In brief
The Chinese film festival debuted in New Delhi on Oct. 31, marking the first such event in more than ten years. The two‑day program screened about ten Chinese movies, attracting a wide range of Indian audiences and officials who expect the event to strengthen China‑India cultural ties and spark future co‑productions. The festival, co‑hosted by the Chinese embassy, Delhi International Film Festival and National School of Drama, is seen as a bridge between the two nations' film industries.
On Friday, Oct. 31, 2026, a Chinese film festival opened in New Delhi, the first time the capital hosted such an event in more than a decade. The two‑day programme, titled “Two Nations, One Screen”, showed roughly ten Chinese movies to a crowd that included artists, film makers, scholars and ordinary movie fans.
The festival is run jointly by the Chinese embassy and the Delhi International Film Festival, with the National School of Drama lending support. It takes place in the Films Division Auditorium, a venue in the city’s centre that is often used for cultural events.
DIFF President Ram Kishore Parcha said the programme would create “a new bridge encompassing cinema, culture, traditions, and our bilateral relations.”
“It will unlock fresh avenues for co‑productions and artistic exchange between film‑makers from both the nations,” Parcha added.
Officials say the screenings are intended not only to entertain but also to strengthen ties between China and India. They expect the event to open doors for joint film projects and ongoing cultural collaboration.
The audience was broad. In addition to cinema professionals, the festival drew students of the National School of Drama, professors of film studies, government cultural officials, and regular audience members who had not seen Chinese cinema in many years.
For participants, the festival represents a chance to learn about styles, stories and production techniques that differ from local filmmaking traditions. Likewise, Indian creators see the event as a window into new storytelling possibilities and potential partner countries for future projects.
As the programme ends, organizers hope the enthusiasm will carry forward, encouraging producers on both sides to explore projects that blend Chinese and Indian cinematic visions.
