The third edition of the Fest5 International Film Festival (F5IFF) will take place from 20 to 24 November 2026 at the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) Auditorium in Salt Lake Sector V, Kolkata. Organised in collaboration with the Anthropological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the festival will present international cinema exploring environmental concerns, cultural heritage, community life and contemporary social issues.
Guided by the theme “Youth & Green,” the festival aims to connect cinema with conversations around environmental awareness, cultural preservation and the role of younger generations in shaping the future. According to the organisers, the 2026 edition received 647 film submissions from approximately 80 countries, with France selected as the focus country.
International Films and Cultural Perspectives
The festival programme will bring together films addressing climate change, environmental challenges, cultural identity and social concerns. Its international scope is intended to provide audiences with perspectives from different communities and filmmaking traditions.
France will receive special attention through the festival’s focus-country programme, which highlights Indo-French cultural exchange through cinema. The festival brochure also identifies culture, environment, heritage, youth and global dialogue as key areas of focus.
Youth Filmmaking and Community Stories
A special highlight of F5IFF 2026 is Life Near The Canal, a film created by young participants from Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y), Howrah.
The project reflects the festival’s interest in supporting young people as storytellers. According to the organisers’ brochure, F5IFF has conducted filmmaking workshops with LP4Y participants, introducing them to different stages of production, including developing ideas, writing scripts, filming and editing. The initiative encourages participants to document their experiences and explore environmental issues affecting their communities.
The festival also builds on its earlier engagement with students, educational institutions and independent filmmakers.
Dates, Venue and Registration
| Event | Details |
| Name | Fest5 International Film Festival 2026 (F5IFF) |
| Venue | Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) Auditorium, Salt Lake Sector V, Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Dates | 20–24 November 2026 |
| Theme | Youth & Green |
| Focus Country | France |
| Organiser | Fest5 International Film Festival, in collaboration with the Anthropological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture, Government of India |
| Entry / Registration | Free entry; audience registration available online |
| Registration Link | https://tickets.f5iff.com/… |
| Website | https://www.f5iff.com/ |
Further programme details and updates are available on the official Fest5 International Film Festival website.
Conclusion
F5IFF 2026 offers Kolkata audiences an opportunity to engage with international cinema and films addressing environmental and cultural concerns. Its focus on youth filmmaking and community narratives adds a participatory dimension to the programme. With free entry and online audience registration, the festival is open to film enthusiasts, students and members of the public.
