet during the grand inauguration of the 19th MIFF

Glimpses of the Opening Ceremony

Noted film actor Shri Jaideep Ahlawat addressing the gathering at The Opening Ceremony of the 19^th MIFF

The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan addressing the gathering at The Opening Ceremony of the 19^th MIFF

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PIB Team MIFF | Supriya Ghaytadak/ Edgar Coelho/ Darshana Rane