Red Carpet Opening Ceremony Lights Up Delhi with the Grand Launch of JIFF–NDFF–GCC

Delhi: From 13th February onwards, a grand confluence of cinema, culture, and global dialogue was witnessed at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. The presence of filmmakers, artists, and delegates from India and abroad gave the festival a truly international character.

The festival concluded on Sunday with a dignified closing ceremony at India International Centre. Through its diverse sessions, discussions, film screenings, and award presentations, JIFF NDFF GCC successfully built a strong bridge between Indian and global cinema.

The occasion marked the red carpet opening ceremony of the 18th Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF) 2026, 9th New Delhi Film Festival (NDFF) 2026, JIFF–NDFF Global Cine Confluence (GCC), and the Delhi Film Convention and Summit 2026, jointly organized by the Jaipur International Film Festival Trust from 13 to 15 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam and India International Centre-IIC, New Delhi, India.

The venue came alive with the presence of producers, directors, actors, and actresses from over 40 countries, creating an electrifying and festive atmosphere and reflecting the growing global stature of the event.

International filmmakers representing 21 countries inaugurated the joint festival in a grand and dignified ceremony. Among the prominent international guests were Zainab Malik (Pakistan), Manu Sobral (Brazil), Kenji Sonoda and Har-Co (Japan), Rossella De Venuto (Italy), Caroline Tabah (Canada), Irati Dojura Landa Yagarí (Colombia), Stanley Soh (Singapore), Alireza Nouri (Iran), Hassan Nazer (United Kingdom), Ana Patricia Angulo and Paco Castillo (Panama), and Allyson D. Brown (Liberia). The inauguration also witnessed the presence of distinguished filmmakers from France, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, Bulgaria, Tunisia, Germany, Australia, and India, reflecting the truly global spirit of the festival.

This joint event was inaugurated by international filmmakers from 21 countries. Prominent international filmmakers who participated in the inauguration included Zainab Malik (Pakistan), Manu Sobral (Brazil), Kenji Sonoda and Har-Ko (Japan), Rossella Di Venuto (Italy), Caroline Tabah (Canada), Irati Dozura Landa Yagari (Colombia), Stanley Soh (Singapore), Alireza Noori (Iran), Hassan Nazar (United Kingdom), Ana Patricia Angulo and Paco Castillo (Panama), Alison D. Brown (Liberia), along with eminent filmmakers from France, the UK, Japan, the USA, Bulgaria, Tunisia, Germany and Australia.

Rajasthani Culture as a Special Highlight

The opening ceremony was further enriched by vibrant Rajasthani cultural performances, offering delegates and guests a captivating glimpse into India’s and Rajasthan’s rich folk heritage. Mesmerizing presentations of Welcome Songs And Bhavai Nritya by Rajasthani artists left the audience spellbound and added grandeur to the evening.

Announcement of Global Headquarters in India

During the opening ceremony, JIFF–NDFF–GCC Founder Hanu Roj announced a visionary initiative to establish the Global Headquarters of three international organizations in India, marking a historic step for global cultural leadership. These include:

🌍 Global Heritage Organization (GHO)
🌐 Global Culture Organization (GCO)
🎬 Global Cinema Organization (GCO)
Hanu Roj stated that for decades, the headquarters of most global organizations have been concentrated in the USA and Europe. “It is time for India to lead on the world stage,” he said, adding that India’s unmatched heritage, deep-rooted culture, and vibrant cinema make it the ideal host for these institutions. These global headquarters will enhance India’s cultural soft power and foster a new global cinematic and cultural dialogue rooted in diversity, tradition, and innovation.

The event celebrated outstanding achievements in cinema, honouring selected films and filmmakers from more than 60 countries, chosen from over 600 film entries across diverse categories.

Strong Presence of Indian Cinema

Indian cinema made a remarkable impact at this year’s festival, with “Kadal Kanni (The Mermaid)” and “Bhanu” standing out as the most celebrated films. “Kadal Kanni (The Mermaid)” received the Green Rose Award for a film with a global message and also won the Best Actress Award for Sunaina for her powerful portrayal of Manimeghalai. The film “Bhanu” earned widespread acclaim, with Anushka Chakravarthy winning the Best Actress Award for her portrayal of Kadambari Devi, placing the film among the festival’s top winners.

