Calling all aspiring creators, film students, and cinema lovers! The highly anticipated 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) is officially raising the curtain on an exclusive series of masterclasses. Organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, this year’s biennial festival is taking its dedication to documentaries, shorts, and animation to the next level. From June 16 to June 20, 2026 (4:15 PM – 5:45 PM), MIFF will host a powerhouse lineup of industry experts, offering insider access to the secrets of modern Indian cinema and content creation.
Whether you want to learn the art of a box-office script or decode the future of AI in animation, this five-day creative marathon is designed to elevate your craft.
Here is the stellar breakdown of the MIFF filmmaking workshops you cannot afford to miss:
The Star-Studded Lineup & Schedule
| Date | Industry Expert | Specialization & Focus Area |
| June 16 | Biplab Goswami (Writer, Laapataa Ladies) | Screenwriting, storytelling, and building memorable characters. |
| June 17 | Modhura Palit (Cannes-winning Cinematographer) | Visual storytelling, lighting, and breaking barriers in camera work. |
| June 18 | Deepa Bhatia (Veteran Film Editor) | The invisible art of film editing and shaping narrative structure. |
| June 19 | Sanjeev Sivan (Acclaimed Filmmaker) | Documentary filmmaking, practical direction, and real-world insights. |
| June 20 | Anand Pandey (Animation & Tech Expert) | Artificial Intelligence (AI) in content creation, animation, and future tech. |
Breaking Barriers and Embracing Innovation
A major highlight of this year’s lineup is the deliberate spotlight on accomplished women professionals excelling in historically male-dominated fields. Attendees will get to learn the nuances of framing from Cannes-laureate Modhura Palit and the precision of pacing from editing maestro Deepa Bhatia.
Furthermore, the festival is keeping its finger on the pulse of modern tech. The closing session by Anand Pandey (Krishna Aur Kans, Shaktimaan) will demystify how Artificial Intelligence is actively reshaping animation and storytelling—a must-attend for tech-forward creators.
“This workshop series at MIFF is designed to give aspiring filmmakers and creators an opportunity to learn directly from experts who have shaped storytelling in our country,” says Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of NFDC. “We wanted these sessions to feel open, inclusive, and practical for anyone interested in the craft of filmmaking.”
Why You Need to Attend
As the landscape of global entertainment evolves, the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival continues to be a crucial launchpad for independent voices. By bridging the gap between established veterans and the next generation of storytellers, these NFDC workshops are set to be the crown jewel of this year’s festival. If you are looking to network with industry peers, refine your technical skills, or simply gain a deeper appreciation for the magic of cinema, mark your calendars for June 16–20. Secure your spot at MIFF 2026 and take your first step toward shaping the future of the Indian film and content industry!
