IFFK 2026: International Film Festival of Kerala
The 31st International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) is scheduled to be held in Thiruvananthapuram from 11 to 18 December 2026, according to a notice issued by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy on 9 October 2026. The academy runs the festival for the state's Department of Cultural Affairs, and its own description is of an eight-day festival that draws more than 10,000 delegates, which makes it one of the best-attended film festivals in Asia. The international competition is reserved for films from Asia, Africa and Latin America, with the Suvarna Chakoram (Golden Crow Pheasant) as the top prize, alongside World Cinema, Malayalam Cinema Today, retrospectives, an Open Forum and the Aravindan Memorial Lecture. Screenings are spread across cinemas in the city centre. The last edition used Tagore Theatre, Kalabhavan, the Kairali, Sree and Nila screens, the open-air Nishagandhi, New Theatre, Ariesplex SL Cinemas, Ajanta, Sree Padmanabha and Kripa, all within a few kilometres of the railway station. Entry is by delegate pass, booked on the academy's registration portal. The delegate fee and the opening date for 2026 registration had not been published at the time of writing. This page lists IFFK screenings, talks and related film events as they are announced.
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Good to know
- Register as soon as the delegate portal opens. Passes are capped and have sold out quickly in past years; students get a reduced rate.
- In recent editions most seats could be reserved a day ahead through the festival app, with the rest kept for the walk-in queue. Reserve the evening shows first.
- Base yourself near Thampanoor or Vazhuthacaud. Kairali Sree Nila, New Theatre and Ariesplex are walkable from each other, and Tagore Theatre and Kalabhavan are a short auto ride away.
- Carry your delegate pass and a photo ID at all times; volunteers scan the pass at every screening.
- Open-air screenings at Nishagandhi are unreserved and start after dark. Bring mosquito repellent.
- Hotels near the railway station fill up for festival week, so book rooms in November.
Frequently asked questions
When is IFFK 2026?
The 31st International Film Festival of Kerala is scheduled for 11 to 18 December 2026, according to a Kerala State Chalachitra Academy notice dated 9 October 2026.
Where is IFFK held?
In cinemas across central Thiruvananthapuram. The last edition's venues were Tagore Theatre, Kalabhavan, Kairali Sree Nila, Nishagandhi, New Theatre, Ariesplex SL Cinemas, Ajanta, Sree Padmanabha and Kripa.
How do I get an IFFK delegate pass?
Register online at the academy's portal, registration.iffk.in, when registration opens. The 2026 fee and opening date had not been announced when this page was written.
Can I watch IFFK films without a pass?
Screenings are for registered delegates. Some events around the festival, such as exhibitions and public discussions in the Tagore Theatre compound, are open to everyone.
Who organises IFFK?
The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala.
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