The initiative celebrates the achievements of women filmmakers, actors, writers, and producers who have brought greater depth and nuance to the portrayal of women on screen
The national capital, Delhi, is preparing to leave a lasting mark on the global cinema landscape. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the International Film Festival Delhi 2026 (IFFD) announced a landmark initiative. Women in Film–India, led by Academy Award–winning producer Guneet Monga, has partnered with IFFD.
As part of this collaboration, a special programme titled “Her Lens” has been launched, aimed at bringing women storytellers and women-centric narratives to the global stage.
The initiative celebrates the achievements of women filmmakers, actors, writers, and producers who have brought greater depth and nuance to the portrayal of women on screen. At a time when discussions around women’s leadership and visibility in the creative industries are gaining global momentum, the “Her Lens” programme seeks to position Delhi at the centre of this conversation.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on the occasion,“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.”
One of the key highlights 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. The discussion will explore how role of women both in front and behind the camera are evolving, and how a more inclusive ecosystem can be built across the film value chain, from development to distribution.
Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra welcomed the partnership, stating, “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”.
Meanwhile, 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.”
The festival will also showcase a curated selection of films that highlight different dimensions of women’s lives through diverse cinematic perspectives. The lineup includes Pink, Thappad, The Accused, the Marathi film Teeghi, and Mrs. These films have been selected to spark meaningful discussions on women’s dignity, justice, identity, and the social realities that shape women’s experiences today.
About the Festival
The International Film Festival Delhi will be held from March 25 to March 31. Its main events will take place at Bharat Mandapam and several other prominent venues across New Delhi.The seven-day festival will feature film screenings along with workshops and cultural programmes, celebrating cinema and creative exchange on an international scale.
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