New Delhi, March 28 Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said on Saturday that the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) is providing a national platform for talent while fostering dialogue on the future of cinema, and emphasized that the national capital is steadily emerging as a hub for the creative and entertainment industry.
Mishra made the remarks after visiting an exhibition at Bharat Mandapam, where he joined visitors in exploring the evolution of Indian cinema from its early years to the present.
The exhibition, curated by art collector Neville Tuli, presents the journey of Indian and global cinema through 12 thematic sections, showcasing contributions from multiple generations of artists and highlighting key milestones, challenges, and achievements, according to a statement.
The minister said the exhibition reflects not only the growth of Indian cinema but also its global reach and influence as a form of soft power.
He described it as a step towards positioning Delhi as a center for cinema, culture, and research, fostering dialogue between the Indian and international film industries.
He also interacted with visitors and students at the venue and noted the enthusiastic participation of young filmmakers, artists, and cinema enthusiasts at the festival.
Mishra said the IFFD is not just a celebration of films but also a platform for nurturing talent, with activities such as masterclasses, workshops, and script pitching sessions providing opportunities for aspiring professionals.
Referring to upcoming events, he said a "Night of Honors" will be held on March 30, featuring a live performance by international composer Ricky Kej. The event will also showcase key milestones of the inaugural edition of the festival.
He further said that efforts are underway to develop Delhi as a modern media and technology hub through collaboration between the Delhi government, the Centre, and Prasar Bharati, adding that an MoU has been signed in this regard.
Meanwhile, several discussions and screenings were held at the festival on Saturday, focusing on trends in film distribution and challenges in independent cinema, including issues of funding, sustainability, and outreach.
Sessions such as "Independent Films - Opportunities and Challenges" and "Made in Korea -- From Seoul to South Asia" explored industry dynamics and possibilities of international collaboration, it added.
Speakers including Sanjay Ram, Anil Thadani, GP Vijayakumar, and Gayatri Guliani shared their views on theatrical and digital distribution, while Vinta Nanda and others discussed key aspects of independent filmmaking.
Actor Piyush Mishra conducted a masterclass on storytelling, poetry, and cinema.
Films from different languages and countries, including Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, and Tamil, as well as international entries, were screened during the day, with filmmakers and artists interacting with audiences, it said.
Mishra said the festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across India and abroad, enabling an exchange of ideas and perspectives on the future of cinema.
