Dilip Guha, New Delhi, March 8, 2026: Special programme developed with Women in Film India highlights women storytellers through panels, films and conversations.
Women in Film-India, led by the Academy Award–winning producer Guneet Monga has joined hands with the International Film Festival of Delhi 2026 (IFFD) for “Her Lens” – Women in Film at IFFD, a special programme developed to focus attention on women storytellers and also films that focus on women-centric stories. The program would be developed through collaboration between Women in Film India and Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC).
The International Film Festival Delhi is a government-led, city-wide film festival created to showcase Indian and international cinema and make film culture accessible to audiences across the capital. The festival will take place from 25 to 31 March 2026 across multiple venues in New Delhi.
Announced on the occasion of International Women’s Day, the initiative celebrates the contributions of women in cinema and reinforces the festival’s commitment to championing diverse voices and meaningful storytelling across the global screen industries.
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“Her Lens” will spotlight the achievements of women filmmakers, actors, writers and producers who have expanded cinematic narratives and deepened the representation of women on screen. At a time when conversations around women’s leadership and visibility in the creative industries are gaining momentum globally, the programme places IFFD within this wider dialogue by bringing women’s perspectives to the forefront of the cinematic conversation.
Speaking about the initiative, Guneet Monga said, “Cinema has the power to challenge perceptions and amplify voices that deserve to be heard. Platforms like IFFD create space for stories led by women both on screen and behind the camera and encourage a new generation of filmmakers to tell bold, authentic stories.”
A key highlight of the programme will be a panel discussion titled “Women in Film: Voices, Power, and the Future of Storytelling”. The conversation will bring together directors, producers, and creative leaders for an engaging exchange on the evolving role of women in cinema. The discussion will explore changing dynamics of representation both behind and in front of the camera, the importance of building inclusive storytelling ecosystems from development to distribution, and the role of mentorship, collaboration, and global exchange in strengthening women-led narratives.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Mrs Rekha Gupta, said, “Delhi has always shaped culture, not followed it. With the International Film Festival Delhi, we are creating a public festival that belongs to the people of this city. This is not an event for a few insiders. It is a city-wide celebration of cinema that supports creativity, creates opportunity and places Delhi firmly on the global cultural map.”
The Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Delhi, Mr Kapil Mishra, said, “Stories told by women bring unique perspectives that enrich the cinematic landscape. Through this partnership between IFFD and Women in Film, we aim to celebrate these voices and encourage more women to step forward, tell their stories, and lead the future of cinema.
Our government is led by a dynamic woman leader, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Rekha Guptaji and under her leadership we are certain that we would best guide the conversation around portrayal of women in cinema”.
Be part of the change. Register for the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) and celebrate the power of women in film.
Mr Suneel Anchipaka, MD & CEO of Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), said, “IFFD is not a one-week spectacle. We are building a cultural institution for Delhi that grows year after year. We want to give citizens a festival they can truly participate in and take pride in, one that attracts visitors to Delhi to partake in the celebrations.”
The programme will also feature a curated selection of films that explore the many dimensions of women’s lives through distinctive cinematic voices. Pink, Thappad, Accused, Tighi (Marathi), and Mrs. are among the films selected to spark meaningful conversations around agency, dignity, justice, identity, and the social realities that shape women’s experiences today.
The inaugural International Film Festival of Delhi 2026 will take place from 25 to 31 March 2026 at Bharat Mandapam and other venues across New Delhi. The festival will bring together premieres, masterclasses, industry conversations, and cultural programming as part of a city-wide celebration of cinema.
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