[category]
[title]
Delhi’s newest film festival – the inaugural International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD), scheduled from March 25 to 31 – has received a staggering 2,187 film submissions from India and around the world, according to organisers.
The entries include 1,151 international non-feature films and 668 Indian non-features, alongside 221 international features and 147 Indian features. (In festival terms, a feature film is any film longer than 60 minutes.) A jury panel made up of cinema veterans will now shortlist titles for the festival’s final screening lineup.
What to expect
The week-long event promises packed daily screenings, along with a dash of festival glamour. Expect red carpet appearances, celebrity guests and special presentations, as well as award ceremonies and star performances on the closing evening. The programme will also include masterclasses on VFX, sound and film design, details of which will be announced on the festival’s official channels.
Alongside screenings, the festival will also host an industry-focused Film Bazaar, where filmmakers, producers and distributors can explore co-production opportunities and distribution deals. A parallel tech expo will showcase developments in AR, VR, gaming and OTT platforms, highlighting how emerging technology is shaping the future of storytelling.
Where to watch the films
Most screenings will take place at Bharat Mandapam, with a handful scheduled at other select venues across the city. Entry to screenings will be free, but viewers will need to register in advance to attend.
The festival will also feature gala screenings, where standout films receive their first public showing – typically one of the highlights of any film festival calendar.