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Delhi has always had a cinematic presence. From the wide ceremonial avenues of Lutyens’ Delhi to the crowded bazaars of Chandni Chowk and the layered stories of Old Delhi’s lanes, the capital has long served as a dramatic backdrop for filmmakers. Later this month, the city is preparing to take that relationship with cinema a step further. From March 25 to 31, the national capital will host the first-ever International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026, a week-long celebration designed to bring global cinema to the heart of the city while putting Delhi firmly on the world’s cultural map.
Envisioned as a public, city-wide festival rather than a closed industry gathering, IFFD is being positioned as a platform where audiences, filmmakers, and emerging talent can interact with international cinema in meaningful ways. Organised by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), the festival aims to blend film screenings with conversations, cultural showcases, and industry exchanges across multiple venues in the capital.
With more than 125 Indian and international films scheduled for screening and participation from creators across the globe, the festival hopes to create a space where storytelling, technology, and culture intersect—while also highlighting Delhi’s own layered identity.
The IFFD isn't your typical film festival stuck in one place. It's going to use different locations all over New Delhi, turning the whole city into a place for culture. Big screenings and events should happen at places like Bharat Mandapam, as well as other spots in the city.
The thought is to make sure the festival isn't just for people in the film business, but easy for anyone to enjoy. The people running it want to make a city-wide vibe where movies are just part of what's going on. From fancy premieres to showings for the community, the plan is to get both movie buffs and people who are just curious.
Also, the festival will show off Delhi’s remarkable architecture and history, mixing the city's historical legacy with the experience. By bringing filmmakers and viewers from other countries to these places, the hope is to put Delhi on the map not only as a place to hold a festival but also as a good spot to make movies.
Really, the IFFD is all about celebrating movies. This time, they're planning to show over 125 movies from India and other countries, with all types of stories and styles.
Besides the popular stuff, there will be indie films, fresh digital formats, and new ways of telling stories. People can get a wide look at what's happening in movies around the world today.
Special screenings and gala premieres will add a red-carpet element to the event, drawing attention to both Indian and international filmmakers.
For emerging creators, the festival will also act as a discovery platform. Young filmmakers and technicians will have opportunities to present their work, engage with industry professionals, and participate in discussions about the future of storytelling. By combining established voices with fresh talent, the festival hopes to build a dynamic dialogue between generations of filmmakers.
In addition to the film screenings, an important part of the festival will focus on learning, working together, and getting involved in the film industry.
Well-known filmmakers, actors, and tech experts are scheduled to lead classes and workshops. They will share their thoughts on filmmaking, storytelling, and how movies and tech are changing together. These classes are designed to give advice to students, filmmakers, and people who want to learn about what goes on behind the scenes.
Panels and talks with industry people will check out what’s new in the movie world—like how movies are shared online, new ways to tell stories, and how viewers are changing. By inviting experts from different countries, the festival wants to start conversations that cover more than just having fun and instead discuss what's coming next for movies.
One of the more ambitious aspects of IFFD is its attempt to integrate the business side of cinema into the festival’s structure. The event will host platforms such as the CineXchange Film Market and the Cineverse Expo, which are expected to bring together producers, distributors, investors, and content creators.
These spaces will function as networking hubs where industry professionals can discuss collaborations, distribution opportunities, and co-production ventures. For emerging filmmakers, the film market could offer a chance to connect directly with decision-makers who can help bring projects to life.
The focus on industry collaboration also reflects the festival’s broader ambition: to position Delhi not only as a cultural venue but also as a functional centre for film production and business.
The festival is also closely aligned with the Delhi Government’s film policy, which aims to make the capital a more attractive destination for film shoots. The government plans to make filming in Delhi easier by offering things like one-stop approvals and assistance to movie makers.
The India International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) is the government's attempt to show off Delhi as a great place to film. The city has old monuments, buildings from the colonial period, and modern city views. The festival should help get the word out and persuade filmmakers to pick Delhi for their movies.
Besides movies, the week-long event will have cultural nights and live shows, mixing old and new art styles. These events will point out Delhi's varied culture and show that film is one part of a bigger art scene.
Even though this is the first time for the festival, the IFFD has big plans for the years ahead. It's meant to be an international event that happens regularly and gets bigger and more important over time.
Wizcraft Entertainment Group, which is known for putting on huge global events, is in charge of running the festival. This suggests they want a big, impressive event, making sure the first festival is as big as other international film events.
For Delhi, the festival represents more than just a week of film screenings. It signals a larger effort to position the capital as a global centre for cinema, creativity, and cultural exchange. If successful, IFFD could become a fixture on the international festival circuit while giving local talent a powerful platform to connect with global audiences.
For audiences in the city, however, the appeal may be simpler. For one week in March, Delhi’s theatres, cultural venues, and public spaces will be filled with stories from across the world—offering the chance to see, hear, and experience cinema in ways that extend far beyond the screen.
1. When will the International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026 take place?
IFFD will be held from March 25 to March 31, 2026.
2. How many films will be screened at the festival?
The festival will screen over 125 Indian and international films during the week.
3. Where will the festival be held in Delhi?
Screenings and events will take place at multiple venues across New Delhi, including Bharat Mandapam.
4. What events will take place besides film screenings?
IFFD will include gala premieres, masterclasses, workshops, industry discussions, and cultural performances.
5. Who is organising the International Film Festival Delhi?
The festival is organised by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) under the Government of NCT Delhi.
