Delhi turns movie capital as first international film festival with 2,187 entries, opens Mar 25

The city that never sleeps on cinema is gearing up for a seven-day celebration of films, culture, and creativity . The inaugural International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026 , running from March 25 to 31 , has attracted 2,187 submissions from India and across the world , reflecting Delhi’s emergence as a global hub for cinema.

The festival will screen over 125 films , spanning international features, Indian non-features, regional cinema, and children’s films. Venues include Bharat Mandapam , leading multiplexes, open-air cultural spaces, and pop-up screening zones, transforming Delhi into a city-wide cinematic playground.

In a move to make the festival accessible, all screenings are free , with prior online registration required. Organisers aim to engage students, enthusiasts, and families, turning the festival into a public celebration rather than an industry-only event.

Beyond screenings, IFFD promises gala premieres, workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions, and cultural performances . Special focus sections include films exploring patriotic themes, spiritual narratives, and women’s voices in cinema . The “Her Lens: Women in Films at IFFD” segment highlights women creators and facilitates conversations on gender, storytelling, and cinematic power.

The festival also features the IFFD CineXchange Film Market and Expo , connecting filmmakers, producers, and distributors to explore collaborations. Government initiatives to streamline filming permits through a single-window production policy further support this industry platform.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the festival as a city-wide cultural celebration , while Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said it brings global cinema closer to audiences and strengthens institutional support for Indian storytellers.

Whether you’re drawn to world cinema, indie films, Bollywood favourites, or outdoor screenings, the International Film Festival Delhi promises a star-studded week where the city itself becomes a stage for the world’s stories .