FilmFestival – Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles Announces 2026 Lineup
FilmFestival – The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) has revealed the official selection for its 24th edition, set to run from April 23 to 26, 2026. This year’s programme brings together a wide mix of films from across South Asia and beyond, continuing the festival’s focus on storytelling that reflects cultural diversity and contemporary realities.
Opening and closing films confirmed
The festival will open with Mahesh Narayanan’s Malayalam-language espionage drama Patriot. The film draws attention for bringing together veteran actors Mohanlal and Mammootty on screen after nearly two decades. Featuring a strong supporting cast including Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara and Revathy, the story centres on intelligence operations, covert missions and political intrigue.
Closing the event is Anusha Rizvi’s The Great Shamsuddin Family, which will have its North American premiere at the festival. Set in Delhi, the film follows a writer struggling to meet a deadline while navigating mounting tensions within her family. Through its narrative, it touches on themes such as generational divides, urban pressures and the resilience of women.
A diverse selection of films
The 2026 edition will screen 27 films in total. This includes seven narrative features, two documentaries and 18 short films. Entries come from a wide range of countries, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Malaysia, Japan, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Festival organisers highlighted that the selection reflects varied storytelling styles and perspectives, with a noticeable increase in contributions from women filmmakers across the region and diaspora communities.
Focus on regional stories and new voices
Among the feature films, Ghost School by Seemab Gul presents a layered story of a young girl dealing with social and psychological challenges amid rumours of possession. Mahde Hasan’s Sand City, set in Dhaka, explores the unexpected connection between two strangers and has already received recognition at an international film festival.
Another notable entry, Shape of Momo by Tribeny Rai, follows a woman returning to her roots in the Himalayas as she confronts longstanding cultural traditions. Meanwhile, Songs of Forgotten Trees by Anuparna Roy examines the relationship between two migrant women in Mumbai and has previously earned international acclaim.
Documentaries highlight personal journeys
The documentary section features films that focus on personal histories and lived experiences. The Gas Station Attendant by Karla Murthy offers a close look at an immigrant father’s life, while Breaking the Code by Ben Rekhi and Swetlana traces the journey of a technology pioneer from post-independence India to Silicon Valley.
These films aim to provide intimate insights into identity, migration and generational change.
Short films and premieres add depth
The short film segment includes several premieres, such as Tenfa by Nihaarika Negi, Plain Folks by Fatima Liaqat and Permanent Guest by Sana Zahra Jafri. Alongside these, festival favourites like Bleat!, Ali and O’Sey Balamma will also be screened, offering audiences a range of storytelling formats and themes.
Industry events and global collaboration
In addition to film screenings, IFFLA 2026 will host its Industry Days programme. This segment will feature panel discussions, masterclasses and a pitch competition, with a development grant of USD 10,000 awarded to a selected project. The initiative is designed to connect South Asian filmmakers with professionals from the global film industry, particularly Hollywood.
Festival organisers emphasised that the event continues to serve as a platform for collaboration, helping creators bring their work to wider audiences while building professional networks.
Tickets and festival passes became available starting March 19, with organisers expecting strong participation from both industry professionals and film enthusiasts.