Delhi to Host Inaugural International Film Festival Delhi from March 25-31
New Delhi is set to make its mark on the global cinematic map with the launch of its first-ever International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD), scheduled to run from March 25 to 31. The week-long cultural extravaganza will showcase an impressive lineup of more than 125 films from India and around the world, screened across multiple prominent venues throughout the capital city.
Government-Backed Initiative to Transform Delhi into Cultural Hub
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta officially unveiled the festival's curtainraiser at the Delhi Secretariat on Wednesday, describing the event as "a significant step towards positioning Delhi as a global cultural and cinematic hub." Conceived as a comprehensive government-led, city-wide initiative, the festival represents a strategic effort to bring world cinema closer to the public while simultaneously fostering a vibrant film culture among citizens.
The festival will be organized at distinguished venues including the iconic Bharat Mandapam, with programming designed to appeal to both cinephiles and industry professionals. Beyond traditional film screenings, the event will feature:
- Exclusive premieres and star-studded special screenings
- Masterclasses conducted by renowned filmmakers and industry experts
- Comprehensive industry panel discussions and workshops
- Diverse cultural performances celebrating cinematic arts
Innovation and Industry Development at the Forefront
A particularly noteworthy aspect of IFFD will be dedicated showcases for digital and emerging cinema, creating essential space for innovation and experimentation driven by cutting-edge technologies. The festival will also introduce two major industry components: the CineXchange Film Market and Cineverse Expo, both envisioned as dynamic platforms for networking, distribution, and investment opportunities for film professionals from across the globe.
According to festival organizers, the event aligns perfectly with the Delhi government's comprehensive film policy, placing particular emphasis on:
- Developing film tourism infrastructure and experiences
- Nurturing local talent through educational initiatives
- Fostering industry collaboration between domestic and international partners
- Stimulating growth within the creative economy sector
To further support filmmakers, the festival will implement a single-window facilitation system designed to streamline shooting and production-related processes, making the capital more accessible and filmmaker-friendly for both domestic and international projects.
Long-Term Vision for Delhi's Cinematic Future
The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation is spearheading the festival as a long-term cultural project with the explicit goal of establishing Delhi as a premier global film destination. Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra emphasized that "the festival will provide young talent with an international platform and encourage meaningful dialogue on evolving cinematic practices."
Through its commitment to ensuring public access to international cinema and creating dedicated spaces for interaction between artists, technicians, and audiences, IFFD aims to transform the capital into a vibrant center where art, culture, and industry converge over seven days of screenings, discussions, and events. The Chief Minister's Office confirmed that this initiative represents a strategic investment in Delhi's cultural infrastructure, with potential benefits extending far beyond the festival dates themselves.
