By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: The national capital took a decisive step towards establishing itself as a global cinematic destination with the grand inauguration of the International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam on Wednesday.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, inaugurating the week-long festival, described the moment as “historic” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning Delhi as a major global film hub alongside established centres like Mumbai, Pune and Goa.
The festival, being held from March 25 to 31, will showcase over 125 Indian and international films, blending cinematic classics with modern innovations, including discussions on artificial intelligence in filmmaking. The opening ceremony concluded with the screening of the film SIRÂT.
Addressing a gathering of filmmakers, artists and global delegates, Gupta said cinema serves as a powerful medium that transcends boundaries and connects societies. She added that the initiative would boost film tourism, create opportunities for young talent and strengthen Delhi’s creative economy.
Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra termed the festival a “historic initiative” in projecting Delhi’s cultural identity globally and credited the leadership for transforming a year-old vision into reality.
The inaugural event witnessed the presence of several prominent personalities from the film fraternity, including Hema Malini, Kangana Ranaut, Sharmila Tagore and Madhur Bhandarkar, among others, adding star power to the occasion.
Star-Studded Line-Up and Key Highlights
IFFD 2026 features gala premieres, masterclasses, workshops and panel discussions, with noted personalities such as Manoj Bajpayee, Anupam Kher and Piyush Mishra engaging audiences through interactive sessions.
A major highlight of the closing segment will be a special screening of the restored version of the iconic film Sholay, symbolising the festival’s effort to bridge cinematic heritage with contemporary storytelling.
Special initiatives like “Her Lens” aim to promote women filmmakers, while platforms such as CineXchange and Cineverse Expo are designed to connect emerging talent with global industry stakeholders.
A Week of Cinema Across Delhi
The festival will host screenings and sessions at Bharat Mandapam and multiple venues, including leading PVR cinemas across the city. The schedule includes panel discussions on AI in filmmaking, regional cinema, independent films, and cross-cultural storytelling, alongside curated screenings of acclaimed films.
With a mix of global participation, cultural showcases and industry engagement, IFFD 2026 marks Delhi’s ambitious entry onto the international film festival circuit, signalling its intent to evolve into a vibrant hub for cinema, culture and creative enterprise.
