International Film Festival Delhi 2026 Unveils 'Her Lens' Initiative in Partnership with Women in Film–India
On the occasion of International Women's Day, the International Film Festival Delhi 2026 (IFFD) has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Women in Film–India, an organization led by Academy Award–winning producer Guneet Monga. This landmark partnership introduces a special programme titled "Her Lens," designed to elevate women storytellers and women-centric narratives onto the global stage.
Celebrating Women's Achievements in Cinema
The initiative aims to celebrate the significant contributions of women filmmakers, actors, writers, and producers who have enriched the portrayal of women on screen with greater depth and nuance. At a time when discussions about women's leadership and visibility in creative industries are gaining momentum worldwide, the programme seeks to position Delhi as a central hub for this critical conversation.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized the city's cultural leadership, stating, "Delhi has always shaped culture, not followed it. With the International Film Festival Delhi, we are creating a public festival that belongs to the people of this city. This is not an event for a few insiders. It is a city-wide celebration of cinema that supports creativity, creates opportunity and places Delhi firmly on the global cultural map."
Key Highlights and Panel Discussions
One of the key highlights of the 'Her Lens' programme will be a panel discussion titled 'Women in Cinema: Voice, Power, and the Future of Storytelling.' This session will feature leading women directors, producers, and creative professionals. The discussion will explore how the roles of women both in front of and behind the camera are evolving, and how a more inclusive ecosystem can be built across the entire film value chain, from development to distribution.
Guneet Monga, founder of Women in Film–India, commented on the collaboration, saying, "Real change in cinema happens when opportunity meets visibility. Our collaboration with the Delhi government and the International Film Festival Delhi is about creating exactly that for more women across the industry."
Government Support and Curated Film Selection
Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra welcomed the partnership, noting, "Stories told by women bring unique perspectives that enrich the cinematic landscape. Through this partnership between IFFD and Women in Film, we aim to celebrate these voices and encourage more women to step forward, tell their stories, and lead the future of cinema. Our government is led by a dynamic woman leader, Hon'ble Chief Minister, Rekha Guptaji, and under her leadership we are certain that we would best guide the conversation around portrayal of women in cinema."
The festival will also showcase a curated selection of films that highlight different dimensions of women's lives through diverse cinematic perspectives. The lineup includes:
- Pink
- Thappad
- The Accused
- The Marathi film Teeghi
- Mrs.
These films have been selected to spark meaningful discussions on women's dignity, justice, identity, and the social realities that shape women’s experiences today. The International Film Festival Delhi will feature film screenings along with workshops and cultural programmes, celebrating cinema and creative exchange on an international scale.
