New Delhi, 07 April (H.S.):

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra declared that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's leadership, Delhi will become New India's 'Art Capital'. He hailed the successful International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) as a meaningful step towards bolstering the city's creative and orange economy.

In a press statement on Tuesday, Mishra revealed the inaugural IFFD received entries from a record 100+ countries—2,187 films total—with 125+ films from 47 nations screened across 15 venues including Bharat Mandapam, captivating Indian and foreign audiences. Spain served as the 'Country of Focus', with Singapore International Film Festival as the official partner, lending global stature.

Over 30,000 registrations worldwide underscored broad support, with active participation from filmmakers, artists, and youth transforming the event into a platform for learning, dialogue, and creative expression beyond mere screenings.

A key MoU between Delhi Tourism and Prasar Bharati will foster film tourism and broadcasting opportunities. Masterclasses, workshops, discussions on AI, OTT, and emerging technologies—including an AI Filmmaking Hackathon—provided fresh direction to young creators and industry professionals.

Mishra affirmed the vision of establishing Delhi as a permanent film hub offering superior opportunities for production, training, and innovation; six film projects were shortlisted, with three slated for nationwide release. CineXchange facilitated 15 co-productions and four works-in-progress, while Cineverse Expo showcased policy, technology, and cinematic heritage with participation from 12 states/UTs.

The festival spotlighted international, mainstream Indian, regional cinema (12 languages), documentaries, shorts, experimental films, and AI-driven works. Mishra thanked artists, filmmakers, experts, organisers, and audiences, positioning IFFD as a symbol of Delhi's creative energy and cultural richness, with plans for grander editions ahead.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar