Speech of Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi at the International Film Festival of Delhi 2026.

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  • Distinguished guests, 

  • Esteemed members of the film fraternity, 

  • Respected dignitaries, 

  • Members of the embassies, and;

  • Lovers of cinema.

 

It gives me immense pleasure to join you today at the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of Delhi 2026.

 

02.    At the outset, I extend my sincere congratulations to the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Prasar Bharati, and all other partners for curating and delivering a festival of such remarkable scale, diversity, and excellence.

 

03.    Indeed, the Government that has done commendable job by bringing to Delhi, an International Film Festival of its own.  For people like me and millions of others in Delhi, the transfer of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to Goa in 2004, was a major loss.  As a student in Delhi, I and many others like me, will always cherish the opportunity that the IFFI provided us in various theatres of Delhi, watching the best of Indian and World Cinema.     

 

04.    Despite Cinema, the world over, as also in India have been undergone 

Immense transformation during the past two decades, the celluloid’s emotional impact remains the same.  In this context, I am reminded of, the renowned singer, Satinder Sartaaj’s couplet in the blockbuster Dhurandhar-2, that has stuck a chord far beyond the film.

 

“Saanu Saariyan Visar Gaiyan Rahban, 

Ve Khede Paase Jaiye Sajjna”

 

Over the past few days, Delhi has witnessed an extraordinary celebration of cinema. With participation marked by over 2,000 film submissions, from more than 100 countries, IFFD has emerged as a truly global platform; bringing together stories, perspectives, and voices from across the world.

 

05.    From engaging screenings and thought-provoking panel discussions to enriching master-classes and industry interactions, the festival has fostered dialogue, collaboration, and creative inspiration.

 

06.    What is particularly encouraging is the strong participation of young filmmakers and emerging creators, reflecting the democratization of storytelling in today’s digital era.

 

07.    Delhi today stands at an important crossroads.  While it continues to be the political capital of India, it is steadily evolving into a capital - where heritage, culture, and innovation converge.

 

08.    Our city’s unique blend of history, diversity, and modern infrastructure positions it to become a preferred destination for content creation.

 

09.    In this context, it is important to reflect on the growing global relevance of the Orange Economy.

 

10.    The Orange Economy is now increasingly recognized as a powerful engine of economic growth, employment generation, and soft power.

 

11.    Cinema, digital media, broadcasting, performing arts, and design are no longer confined to cultural expression alone; they are now strategic sectors contributing to national development and global influence.

 

12.    India, with its rich cultural heritage and vast creative talent, is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation.

 

13.    The recent Union Budget 2026, presented by the Hon’ble Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has further reinforced this vision.

 

The Budget underscored the importance of:

  • Strengthening the creative and digital content ecosystem

  • Supporting emerging sectors such as animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics (AVGC)

  • Enabling skill development and global market access for creative professionals

  • Positioning India as a global hub for content creation and creative industries

 

14.    These policy directions provide a strong foundation for cities like Delhi to emerge as leaders in this space.

 

15.    In alignment with the vision, Delhi is undertaking several forward-looking initiatives to build a robust ecosystem revolving around media and entertainment sector.

 

16.    We are also working towards establishing a satellite centre of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Delhi.

 

17.    This initiative will play a pivotal role in developing skilled talent in animation, VFX, gaming, and digital media, while fostering stronger industry-academia collaboration.

 

18.    The objective is clear - to make Delhi not just a location, but a partner in storytelling and a hub for cinematic excellence.

 

19.    Film festivals such as IFFD play a critical role in this journey. They serve as platforms that connect culture with commerce, with industry, and local talent with global opportunities.

 

20.    They also contribute significantly to tourism, city branding, and economic activity, while strengthening India’s soft power on the global stage.

 

21.    As we conclude this edition of the International Film Festival of Delhi in today’s Night of Honour - we must carry forward the energy and momentum generated here.

Our collective effort must be to:

  • Build world-class media and entertainment infrastructure

  • Encourage public-private partnerships

  • Support emerging talent and independent creators

  • Foster an ecosystem that is inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive

 

22.    I once again congratulate all the award winners, participants, organizers, and partners for making this festival a grand success.

 

23.    I am confident that in the years ahead, the International Film Festival of Delhi will grow into one of the most prestigious and influential cultural platforms in the world.

 

24.    Let this be not just a conclusion, but the beginning of many more stories, collaborations, and journeys together.

 

Thank you. See you all at IFFD 2027!

 

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