New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday unveiled the curtain raiser for the first-ever International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026 at the Delhi Secretariat. She described the festival as a historic opportunity to position Delhi as a global cultural and cinematic hub.
Delhi Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra was also present at the event.
City-Wide Film Festival from March 25 to 31
The International Film Festival Delhi 2026 will be held from March 25 to March 31 across prominent venues in New Delhi, including Bharat Mandapam.
CM Rekha Gupta said the city-wide festival will celebrate Delhi’s creative strength, cultural heritage, and modern outlook. The event will be a public festival designed to encourage participation from citizens across the capital.
Global Platform for Local Talent
The Chief Minister emphasized that IFFD 2026 will provide local filmmakers and technicians with a global platform, creating opportunities for dialogue with national and international talent.
The festival is also expected to boost:
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Film tourism
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Talent development
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AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics) sector
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Employment generation
Single-Window Film Policy Support
Under Delhi’s film policy, the government is offering single-window clearance, production support, and industry collaboration to make the capital an attractive shooting destination.
The Chief Minister stated that IFFD is being developed as a long-term cultural initiative aimed at establishing Delhi as a global film hub.
125+ Films and Industry Events
The festival will showcase more than 125 Indian and international films. Key highlights include:
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Gala premieres
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Masterclasses by industry experts
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Industry dialogues and panel discussions
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Workshops and cultural performances
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Special segments dedicated to digital and emerging cinema
These initiatives will provide a platform for new technologies and cinematic innovation.
Networking and Investment Opportunities
Through CineExchange Film Market and Cineverse Expo, film professionals will gain access to networking, distribution, and investment opportunities.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Rekha Gupta, Delhi is emerging as a creative capital. He added that IFFD 2026 will provide young talent with international exposure while boosting tourism, employment, and the creative economy.
The International Film Festival Delhi 2026 is expected to mark a significant milestone in positioning the national capital as a vibrant global centre for cinema and cultural exchange.