JIFF 2026 Awards

At JIFF 2026, the Golden Camel Award for Best Director in the Feature Film category was presented to Hasan Nazar from the United Kingdom for his film Without Permission. The Green Rose Award for a film with a global message was awarded to Kadal Kanni (The Mermaid), directed by Dinesh Selvaraj from India. Sunaina received the Best Actress Award for the same film. The Best Supporting Actress Award was conferred upon Kaan Lam Takon for her performance in Kaan Lam Takon, directed by Sara Abidi from Tunisia. Daniela Avramova won the Best Makeup and Hairstyling Award for the Bulgarian film Bet. In the documentary category, the Green Rose Award was presented to In Limbo, directed by Alina Maksimenko from Poland. The First Top Screenplay Award under the International Screenplay Competition (ISC @ JIFF) was awarded to French writer Irina Vysotskaya for On The Edge. The Indian web series The Royals, directed by Priyanka Ghosh and Nupur Asthana, was named Best Web Series. In the Indian Panorama category, the Golden Camel Award for Best Director was presented to Senthil Kumaran Shanmugam for the film Veluppu. Arshia Mahanta won the Best Debut Actress Award for her role in Adi Shakti. Ganga Girls, directed by Prashant Bhatt and Jyoti Jangra, received the Best Short Documentary Award, while The Last Ride, directed by Vijesh Rajan and Yashoda Parthasarathy, won Best Short Film. The Best Upcoming Film Award was presented to Kicking Toward Tomorrow!, directed by Yunbin Ahn from South Korea, and the Best Animation Film Award went to Chyimi, directed by Parthasarathy Mahanta from India.

NDFF 2026 Awards

At NDFF 2026, the Best Short Film Award was presented to Chakri (Pinwheel), directed by Piyush Bhut and Abol Wankhade from India. The Golden Camel Award for Best Director was awarded to Ayananshu Banerjee for the film Bhanu. Anushka Chakravarthy received the Best Actress Award for her role as Kadambari Devi in Bhanu, while Ankit Mazumdar won the Best Actor Award for portraying Bhanusingh (young Rabindranath Tagore) in the same film. The Best Makeup and Hairstyling Award was given to the Portuguese film Maria Vitória, directed by Mario Patrocinio. Sonu Randeep Chaudhary received the Best Debut Director Award for the Rajasthani film Omlo. In the Documentary Feature category, the Golden Camel Award was presented to Marcello Foa for Federico Faggin – The Man Who Saw the Future from Italy.

The Green Rose Award, presented to a film that delivers a powerful global message, along with the Best Costume Design Award, was won by the Pakistani film Jameela, directed by Zainab Malik and Mina Isabella Jafri Malik. Director Zainab Malik was present at the ceremony to receive the honors, marking a proud and celebratory moment for the film and its creative team.

Cinema Beyond Theatre, OTT and the Rise of AI

An open discussion session was also organised under JIFF–NDFF–GCC 2026 on the theme “Beyond Theatre and OTT: Where Is Cinema Headed?”. Filmmakers and industry experts from India, Pakistan, Japan, Brazil, Italy, Canada, Colombia, Iran, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Panama, and Liberia shared their perspectives on the evolving cinematic landscape shaped by digital platforms and artificial intelligence. The speakers collectively emphasised that AI should be seen as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for creativity, reaffirming that human emotion, perspective, and authenticity remain irreplaceable in cinema.

“Bring the Script and Go for Shoot” – Global Filming Dialogue

Another key session titled “Bring the Script and Go for Shoot” focused on international filming opportunities, policies, and incentives. Special presentations highlighted filming facilities offered by the Philippines and the Republic of Ecuador. Experts underlined that while technology continues to evolve, storytelling and human sensitivity remain the soul of cinema.

Special Invite-Only Event on February 15, 2026

A special invite-only programme titled “Global Networking Dialogue & Exclusive Event – Cinema of the Next 10 Years: AI, Technology & the Changing Creative Landscape” will be held on February 15, 2026, at the India International Center. Major announcements including Cinema of the Year, Indian Cinema Awards, and the Indian Cinema Fund will be made during this event.

Global Networking Dialogue & Major Announcements Mark the Final Day of JIFF NDFF GCC 2026

The final day of JIFF NDFF GCC 2026 featured a special Global Networking Dialogue & Exclusive Event centered around the theme “Cinema of the Next 10 Years.” The session focused on AI, emerging technologies, and the rapidly changing creative landscape of global cinema.

Filmmakers, producers, directors, and international delegates engaged in an insightful discussion on how Artificial Intelligence, virtual production, digital platforms, and new technological innovations will reshape storytelling, production processes, distribution systems, and audience engagement over the coming decade.

On this significant occasion, three major initiatives were officially announced:

Cinema of the Year – Indian Cinema Awards and  Indian Cinema Fund

These initiatives aim to recognize outstanding Indian cinema, support emerging talent, and create stronger global opportunities for Indian films. The programs will be launched and organized starting this year.

The closing of JIFF NDFF GCC 2026 concluded on a visionary note, setting a forward-looking creative agenda for the next decade of cinema.