26/04/2026
Official Selection Film Gallery
13th Darbhanga International Film Festival 2026
17 to 19 April 2026
Ingenious English School Darbhanga.
13th Darbhanga International Film Festival Concludes with Grandeur; Bihar’s Cinematic Excellence Shines on the Global Stage
Darbhanga: The cultural heart of Mithila witnessed a historic milestone as the three-day 13th Darbhanga International Film Festival (Darbhanga IFF) 2026 concluded on Sunday, April 19, with a star-studded award ceremony. Organized by the DBG Film Club, the festival marked its 13th anniversary under the theme "Brings Realities By The Reels," successfully positioning Bihar as a prominent hub for international cinema.
A Global Cinematic Confluence
This year’s festival featured a diverse lineup of 77 films from 14 different countries, including Canada, Russia, Bolivia, France, Sweden, and the USA. The screenings, held at Ingenious English School, Lahariasarai, showcased a rich tapestry of stories across various genres such as Feature Films, Documentaries, Animation, and Web Series, spanning languages like Maithili, Hindi, English, Persian, and Russian.
Empowering Local Talent and Intellectual Awareness:
Beyond the silver screen, the festival hosted two significant sub-events that added a unique dimension to the celebration:
1. Yuva Sanskritik Prastuti (Youth Cultural Presentation): This platform was dedicated to representing local talent, regional folk artists, and youth performers. It served as a bridge between traditional Mithila heritage and modern art. The top 5 performers were honored with awards, while all participants received certificates of appreciation.
2. Cinema Quiz Competition: Designed to raise awareness about the Indian Film Industry, this competition engaged the people of Darbhanga and Mithila in a battle of cinematic knowledge. The top 5 winners were awarded for their exceptional understanding of Indian cinema.
Voices from the Leadership
During the closing ceremony, the leadership team shared their vision for the festival’s impact:
Meraj Siddiqui (Festival Director): "Our festival is built on the pillars of integrity and transparency. We are proud to provide a 'corruption-free' environment where talent is recognized solely on merit. This festival has evolved into a trusted global platform that honors the hard work and creative vision of filmmakers worldwide."
Randhir Singh (Principal, Ingenious English School): "Hosting this international event at our campus has been an honor. It has provided our students and the local community with invaluable exposure to global perspectives. We believe that the union of education and cinema is vital for social progress."
Harivansh Chitrgupta (Festival Coordinator): "Representing the entirety of Bihar on an international level was our primary goal. Through the 'Yuva Sanskritik Prastuti,' we have successfully showcased that our regional artists are second to none. We are committed to nurturing this local talent every year."
Farha Yasmin (Associate Director): "The overwhelming participation of 77 films from across the globe proves that Darbhanga is no longer just a city in Bihar, but a destination for world cinema. The diversity in storytelling we witnessed this year was truly breathtaking."
Award Ceremony and Digital Transition:
The festival culminated in a grand Darbhanga IFF Award Ceremony on the evening of April 19, 2026, where filmmakers were honored for their artistic contributions. The selection process followed a rigorous "color-coded" evaluation system to ensure complete fairness.
For those who missed the physical screenings, the organizers announced that an Online Screening phase will take place on April 25, 26, and 27, 2026, on the official website: www.darbhangaiff.in
The Darbhanga Film Club extended its heartfelt gratitude to the donors, audience, and media for making this 13-year journey a resounding success.
Media Contact:
Press Secretariat
13th Darbhanga International Film Festival
9643240349
Website: www.darbhangaiff.in
