Delhi, May 17:The 18th edition of the Habitat Film Festival (HFF) returned 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 presents 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, Odisha and beyond. The festival will honor the golden era of parallel cinema while embracing a new wave of independent, digital-first storytellers.
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.”
The event also featured the Odia film 'Maliput Melodies' by director Vishal Patnaik, which received a tremendous response from the audience.
The event featured a curated showcase of short films and documentaries from Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), a package by the Indian Documentary Producers' Association(IDPA), works nominated by the Film Critics Guild (FCG), and short documentaries by the Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT), bringing forth a rich tapestry of intimate, independent voices and deeply personal narratives.
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.
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.
