Dehradun is set to become a vibrant hub of cinema once more as the 11th edition of the Dehradun International Film Festival unfolds from 2 October to 4 October 2026. The event will be hosted at the Silver City Multiplex and Doon University, drawing together veteran filmmakers, seasoned television personalities, and the region’s budding creators.
Star‑Studded Line‑up
The guest list reads like a who's‑who of Indian screen talent. Among the attendees are Mukesh Rishi, Shweta Tripathi, Deepak Parashar, Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan Tejwani, Arjun Firoz Khan, Rajan Modi, Rajesh Tailang, Rajiv S. Ruia, Vijay Seth, Pritam Bhardwaj, Hemant Pandey, Balaji Negi, M.S.K. Badoni, Suman Gaur, Meena Rana, Amit V Kapoor and Mohit Wildiyal. Their presence promises a blend of mentorship, lively dialogue, and on‑stage excitement.
Special Screening for Visually Impaired Students
The opening night on 2 October will feature a heartfelt homage to inclusivity. In collaboration with Saksham Disability, the festival will present Jolly LLB 3 in a specially adapted format for visually impaired students, delivering a fully immersive cinematic experience.
Student Interaction at Doon University
On 3 October the focus shifts to Doon University, where film screenings are paired with interactive workshops. Visiting artists will sit down with students to explore the craft of filmmaking, acting techniques, and the realities of the entertainment business. Parallel talk‑shows at Silver City on 2, 3 and 4 October will further open the floor for audience questions.
Uttarakhand Talent Hunt
A marquee feature of the festival is the Uttarakhand Talent Hunt, inviting aspirants from across the state to showcase their skills in dance, drama, poetry, mimicry and singing. Winners will receive trophies and certificates, and standout performers may be tapped for upcoming projects, linking local ambition with professional opportunities.
Vision Behind the Festival
Organizer Rajesh Sharma stresses that the festival is more than a series of screenings. It aims to create a shared platform where cinema, artists, youth, and regional talent converge. By weaving together celebrity panels, inclusive screenings, and the talent hunt, the event aspires to cement Dehradun’s standing as a premier destination for major film and cultural gatherings while amplifying Uttarakhand’s emerging creative voices.
