The 15th Delhi International Film Festival Opened at IGNCA

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.

Festival Opening
- Date & Venue: 4 May 2026, Samvet Auditorium, IGNCA, New Delhi
- Organisers: Delhi International Film Festival in collaboration with Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
- Chief Guest: Legendary filmmaker and Dadasaheb Phalke Awardee Adoor Gopalakrishnan
- Other Distinguished Guests: Ram Bahadur Rai (Chairman, IGNCA), singers Usha Uthup and Runa Laila, painter Jatin Das - Opening Film: Her Story

Cultural Significance
- A confluence of cinema, art, and literature from across the world.
- IGNCA-produced films will be screened alongside international selections.
- Panel discussions and cultural exchanges form part of the program.

Key Messages
- Adoor Gopalakrishnan: “This Is Not Merely a Film Festival, but a Celebration of Love, Friendship, and Mutual Respect”
- Runa Laila (Minar-e-Delhi Award recipient): “Music transcends all boundaries and heals the human spirit.”
- Usha Uthup: Her 57-year journey in music is meaningful only because of audience love and support.

Impact
- DIFF 2026 is not just a film festival but a celebration of friendship, love, and cultural unity.
- Provides a platform for audiences to appreciate diverse global expressions and strengthen cultural dialogue.

This edition clearly positions Delhi as a hub for international cultural exchange through cinema.