New Delhi has stepped onto the global cultural stage as the International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026 officially begins today, March 25, and will run until March 31, 2026. Anchored at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, with screenings across multiple venues including PVR INOX theatres, the festival marks a significant milestone in positioning the capital as a global hub for cinema and business events.
Organised by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), the inaugural edition brings together over 125 films from across the world, selected from more than 2,100 entries spanning 100+ countries, highlighting strong international participation.
The opening night sets a powerful tone with Sirât, directed by Oliver Laxe, a Cannes Jury Prize winner and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker. The festival will conclude with Amoeba, the debut feature by Singaporean filmmaker Tan Siyou. Festival director Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra has described the initiative as an effort to create a “world-class cinema experience” while bringing global storytelling to Indian audiences.
The programme spans restored classics, Indian cinema, and international festival films, with a major highlight being the 4K restored version of Pyaasa, showcased at an international festival for the first time. Screenings at Bharat Mandapam include titles such as Sitaare Zameen Par, Made in Korea, and The Mehta Boys, alongside a diverse global line-up.
In parallel, a curated slate of internationally acclaimed films – including Sentimental Value, It Was Just an Accident, and Father Mother Sister Brother, will be screened across PVR INOX theatres, making the festival a city-wide cinematic experience.
Beyond screenings, the festival features masterclasses, panel discussions, film markets, and networking platforms, reinforcing its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) relevance. By bringing together filmmakers, producers, investors, and global stakeholders, IFFD 2026 is set to drive collaboration, knowledge exchange, and business opportunities in the media and entertainment sector.
As the inaugural edition unfolds, Delhi is not only celebrating cinema but also establishing itself as a global destination for culture-driven events.
