Filmmaker
Ashutosh Gowariker has been named the festival director of the 57th International Film Festival of India. The appointment has been made by India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Known for directing films like Lagaan, Gowariker now steps into a role that connects him with the festival in a different capacity. His association with the event goes back several decades, making this development part of a longer journey rather than a sudden shift.
Ashutosh Gowariker is the new Director of IFFI 2026
Ashutosh Gowariker takes over the role from Shekhar Kapur, who served as festival director for two years, covering the 55th and 56th editions. The change marks a transition in leadership as the festival prepares for its next edition.Speaking about the appointment, Gowariker said it brings him both pride and a sense of responsibility. He referred to the International Film Festival of India as a prestigious platform and noted that his connection with it goes back to 1984. Over the years, he has remained connected with the festival across different points in time, taking up varied roles depending on the edition. In 2024, he was also part of the event as the jury president for the international cinema segment.In his statement, Gowariker spoke about continuing the legacy of the festival, which has developed over decades through the work of multiple teams. He described the opportunity as an honour and said he looks forward to working closely with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Government of Goa.
About Ashutosh Gowariker's career
Gowariker is widely known for directing films that are mounted on a larger scale and backed by detailed production design. His body of work includes Lagaan, which went on to receive an Academy Award nomination, along with titles such as Swades, Jodhaa Akbar and Mohenjo Daro.
Across these films, he has consistently worked within settings that draw from specific time periods while also focusing on stories that connect with broader social themes. This approach has shaped his identity as a filmmaker who balances scale with narrative detail.This background is likely to influence how he approaches his new role at the festival. The International Film Festival of India dates back to 1952 and is one of the longest-running film festivals in Asia. It is jointly organised by the National Film Development Corporation and the state of Goa. The festival’s annual programme includes competition screenings, retrospectives, masterclasses and the WAVES Film Bazaar, which functions as a marketplace for co-production and film sales.
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