New Delhi, 9th May 2026:
The 18th edition of the Habitat Film Festival (HFF) is set to return with an expansive and compelling showcase of Indian cinema, bringing together 10 days, 20 languages, and the finest films from 2025–2026. Scheduled to be held from May 15 to 24, 2026 at the iconic India Habitat Centre, the festival will continue its legacy as one of the country’s most vibrant platforms for cinematic expression.
This year’s upcoming edition will present a rich tapestry of storytelling from painstakingly restored classics by legendary filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak to bold, contemporary voices emerging from across Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Assam, and beyond. The festival will honor the golden era of parallel cinema while embracing a new wave of independent, digital-first storytellers.
Audiences can look forward to a thoughtfully curated selection of feature films, documentaries, and short fiction, reflecting urgent, real-world narratives alongside deeply introspective cinematic journeys. HFF 2026 will go beyond screenings, offering immersive interactions with filmmakers and actors, making it a dynamic space for dialogue and discovery.
Among the festival’s most captivating highlights will be a curated showcase of restored, award-winning classics, including Umrao Jaan, a luminous tribute to the timeless voice of Asha Bhosle; the festival will also celebrate the enduring legacy of legends Dharmendra and Asrani with a screening of the beloved classic Chupke Chupke, inviting audiences to relive its charm and brilliance.
A special retrospective pays a resplendent tribute to the enduring legacy of Ritwik Ghatak, bringing together four of his most seminal masterpieces Meghe Dhaka Tara, Komal Gandhar, Subarnarekha, and Jukti Takko Aar Gappo inviting audiences into his deeply poetic, hauntingly evocative world of cinema. The contemporary lineup will also feature notable films such as Moham, Tighee, The Elysian Field, and Vanya, spotlighting fresh narratives and diverse cinematic voices.
Prof. (Dr.) KG Suresh, Director, India Habitat Centre states,“As we welcome the 18th edition of the Habitat Film Festival, we celebrate not just cinema, but the many voices, visions, and stories that define India’s cultural soul. HFF continues to be a space where timeless classics meet bold new narratives, inspiring dialogue, reflection, and a deeper appreciation of the art of storytelling.”
HFF 2026 will also present a specially curated short film package by the Indian Documentary Producers’ Association(IDPA), featuring critically acclaimed works nominated by the Film Critics Guild (FCG). The selection includes Tumhari Baari Jo, Khooh Wala Ghar, and Roses Are, among others, films celebrated for their bold storytelling and recognised at the Critics’ Choice Awards 2026. Complementing this showcase is a thoughtfully assembled slate of short documentaries by the Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT), bringing forth a rich tapestry of intimate, independent voices and deeply personal narratives.
The event will feature a curated showcase of short films and documentaries from Film and Television Institute of India, alongside engaging conversations and masterclasses with distinguished voices from the world of cinema and animation. Two-time National Award-winning filmmaker Kamakhya Narayan Singh will lead a masterclass titled From Research to Reel: Crafting Feature Film Stories. The programme will also feature an insightful conversation between acclaimed animation filmmaker and curator Dhvani Desai and film critic and journalist Murtaza Ali Khan on Animation Storytelling: India vis-à-vis the World. A special exhibition showcases iconic Hindi film posters from the 1950s onwards, along with rare vintage advertising posters and brand endorsements featuring legendary film personalities from different eras.
More than a festival, HFF unfolds as a vibrant cultural movement, an ever-evolving ecosystem where cinema does not merely mirror the present but actively imagines and shapes the future. It stands as an unmissable annual confluence for students, critics, filmmakers, and devoted cinephiles, all drawn together in a shared pursuit of meaningful dialogue with the rich and ever-unfolding tapestry of India’s cinematic landscape.
About: The 18th Habitat Film Festival from May 15 to 24, brings together a handpicked selection of feature films, documentaries, and shorts from 2025–2026. Screenings are paired with conversations with filmmakers, alongside retrospectives, workshops, a book discussion, and an exhibition. Built for collective viewing and shared discovery, HFF remains a cherished annual stop for directors, critics, students, and anyone who loves cinema that thinks aloud. For more info, visit: https://indiahabitat.org/Events
