Absolute cinema! Are you ready for it? Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF) set to begin on March 25

NEW DELHI: Curated film programming, thematic cultural performances, celebrity comperes, red-carpet arrivals, live musical acts and international premieres with open-air screenings; the capital is all set to host the first-ever Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF), a week-long movie extravaganza.

The blitz, which will be a multi-venue and multi-format event, will start on March 25. It is being organised with the aim of positioning the city as a global film destination.

The opening and closi-ng ceremonies are likely to be held at Bharat Mandapam. "Bharat Mandapam offers world-class infrastructure, accessibility and a central location that make it ideally suited for such large-scale events," said an official.

Several film festivals, organised by private bodies as well as central govt agencies, have been held in Delhi over the years. The Siri Fort auditorium has traditionally hosted most of these film festivals due to its central location.

The Delhi film festival will host delegates from five countries and screen over 125 films, reflecting a strong international and domestic mix. The programming is structured to ensure diversity and balance — 30% of the films will be international titles, 40% will be Hindi cinema, and 30% will showcase regional Indian films from across states and languages. In addition, there will be specially curated sections dedicated to patriotic films, spiritual cinema and children's films. All screenings will be free for the public.

Apart from screenings at Bharat Mandapam, shows will be held at multiplexes and cultural hubs across the city, with registration-based free entry for audiences. Open-air projector screenings are also planned at select public locations.

The opening ceremony is expected to feature performances by at least three famous film stars, though names are not yet officially announced. The closing ceremony will include musical performances along with awards honouring Delhi-origin film personalities and national cinema icons. Specially produced 4K tribute films will celebrate major awardees, including a lifetime achievement honouree and other distinguished contributors to cinema.

A high-profile premiere — either a theatrical release or an OTT original — is also in the plans, with discussions under way with leading streaming platforms. In addition, an exclusive gala dinner for around 500 guests is planned at a premium venue such as Garden of Five Senses, where invited attendees will experience a curated evening featuring live instrumental music and a premiere screening.

Beyond screenings and ceremonies, the festival will also focus on industry development and youth engagement. Plans include masterclasses by acclaimed directors and actors, workshops on filmmaking, VFX and sound design, and TED-style talks offering behind-the-scenes insights into cinema. Script labs and pitching forums will give emerging filmmakers an opportunity to present projects to producers and investors. A Film Bazaar is also proposed to encourage co-productions and distribution deals, alongside a film-tech expo showcasing innovations in AR, VR, gaming and OTT platforms. Dedicated screening blocks for children and thematic categories will further broaden the appeal.

"The aim is not just to host a festival but to create a long-term ecosystem that supports filmmakers, boosts tourism and generates employment," the official said.

Govt is also preparing for full-scale event management, including international-standard production, tight security arrangements, VIP lounges, influencer interaction zones and digital media corners.