''Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF)''

Welcome To DIFF

The Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF) is the sole and most prestigious international film festival in India's national capital, bringing world cinema, art, literature, and culture together on a single, unique platform. The festival has become a vibrant hub for global filmmakers, emerging talents, and cinema lovers.

Our Glorious History & Journey (Our Legacy):In 2012, when the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was permanently shifted to Goa, the foundation of DIFF was laid to fill the cinematic and cultural void in the national capital, Delhi.

With a glorious journey of 15 years, DIFF has given Delhi a distinct identity on the global map of cinema. The 15th edition of DIFF was held with immense grandeur from May 4 to 8, 2026, at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture (Govt. of India), and now this year 16th DIFF 2027 is going to be held at the IGNCA AND NSD New Delhi.

Throughout this historic journey, DIFF has received strong support and partnership from the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), the Delhi Government, Film Bandhu, Jharkhand state tourism as well as the Ministry of Tourism (Govt. of India) along with the countires partners like France, Morocco, Tunisia, DPRK, Israel, Algeria, Russia, China and Mozambique.

Our Mentors & LeadershipFounder & President :Ram Kishore Parcha: DIFF was conceptualized and established by the eminent film journalist, author, and cultural visionary, Ram Kishore Parcha. Highly qualified in Journalism and Mass Communication. His vision has turned North India into a major hub for filmmaking.

Chairman

Adoor Gopalakrishnan: The legend of Indian cinema and Padma Vibhushan awardee film director, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, guides us as the Chairman of this festival.

Brand Ambassador:
National Award-winning eminent film director and actor Tigmanshu Dhulia is associated with the festival as its Brand Ambassador.

Significance & Screening Guidelines:
DIFF is not just a medium for film screenings; it is a powerful instrument to promote global peace, cultural exchange, and "friendship across borders" through the medium of cinema.

Adherence to MIB Guidelines:
DIFF screens only those international and national films that receive special censorship exemption (Exempted Films) from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India.

Social Relevance & Themes:
Alongside mainstream cinema, special focus is given to films based on social issues, women's empowerment, and sensitive topics related to children.

Focus Countries:
In the 15th edition, Russia, China, and Africa were chosen as the 'Focus Countries', presenting diverse dimensions of global cinema.

Awards & Recognitions:
DIFF has always honored cinematic excellence. The credibility of this platform can be gauged from the fact that 8 films screened and awarded here have gone on to win the prestigious National Film Awards.

The Major Awards of the Festival:
Minar-e-Delhi Award: This supreme honor is bestowed upon legendary personalities for their unparalleled contribution to the fields of art, music, and cinema.

15th Edition Winners (DIFF 2026):
In the 15th edition, music legend Usha Uthup was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, Sharmila Tagore and Rituparna Sengupta were specially honored for their outstanding acting performances. In the international category, various global films, including Russian films such as 'The Blind' and 'Fog', won top awards across multiple genres.

Submissions Open for the Upcoming 16th Edition (DIFF 2027)!
Following the grand success of the 15th edition, which screened 178 films from over 51 countries in May 2026, DIFF has officially commenced preparations for its 16th Edition (Delhi International Film Festival 2027).

Call for Entries:
Entries and submissions for the 16th DIFF are now officially open for filmmakers, directors, and storytellers from across the globe.

Submission Platforms:
You can submit your Feature Film, Short Film, or Documentary through the following platforms:

• FilmFreeway: www.filmfreeway.com
• Festhome: www.festhome.com
• Official DIFF Website: www.delhiinternationalfilmfestival.com