“Lights, Camera, Delhi!” — Grand Inauguration of International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026 in the Capital

Chief Minister reiterates commitment to making Delhi a global film hub at the inauguration of IFFD 2026

Delhi marks its presence on the global film map; CM says the capital will stand alongside Mumbai, Pune, and Goa

Over 125 international and Indian films to be showcased

Festival to be held from 25th to 31st March; eminent personalities like Manoj Bajpayee, Anupam Kher, and Piyush Mishra to share insights through interactive sessions

From AI in filmmaking to the screening of ‘Sholay (Restored)’, IFFD 2026 blends modern innovation with cinematic classics

“A historic initiative towards establishing Delhi as a global film and cultural centre”, says Kapil Mishra

New Delhi, March 2026 : Chief Minister Mrs. Rekha Gupta on Wednesday inaugurated the International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, marking a significant step towards establishing Delhi as a global film hub. The occasion was attended by Cabinet Ministers Mr. Parvesh Sahib Singh, Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Mr. Kapil Mishra, Chief Secretary Mr. Rajiv Verma, along with filmmakers, artists, directors, and dignitaries from India and across the world.

During the ceremony, a special audio-visual film on IFFD was presented, showcasing the journey of Indian cinema and the vision behind the festival. The event featured a grand red carpet, cultural performances, gala premieres, and live acts celebrating the richness of Indian cinema. Several distinguished artists were also felicitated. The ceremony concluded with the screening of the opening film “SIRÂT.”

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the occasion as a historic moment for Delhi as it establishes a strong identity on the global cinematic platform. She stated that Delhi has long been a centre of art, culture, and creativity, and IFFD is a natural extension of that legacy.

She emphasized that the festival is not merely about films, but a celebration of dreams, emotions, and stories that connect society. Cinema, she noted, transcends language and geographical boundaries, fostering deeper human connections and offering new perspectives.

Highlighting Delhi’s growing stature, the Chief Minister said that through this festival, the capital is securing its place on the global film map and moving forward alongside major film hubs like Mumbai, Pune, and Goa. Hosting international filmmakers and artists at a world-class venue like Bharat Mandapam reflects Delhi’s diversity and cultural vibrancy.

She further added that the Delhi Government is developing this festival as a long-term cultural initiative aimed at boosting film tourism, creating opportunities for youth, and strengthening the creative economy. Platforms like CineXchange will enable emerging filmmakers to present their stories on a global stage.

Special initiatives such as “Her Lens” are designed to provide a platform for women filmmakers, marking a progressive step towards inclusive and empowering cinema. The Chief Minister reiterated that Delhi is emerging as a “Creative Capital,” where art, culture, and creativity will continue to be actively promoted.

Minister for Art, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Kapil Mishra, stated that the International Film Festival Delhi, launched from Bharat Mandapam, represents a historic milestone in positioning Delhi’s cultural identity on the global stage. He expressed pride in seeing the vision conceptualized nearly a year ago come to fruition under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. He added that Delhi is now advancing with full potential not only as an administrative centre but also as a hub for art, culture, and tourism.

He also expressed gratitude to Cabinet Ministers Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Ashish Sood, Chief Secretary Ajay Verma, and other dignitaries. He acknowledged the esteemed presence of renowned personalities including Hema Malini, Khushbu Sundar, Madhur Bhandarkar, Sharmila Tagore, and Kangana Ranaut, noting that such participation will significantly contribute to establishing Delhi as a prime destination for film shooting and tourism.

The event also witnessed the presence of eminent personalities including Sharmila Tagore, Kangana Ranaut, Hema Malini, Vivek Oberoi, Arjun Kapoor, Nimrat Kaur, Vicky Kaushal, Arvind Swami, Sudipto Sen, Madhur Bhandarkar, Sanya Malhotra, and Siddhant Chaturvedi, further enhancing the grandeur and prestige of the festival.

Detailed Overview of IFFD 2026

Key Highlights

• Screening of over 125 Indian and international films
• Gala premieres and star-studded screenings
• Showcases of digital and emerging cinema
• CineXchange Film Market and Cineverse Expo
• Masterclasses, industry panel discussions, and workshops
• Cultural evenings and live performances

Key Objectives of the Festival

• To establish Delhi as a global film hub
• To promote film tourism
• To provide opportunities for young talent
• To offer single-window facilitation for filmmakers
• To strengthen the creative economy

Festival Schedule

1. 26 March 2026

At Bharat Mandapam, Auditorium 1 will host screenings of Sankranthiki Vasthunam, Lust for Life, Nirontor, and Meiyazhagan. Auditorium 2 will feature Sitaare Zameen Par (with a special session), Noor, Bhagwanth Kesari, and Mahadev Ka Gorakhpur.

In the Leaders Lounge, key industry sessions will include the inauguration of CineXchange, Pitch Forum (Co-production and Rough Cuts), “The Producer’s Chair” (Women in Cinema), “The Casting Eye,” an interaction with Enrique Arce, and a session on “History of Bhojpuri Cinema.”

2. 27 March 2026

Gala screenings of Kalamkaaval, Baipan Bhari Deva, Shool, and Made in Korea will be held. The day will also feature a special interaction with Manoj Bajpayee, a masterclass on Scriptwriting to Acting, and panel discussions on AI in Filmmaking and Cross-Cultural Cinema.

3. 28 March 2026

Gala screenings of Gondhaal, Rang De Basanti, and Dear Maa along with the international film Ilo Ilo will be held. Special sessions focusing on Piyush Mishra and thematic discussions on Film Distribution and Independent Cinema will also be conducted.

4. 29 March 2026

The day will feature gala screenings of Virupaksha, Aranmanai 4, and Jana Gana Mana. A masterclass by K.K. Senthil Kumar on Cinematography, “Reimagining Filmmaking with AI,” and discussions on the rise of Regional Cinema will also take place.

5. 30 March 2026

The closing ceremony will include a gala red carpet event. A special screening of Sholay (Restored) will be presented, along with a masterclass on Acting by Anupam Kher and an interaction session with Bhumi Pednekar.

6. 31 March 2026 (Final Day)

The final day will feature the gala screening of Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate and the closing film Amoeba. A special session titled “Delhi on Reel – Cinema & the Capital” will be held, followed by final screenings of international and Indian films, marking the conclusion of the festival.

7. Other Key Venues

• Film screenings throughout the week at PVR cinemas across Delhi (Saket, Vasant Kunj, Dwarka, Rajouri Garden, Patel Nagar, Pitampura, Kaushambi, etc.)
• Special shows at PictureTime and public venues
• Sections dedicated to short films, archives, and audience showcases