The best film clubs in Delhi

What is it: A registered not-for-profit club and proud member of the Federation of Film Societies of India (read: fancy)

Why we love it: Their bread and butter is world cinema, moving from the Silent Era to French New Wave to contemporary global arthouse, typically housed in the ML Bhartia auditorium of Alliance Française de Delhi (which has great seating and acoustics), but other locations as well. We love how frank their introductory lectures are, moving beyond film theory to root each film in a specific historical context. You can sign up for (free) club membership directly at any of their screenings.

Screening schedule: Can be found on their Instagram @navrasa_duende

What is it: A discussion-heavy collective that’s lately been nurturing upcoming filmmakers

Why we love it: This club does a fantastic job of introducing critical cinema appreciation and theory to its members and curating themed movie events – it’s smart without being pretentious, and fun without giving in to just mass appeal alone. They’ve also collaborated with many of the others mentioned on this list, which is as much of a testament to their social spirit as it is of their resonance with Delhi’s audiences.

Address: Varies

Screening schedule: Check their Instagram @thebighoomclub

 What is it: This pan-India venture popularised outdoor screenings with style, and they have several partnerships with venues across Delhi, Gurugram and Noida

Why we love it: Kick back on a beanbag and avoid the feeling of creaky seats and smell of stale popcorn. You’ve got the option of either a year-long membership or book individual screenings. Possibly the best on this list if you’re looking to watch with a group of friends and still have it feel like a real hangout, with a focus on Bollywood and action films.

Screening schedule: Can be found on their website (sunsetcinemaclub.in).

What is it: A studio-cum-cultural centre-cum-theatre-cum-hostel-cum-exhibition gallery. The centre loves films so much that they ended up producing a few 

Why we love it: They’re mostly into niche, critically acclaimed and tough to score films. The screenings are usually ticketed, but are well affordable. Thankfully, latecomers are not frowned upon. NIV’s persistence is commendable, putting out screenings almost every week. Some of their sidekicks: a studio for individual artists, residency programs and a humble art shop put up by the host itself.

Screening schedule: Can be found on their Instagram @nivartcentre

Address: 210, near IGNOU CHOWK, Block A 1, Neb Sarai, Sainik Farm, New Delhi, Delhi 110068

What is it: Just across the road from IIC stands IHC. Together, they make up the de facto film corridor in Delhi. 

Why we love it: The two centres put up a whole world of screenings, sometimes multiple in a day. From European classics to cinematic Hindi features to the rarest foreign language films, IIC and IHC host all kinds of cinema – including screenings of foreign plays on the big screen. They’ve got huge auditoriums kitted out with cushiony seats, good sound systems and wide screens. While screenings are mostly free, some are ticketed from time to time.

Time Out tip: This is a nice spot to reach early ahead of a screening – they've got ample spots to chill and eateries nearby.

Screening schedule: Check their websites for their calendars

Address: IIC:40, Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003

IHC: Lodhi Road Near Airforce Bal Bharati School, Lodhi Rd, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003

What is it: Another versatile multitasker, this is a quaint 50-seater space in an otherwise busy neighbourhood

Why we love it: Even though this is the kind of space that the city is mostly yet to discover, slots for the screening fly off the shelf within a few hours of the announcement, all because of their online presence and quick responses!

Screening schedule: Check their Instagram @totstudio_official.

Address: C-110, near Sapna Cinema Road, beside Janta Bakery, Dayanand Colony, C- Block, Lajpat Nagar 4, Redlight, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

What is it: A moving film club started by a development research and consultancy team working with international trade unions and women’s groups

Why we love it: Kriti’s built a fan following in a very short span of time for their focus on social justice and feminism in their screenings. They host regular Friday night documentary screenings, which are mostly free of cost. They’re a large part of why documentary culture refuses to die down in Delhi.

Screening schedule: Check their Instagram @kritifilmclub 

What is it: A multidimensional space and art collective tucked away in a basement in South Extension II

Why we love it: Mool is the kind of place you have to be told about before you find it. Once you do, you keep coming back. Screenings here are meant to be communal in spirit: films are often paired with pre-screening introductions and post-screening discussions, and the programming leans toward the political and the deeply considered. Multiple film collectives use Mool as their home base, from Camera Commune to Out of Sequence. curated arthouse marathons on weekends. The space also hosts music events, exhibitions and residencies.

Address: B-17, Basement, South Extension II, Block B, New Delhi, Delhi 110049

Screening schedule: Follow their Instagram @moolisamoolword

Some of the most consistent film programming in Delhi happens through the city's foreign cultural institutes. Entry is almost always free, the prints are pristine, and the curation tends to be adventurous. Two of our favourites are Instituto Cervantes de Nueva Delhi and The Japan Foundation.

Instituto Cervantes in Connaught Place is your portal into the full sweep of Spanish cinema, from Golden Age Hollywood-era Spanish classics to contemporary Latin American arthouse to films from directors like Pedro Almodóvar and Lucrecia Martel, screened in their original context rather than as festival one-offs. The institute runs regular film cycles tied to specific themes, countries or directors, often accompanied by talks. Screenings are in Connaught Place; they’re free and open to the public. Find them on Instagram @instituto_cervantes_new_delhi.

Meanwhile, The Japan Foundation hosts a cinema club at its Sakura Hall in Green Park. Screenings are mostly free of charge and open to everyone – you’ll just have to reserve spots quickly. The foundation offers a range of Japanese cinema throughout the year, from animation to arthouse. Their Instagram is @jfnd_india.