The 18th edition of the Habitat Film Festival (HFF) opened on May 15, 2026, at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, to a packed house and an enthusiastic response from audiences, filmmakers, and cinephiles. The festival commenced with the screening of the Malayalam feature film Moham / Desire directed by Fazil Razak, which received immense appreciation for its intense storytelling and emotional depth.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Amit Arya, Vice Chancellor, Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts, in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) K.G. Suresh, Director, India Habitat Centre, along with distinguished members of the film fraternity and cultural community.
The screening received an overwhelming response from viewers, with audiences praising the film’s layered narrative, performances, and hauntingly realistic portrayal of human vulnerability. The opening evening witnessed a huge gathering of cinema lovers, students, filmmakers, critics, and artists, reaffirming the Habitat Film Festival’s position as one of India’s most vibrant and anticipated celebrations of cinema. Several audience members congratulated India Habitat Centre for bringing such a powerful and thought-provoking film to the festival’s opening night.
The inaugural screening was followed by a special tribute screening of Umrao Jaandirected by Muzaffar Ali at 9 PM, celebrating the timeless legacy of legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle. Asha Bhosle won her first National Film Award for the iconic song “Dil Cheez Kya Hai” from the film, making the screening a fitting homage to her extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema and music.
The opening evening also marked the inauguration of a special exhibition at the Convention Centre Foyer in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary and Executive and Academic Head, IGNCA, New Delhi. Showcasing iconic Hindi film posters, vintage brand endorsements by legendary Bollywood stars, and rare archival photographs, the exhibition traces the evolution of India’s cinematic and popular culture from the 1950s onwards, offering visitors a nostalgic and visually rich journey through the country’s film history.
Running from May 15 to 24, 2026, the 18th Habitat Film Festival brings together a diverse showcase of Indian cinema across 20 languages, featuring acclaimed feature films, documentaries, restored classics, and short fiction from 2025–2026. The festival also includes retrospectives, masterclasses, filmmaker interactions, exhibitions, and panel discussions celebrating the many voices of Indian storytelling.
For festival details, visit:
India Habitat Centre Events
