2012 is a big year for Indian cinema - its 100th anniversary, in fact. As celebrations take place across the country, it has been announced that Delhi is to host its first ever international film festival this December. The festival will aim to boost the capital's worldwide reputation as a cultural centre, and also to introduce local people to a type of cinema they may never have encountered before.
Although India produces more films than any other nation, most of the action is centered in Mumbai. Delhi has many popular cinemas and hosts some small festivals, but has no dedicated outlet for arthouse cinema. The new festival won't be doing things by halves. Its organisers plan to screen over 150 films and have already secured some high profile contributions, including Michel Hazanavicius' The Artist. There's a short film strand, assorted seminars and workshops are planned, and it will be rounded off with an awards ceremony.
The festival was launched yesterday by director Tigmanshu Dhulia, who expressed his hope that it would provide inspiration for local filmmakers who need to see more varied work in order to enhance what they were doing. Taking place in this auspicious year, it will also be part of the city's celebrations of 100 years as India's capital.
