Kolkata International Film Festival 2026: 16–23 December
The 32nd Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) is scheduled for 16 to 23 December 2026. The dates were announced by the Chief Minister at Nandan on 13 August 2026, and the first preparatory meeting was held there on 11 September. Founded in 1995, KIFF is India's third-oldest international film festival and is organised by the state's Information and Cultural Affairs Department; for this edition the actor Prosenjit Chatterjee chairs the festival and Mithun Chakraborty is chief adviser. Nandan, on AJC Bose Road, has been its hub from the start, with screenings spread across Rabindra Sadan, Sisir Mancha and other government halls, and Nazrul Tirtha in New Town has been a venue since 2015. Recent opening ceremonies have been held at Netaji Indoor Stadium (2023) and Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium (2024). Entry to screenings is normally by delegate card or pass rather than individual tickets, and the film list, venues and registration details for 2026 had not been published at the time of writing. The December dates put the festival in the same fortnight as the Park Street Christmas lights. This page lists KIFF screenings and other film festivals, premieres and film-club shows in Kolkata.
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Good to know
- Watch for the delegate registration window; cards are limited and passes are needed for most screenings.
- Queue 45 to 60 minutes early for the big international titles at Nandan 1.
- Rabindra Sadan metro puts Nandan, Rabindra Sadan and Sisir Mancha within a five-minute walk, so plan back-to-back films in that cluster.
- Nazrul Tirtha in New Town usually has shorter queues for the same films.
- Carry a light jacket; December evenings in the open forecourt get cool.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Kolkata International Film Festival 2026?
The 32nd edition is scheduled for 16 to 23 December 2026, as announced on 13 August 2026.
Where is KIFF held?
Nandan on AJC Bose Road is the hub, with screenings at Rabindra Sadan, Sisir Mancha and other halls. Nazrul Tirtha in New Town has been used since 2015.
How do I get passes for KIFF?
Entry is usually by delegate card or pass. Registration details for 2026 had not been published at the time of writing; check the festival's official site.
How old is the festival?
KIFF was founded in 1995 and is India's third-oldest international film festival.
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