“This Is Not Merely a Film Festival, but a Celebration of Love, Friendship, and Mutual Respect” — Adoor Gopalakrishnan

The 15th Delhi International Film Festival Opened at IGNCA

4 May, New Delhi: The 15th Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF 2026), organised in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, was inaugurated today, 4 May 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Samvet Auditorium at the IGNCA premises with a grand ceremony.

The festival marked an important initiative bringing together diverse expressions of global cinema, art, and literature on a common platform, reflecting a confluence of cultural streams from across the world. The inaugural ceremony was graced by noted filmmaker and Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient Adoor Gopalakrishnan as the Chief Guest. Distinguished guests present on the occasion included Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman, IGNCA; renowned singer Usha Uthup; celebrated Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila; and eminent painter Jatin Das. The festival opened with the screening of the film ‘Her Story’.  A selection of distinctive films produced by IGNCA will also be screened during the festival, alongside a series of panel discussions organised throughout the event.

Adoor Gopalakrishnan remarked that it was a remarkable evening of friendship, mutual respect, and affection, and emphasised that the gathering was not merely a film festival, but also a celebration of love and friendship. He further observed that cinema should foster peace and compassion. Upon receiving the Minar-e-Delhi Award, Runa Laila stated that music transcends all boundaries and heals the human spirit in many ways, adding that music does not discriminate on the basis of caste, creed, or religion. Usha Uthup remarked that her 57-year-long musical journey would have been meaningless without the love and support of the audience.

Delhi International Film Festival 2026 will not only provide a special occasion for cinema enthusiasts, but also serve as a significant platform for understanding and appreciating the cultural expressions of different countries. The organisers expressed their pleasure in welcoming audiences to the festival and stated that their presence added to the spirit and enthusiasm of the occasion.  “This Is Not Merely a Film Festival, but a Celebration of Love, Friendship, and Mutual Respect” — Adoor Gopalakrishnan

The 15th Delhi International Film Festival Opened at IGNCA

4 May, New Delhi: The 15th Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF 2026), organised in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, was inaugurated today, 4 May 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Samvet Auditorium at the IGNCA premises with a grand ceremony.

The festival marked an important initiative bringing together diverse expressions of global cinema, art, and literature on a common platform, reflecting a confluence of cultural streams from across the world. The inaugural ceremony was graced by noted filmmaker and Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient Adoor Gopalakrishnan as the Chief Guest. Distinguished guests present on the occasion included Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman, IGNCA; renowned singer Usha Uthup; celebrated Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila; and eminent painter Jatin Das. The festival opened with the screening of the film ‘Her Story’.  A selection of distinctive films produced by IGNCA will also be screened during the festival, alongside a series of panel discussions organised throughout the event.

Adoor Gopalakrishnan remarked that it was a remarkable evening of friendship, mutual respect, and affection, and emphasised that the gathering was not merely a film festival, but also a celebration of love and friendship. He further observed that cinema should foster peace and compassion. Upon receiving the Minar-e-Delhi Award, Runa Laila stated that music transcends all boundaries and heals the human spirit in many ways, adding that music does not discriminate on the basis of caste, creed, or religion. Usha Uthup remarked that her 57-year-long musical journey would have been meaningless without the love and support of the audience.

Delhi International Film Festival 2026 will not only provide a special occasion for cinema enthusiasts, but also serve as a significant platform for understanding and appreciating the cultural expressions of different countries. The organisers expressed their pleasure in welcoming audiences to the festival and stated that their presence added to the spirit and enthusiasm of the occasion.