New Delhi is hosting its first DIFF Chinese Film Festival on 30 and 31 October 2026, bringing Chinese and Indian cinema together for a two-day celebration of storytelling, artistic collaboration and cultural exchange.
Presented by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in collaboration with the Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF) and the National School of Drama (NSD), the event is taking place at the Films Division Auditorium on Mahadev Road.
Under the theme “Two Nations, One Screen – Celebrating the Magic of Chinese Cinema”, the festival aims to introduce audiences to Chinese filmmaking while creating opportunities for dialogue and future cooperation between the Indian and Chinese film industries.
More than ten films from both countries are scheduled to be screened during the event. The festival also includes workshops, discussions and a programme recognising the participating filmmakers.
Bringing Chinese and Indian Cinema Together
The festival has been designed to encourage audiences to explore different cinematic traditions and perspectives.
Among its featured films is The Composer, which explores the life of Chinese musician Xian Xinghai. The closing film is Her Story, directed by Shao Yihui, a contemporary story centred on friendship and resilience.
The selection offers an opportunity to experience different aspects of Chinese and Indian storytelling, highlighting the role of cinema in connecting audiences across languages and cultures.
Workshops and Opportunities for Collaboration
Beyond the screenings, the festival is placing an emphasis on education and professional exchange.
Cinema workshops are being held in collaboration with the National School of Drama on both days, offering students and emerging creatives opportunities to engage with filmmaking and storytelling.
A special panel discussion titled “Co-production and Collaboration” is also scheduled for 31 October. The session will explore potential partnerships between the Indian and Chinese film industries, including opportunities for filmmakers to develop projects across national borders.
The festival’s jury is headed by theatre director Arvind Gaur, with awards scheduled to be presented during the closing ceremony on 31 October.
Cinema as a Bridge Between Cultures
The launch of the DIFF Chinese Film Festival reflects the continuing interest in using cinema as a platform for cultural diplomacy and international creative exchange.
By bringing together filmmakers, cultural organisations, students and audiences, the event seeks to create connections beyond the screen. Its programme also highlights the potential for future collaborations between two major Asian film industries.
With free entry for audiences, the festival welcomes film enthusiasts and students interested in discovering Chinese cinema and exploring the creative connections between India and China.
The inaugural edition offers a new platform for cultural exchange, demonstrating how films can encourage dialogue and bring different storytelling traditions to a wider international audience.
