The logo of the 32nd Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) was unveiled on Sunday evening at a special event in Kolkata, marking the beginning of preparations for one of the city’s biggest annual cinematic celebrations. The festival will be held from December 16 to 23, 2026, with Ireland chosen as the Focus Country.

Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty unveiled the festival logo in the presence of KIFF Chairman Prosenjit Chatterjee, actor Jeet, actor Hiran Chatterjee, actress Papiya Adhikari and actor-politician Rudranil Ghosh, among other dignitaries.

Ireland Named Focus Country; Online Registrations Open on November 5

Announcing the festival’s plans, Prosenjit Chatterjee confirmed that Ireland will be the Focus Country for this year’s edition. The organisers will also introduce a dedicated online portal from November 5, allowing delegates and other participants to access festival-related information and apply for delegate cards.

The official festival website will provide details about registration procedures, film schedules and the movies selected for screening. Interested participants will be able to complete their delegate applications online.

Victoria Memorial to Host the Opening Ceremony

One of the major highlights of this year’s festival will be its opening ceremony at the iconic Victoria Memorial in Kolkata.

According to Soumitra Mohan, Secretary of the state’s Information and Cultural Affairs Department, the inauguration will take place at Victoria Memorial. The opening film is also scheduled to be screened at the historic venue.

The festival’s regular screenings and activities will take place at Nandan and other designated venues across the city.

Mithun Chakraborty Announces an Impressive Star Line-Up

As the festival’s advisor, Mithun Chakraborty promised a memorable edition filled with surprises, both during the opening ceremony and throughout the festival.

He announced an impressive list of prominent film personalities expected to be part of the celebrations. The names include:

• Rajinikanth
• Prabhas
• Akshay Kumar
• Sanjay Dutt
• Paresh Rawal
• Anupam Kher
• Johnny Lever
• Kangana Ranaut
• Anurag Kashyap
• Mithun Chakraborty

The proposed presence of these celebrated personalities is expected to add significant glamour to the festival. Their participation and individual schedules will be subject to official confirmation.

Special Theme Song to Be Played Before Every Film

Prosenjit Chatterjee revealed another interesting addition to this year’s festival. A special theme song is being created for KIFF 2026, and it will be played before every film screening.

The theme song is being composed by Ratul Shankar, while the festival’s official logo has been designed by Sandeep Ray.

These creative additions are expected to give the 32nd edition a distinct identity and a unified festival experience for audiences.

Film Bazaar to Be Part of KIFF 2026

Mithun Chakraborty also announced that a Film Bazaar will be organised as part of this year’s festival, adding an industry-focused dimension to the celebrations.

He expressed confidence in the organising team’s ability to deliver a successful event, highlighting the leadership of Prosenjit Chatterjee and the involvement of Jeet, Hiran Chatterjee and Rudranil Ghosh.

According to Mithun, the team is working together to make the 32nd edition a memorable celebration of cinema.

KIFF 2026: Dates and Key Information

With Ireland as its Focus Country, a special theme song, Film Bazaar and a proposed star-studded guest list, the 32nd Kolkata International Film Festival is gearing up for an exciting eight-day celebration.

The city is once again preparing to welcome filmmakers, artists, delegates and cinema lovers from India and around the world.