Goa, 15 November 2026
Under the theme of "Stories Without Borders," the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), proudly spotlights Russia as its esteemed Partner Country. Scheduled to take place in Goa from 20th to 28th November 2026, the festival reinforces enduring Indo-Russian cultural diplomacy by presenting a specially curated four-film package that bridges contemporary Russian auteur sensibilities with a celebrated Soviet musical classic.
Bringing together emerging directorial voices alongside a masterwork of satirical operetta, the Partner Country Russia section reflects the emotional breadth, stylistic audacity, and thematic depth of Russian filmmaking. From intimate explorations of family fractures, societal alienation, and personal redemption to a buoyant, Shostakovich-scored satire on urban aspirations, the showcase will offer festival delegates and cinephiles an immersive journey into the human condition.
Anastasia Kuzina’s Bo Bo (98 min), making its India premiere at the 57th IFFI, is a poignant rural drama about identity, acceptance and prejudice. Through Nadia, a young girl facing mockery for her facial hemangioma, the film explores her search for self-expression through music, reminding us that true transformation lies not in changing appearances but in overcoming societal prejudice.
Sidney Lumet’s Birthday
Raul Geidarov’s Sidney Lumet’s Birthday (92 min), winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Vyborg National Film Festival, makes its India Premiere at IFFI57. This heartfelt coming-of-age drama follows 17-year-old Dato as he navigates family tensions, abandonment and forgiveness, exploring the resilience needed to heal generational wounds.
New Home
Nikita Grushin’s New Home (101 min), set for its World Premiere at IFFI 2026, is a moving drama about second chances and redemption. Following seven years in prison, Anna struggles to rebuild her life with the help of social services and Roman’s support. Featuring powerful performances, the film explores the challenges of reintegration, healing and confronting the past to find a new beginning.
Cheryomushki
Herbert Rappaport’s Cheryomushki (91 min), making its India Premiere at IFFI, is a delightful musical satire set in post-war Moscow. Following four young couples dreaming of better homes, the film blends catchy melodies, lively choreography and humour to expose bureaucratic corruption while celebrating community spirit and solidarity.
Through this specially curated selection, IFFI 2026 reaffirms the enduring cultural ties between India and Russia, while offering audiences an opportunity to engage with the diversity and evolving expressions of Russian cinema. The four films, spanning different genres and generations of filmmaking, reflect cinema's ability to transcend geographical boundaries and foster mutual understanding through shared human experiences.
The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), scheduled to be held in Goa from 20th to 28th November 2026, will bring together filmmakers, industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts from India and across the world under the theme “Stories Without Borders.” With a diverse line-up of Indian and international films, special country showcases, premieres, competitions and industry engagements, IFFI 2026 continues its tradition of celebrating cinematic excellence and promoting cross-cultural exchange through cinema.
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PIB IFFI Team | Rajith Chandran/ Lekshmi Priya S S / Swadhin Shakti Prasad/ Darshana Rane