New Delhi: The 15th Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF) 2026—organized jointly by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA...
New Delhi: The 15th Delhi International Film
Festival (DIFF) 2026—organized jointly by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for
the Arts (IGNCA), under the Ministry of Culture, and 'The Social Circle'—has
finally commenced. This prestigious international film festival, hosted in the
national capital, Delhi, is being celebrated with great grandeur from May 4 to
May 8, 2026, at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Janpath, Delhi.
Known globally by its acronym 'DIFF,' the Delhi International Film Festival has
emerged this year in an even more expansive and global avatar; the event
features the screening of 178 films from over 51 countries, while an exhibition
of more than 100 artworks serves as a major attraction for the audience. On the
occasion of the inauguration, special honors were also conferred upon O.P.
Mishra, Anurag Punetha (Media Head at IGNCA), and Chairman Ram Bahadur Rai.
The festival was formally inaugurated by the
renowned Malayalam filmmaker and Dadasaheb Phalke Award laureate, Adoor
Gopalakrishnan. To mark this occasion, and in honor of the celebrated Moroccan
filmmaker Mohamed Ahed Bensouda, his acclaimed film 'The Divorced of
Casablanca' is being screened. The renowned Bangladeshi vocalist Runa Laila was
honored with the 'Minar-e-Delhi' Award, while veteran Indian singer Usha Uthup
was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The return of veteran
actress Sharmila Tagore to Bengali cinema is being specially highlighted
through the screening of her film, 'Puratan: The Ancient'. Starring and
produced by Rituparna Sengupta, this film is garnering acclaim across the
globe.
This international platform will also witness an
impressive presence of prominent figures from Indian cinema, including
Rituparna Sengupta, Shweta Menon, and Meghna Malik.
Globally renowned Russian film agency Roskino and
Mozambique's National Film Institute have joined the festival as collaborative
partners. This film festival features a special showcase of films from Russia
and China, while African cinema remains a key area of focus. Spanning five
days, this event will not only screen films but also pave new avenues for
cultural dialogue and international cooperation through the medium of cinema.
Notably, several films featured in the Indian section of this festival have previously
won National Awards, while some international entries have even been submitted
for the Oscars. Furthermore, the festival has consistently played a pivotal
role in fostering cinematic exchange between India and the rest of the world,
facilitating the presentation of Indian film programs at festivals across
various nations.
Admission to the festival will be entirely free of
charge. The films have been curated by renowned film journalist Anurag Punetha,
poet and critic Pramod Kaunswal, and a well-known figure from the television
industry, Reema Dinesh Kapoor. The jury will be presided over by Raman Chawla.
The festival has generated considerable interest
among both the general public and film critics. This is largely because the
Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF) is perceived as a platform that
consistently upholds its originality, independence, and authentic
character—qualities that have enabled it to establish a distinct identity and
reputation over the years.
Ramkishore Parcha, Founder and President of the
Delhi International Film Festival, states: "We are committed to presenting
the various categories we have curated for world cinema this year with the
utmost credibility. In doing so, we will not only highlight the global context
of these films but also organize discussions with experts regarding the
intricate interplay between cinema and society. We intend to delve into the
history of cinema and evaluate it through the lens of social reality." As
in previous years, our endeavor is to ensure that this film festival serves as
a distinctive mirror—reflecting humanity, its struggles, and its indomitable
spirit—for audiences both within the country and across the globe.
Hosted at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the
Arts, this festival will showcase films across various categories, offering
audiences and film critics alike the opportunity to explore the diverse
dimensions of cinema. The festival features distinct sections such as World
Cinema, Indian Cinema, NRI Cinema, Short Films, Documentaries, and a special
Retrospective section. The World Cinema segment presents a curated selection of
contemporary and classic films from various nations, offering a global perspective
on social, political, and humanistic issues. The Indian Cinema segment
encompasses both regional and mainstream films, providing a glimpse into fresh
narratives and experimental cinematic expressions. The NRI Cinema category
serves as a dedicated platform to highlight the creative prowess of filmmakers
from the Indian diaspora, where stories exploring themes of identity, culture,
and global experiences take center stage.
Among the films slated for screening at the
festival, several special presentations have already become a subject of
considerable buzz. 'The Divorcees of Casablanca'—a film by renowned Moroccan
filmmaker Mohamed Ahed Bensouda—has garnered particular acclaim for its
sensitive portrayal of the complexities of relationships in modern society.
Similarly, several films selected within the Indian segment are being
recognized for their highly impactful exploration of contemporary social
shifts, family dynamics, and personal struggles. The short film and documentary
categories also feature numerous entries that possess the potential to compete
on an international stage, distinguished by their subject matter, presentation,
and technical excellence.
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