City hosts 1st International Film Festival with global participation

New Delhi

The successful organisation of the first International Film Festival, Delhi (IFFD) marks a significant step towards positioning the national capital as a global hub for cinema and creative industries. Held across multiple venues, the festival brought together filmmakers, artists and audiences from around the world, highlighting Delhi’s growing presence in the international cultural space.

The inaugural edition received 2,187 film entries from over 100 countries, reflecting strong global interest. More than 125 films from 47 countries were screened at 15 venues across the city, including Bharat Mandapam. The festival also recorded over 30,000 registrations, indicating widespread participation from both domestic and international audiences.

Spain was featured as the “Country of Focus,” while the Singapore International Film Festival partnered as the official collaborator, adding an international dimension to the event. Participation from 12 Indian states and Union Territories further strengthened the festival’s diversity and outreach.

Beyond screenings, the festival served as a platform for discussions, learning and collaboration. It included masterclasses, workshops and panel discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence in filmmaking, OTT platforms and emerging technologies. An AI filmmaking hackathon was also organised, drawing engagement from young creators and industry professionals.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Delhi Tourism Department and Prasar Bharati during the festival to promote film tourism and enhance broadcasting opportunities in the capital. The event also featured the Cine Exchange segment, where 15 co-production projects and four projects in development were presented, encouraging industry partnerships.