The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026 brought a touch of nostalgia and imagination to its programme with a special screening of the animated classic ‘Alice in Wonderland’, offering audiences a rare opportunity to watch the celebrated film on the big screen.

Widely regarded as one of animation’s enduring classics, the film was showcased as part of the festival’s diverse line-up, an official government statement on MIFF stated on June 20.

Based on Lewis Carroll’s novel ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’, the film was directed by Wilfred Jackson, Clyde Geronimi and Hamilton Luske. The animated adaptation transforms the literary work into a vibrant cinematic experience through colourful visuals, lively storytelling and music.

The story follows young Alice as she journeys through a fantastical world populated by talking flowers, the mischievous Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts. Along the way, she encounters a host of unusual characters and experiences that blur the boundaries between reality and imagination.

A key feature of the film is its musical score, with songs such as ‘The Unbirthday Song’ and ‘Golden Afternoon’ woven into the narrative. According to the release, the music captures Wonderland’s playful spirit and enhances the film’s whimsical atmosphere.

More than seven decades after its original release, ‘Alice in Wonderland’ continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The film’s enduring appeal lies in its celebration of imagination, curiosity and the idea that dreams need not follow logic to be meaningful.

The release said the screening served as a reminder of the lasting power of animated storytelling and the universal joy of exploring worlds beyond reality. Following screenings of Oscar-winning short films and masterclasses by international filmmakers, the inclusion of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ further enriched MIFF 2026’s programme celebrating creativity and the enduring charm of cinema.