New Delhi, Mar 10: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the International Film Festival Delhi 2026 (IFFD) announced a landmark initiative aimed at amplifying women’s voices in cinema. In a significant collaboration with Women in Film–India, led by Academy Award–winning producer Guneet Monga, the festival has launched a special programme titled “Her Lens.”
The initiative is designed to bring women storytellers and women-centric narratives to the global stage while celebrating the contributions of women filmmakers, actors, writers, and producers who have enriched the portrayal of women on screen. At a time when conversations around gender equity and leadership in the creative industries are gaining global traction, the “Her Lens” programme aims to position Delhi as a key hub for these discussions within the global cinema ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi, emphasized the cultural significance of the festival.
“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,” she said.
A major highlight of the programme will be a panel discussion titled “Women in Cinema: Voice, Power, and the Future of Storytelling.” The session will feature leading women directors, producers, and creative professionals, focusing on how women’s roles both in front of and behind the camera are evolving. The discussion will also explore ways to build a more inclusive ecosystem across the film value chain—from development to distribution.
Welcoming the partnership, Kapil Mishra, Tourism Minister of Delhi, said:
“Stories told by women bring unique perspectives that enrich the cinematic landscape. Through this partnership between IFFD and Women in Film–India, 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 confident of guiding meaningful conversations around the portrayal of women in cinema.”
Commenting on the collaboration, Guneet Monga, founder of Women in Film–India, said:
“Real change in cinema happens when opportunity meets visibility. Our collaboration with the Delhi government and the International Film Festival Delhi is about creating exactly that for more women across the industry.”
As part of the programme, the festival will also present a curated lineup of films that explore different dimensions of women’s lives and experiences. The selection includes acclaimed titles such as Pink, Thappad, The Accused, the Marathi film Teeghi, and Mrs.. These films have been chosen to spark conversations around women’s dignity, justice, identity, and the social realities that shape their lives.
Through initiatives like “Her Lens,” the International Film Festival Delhi 2026 aims to foster dialogue, inspire emerging voices, and strengthen the global presence of women in cinema. The programme also reinforces Delhi’s ambition to establish itself as a vibrant cultural destination and a platform for meaningful storytelling from around the world.
