The 15th Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF) 2026 is currently underway, running from May 4 to May 8, 2026. Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), it is a major celebration of global and Indian cinema.
Here is the essential information you need:
📍 Key Logistics
- Dates: May 4 – May 8, 2026.
- Venues: Primarily held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and the Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
- Entry: Free, but online registration for a delegate pass is mandatory via the official DIFF website due to limited seating.
🎬 Highlights & Focus Areas
This year’s edition is particularly diverse, featuring over 125 films from more than 50 countries.
- Focus Regions: Special emphasis is being placed on Arab Cinema, Northeastern Indian Cinema, and films from China, Russia, and Africa.
- Core Themes: A significant portion of the programming highlights women’s empowerment and social issues affecting children.
- Special Honor: The Lifetime Achievement Award is being conferred upon the legendary singer Ms. Usha Uthup.
- Heritage: The festival includes 4K restorations of Indian classics, allowing audiences to see historical films in modern high-definition.
🤝 Industry & Networking
Beyond screenings, the festival serves as a hub for professionals and students:
- CineXchange Film Market: A platform for filmmakers to discuss co-production deals and networking.
- CineVerse Expo: An exploration of the intersection between AI, VFX, and modern storytelling.
- Masterclasses: Sessions led by industry veterans like Tigmanshu Dhulia and Ketan Mehta.
🏆 Did You Know?
DIFF has a strong track record of spotting quality; eight films previously screened here have gone on to win National Awards in India, and four foreign films have eventually served as official Oscar entries for their respective countries.
Are you planning to attend a specific screening, or are you looking for the full schedule of films?