Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival

Jun 7

4 min read

1922

Celebrating the Legacy of Indian Cinema

Introduction

In a country where cinema is more than just entertainment—it’s a cultural movement—the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) stands as a prestigious platform honouring the legacy of Indian cinema. Named after the Father of Indian Cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke, the festival is dedicated to recognizing excellence in cinematic artistry while promoting India’s rich cultural heritage on a global stage.

Founded as an independent initiative, DPIFF has become one of the most recognized and respected film festivals in the country, supported by various government bodies and cultural institutions. Today, it’s not just a film festival—it’s a celebration of storytelling, creativity, innovation, and national pride.

Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival - DPIFF Logo

Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival - DPIFF Trophy

The Vision Behind DPIFF

DPIFF was created with the aim to:

Honour the memory and contributions of Dadasaheb Phalke, who made India's first full-length feature film Raja Harishchandra in 1913.
Celebrate outstanding cinematic achievements across formats—feature films, short films, documentaries, and web series.
Foster cultural integration through cinema by connecting artists, filmmakers, and audiences across states and countries.
Encourage young and emerging filmmakers by providing them with a credible platform to showcase their talent.
Align with national missions such as Viksit Bharat @2047, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, and Digital India through cinema-driven initiatives.

What Makes DPIFF Unique?

1. Government Endorsement

DPIFF is officially supported by government ministries and bodies such as:

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Tourism
Incredible India

This endorsement validates the festival’s credibility and reinforces its alignment with India’s national cultural policy.

2. Pan-India Representation

The festival receives submissions from every state and union territory, making it one of the few platforms that genuinely represent the diverse cinematic voices of India.

3. Global Recognition

DPIFF has been listed among the Top 10 International Film Festivals in the World, with over 115+ countries participating in recent editions. The festival's footprint continues to grow, with international delegations, ambassadors, and collaborations.

4. Inclusivity

DPIFF prides itself on being democratic and inclusive, recognizing both established industry leaders and first-time filmmakers with equal enthusiasm. Categories span across language, format, and scale, ensuring no voice is left unheard.

Award Categories

DPIFF features a wide range of competitive and honorary categories, including:

BEST FILM

BEST ACTOR

BEST ACTRESS

CRITICS BEST FILM

CRITICS BEST ACTOR

CRITICS BEST ACTRESS

BEST DIRECTOR

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

BEST ACTOR IN A NEGATIVE ROLE

BEST ACTRESS IN A NEGATIVE ROLE

BEST ACTOR IN A COMIC ROLE

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMIC ROLE

MOST VERSATILE ACTOR

MOST VERSATILE ACTRESS

MOST PROMISING ACTOR

MOST PROMISING ACTRESS

FILM OF THE YEAR

BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

BEST WEB SERIES

BEST ACTOR IN A WEB SERIES

BEST ACTRESS IN A WEB SERIES

CRITICS BEST WEB SERIES

CRITICS BEST ACTOR IN A WEB SERIES

CRITICS BEST ACTRESS IN A WEB SERIES

BEST SHORT FILM

BEST MUSIC DIRECTOR

BEST PLAYBACK SINGER - MALE

BEST PLAYBACK SINGER - FEMALE

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION IN MUSIC INDUSTRY

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION IN FILM INDUSTRY

TELEVISION SERIES OF THE YEAR

BEST ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES

BEST ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION IN GLOBAL CINEMA

BEST ACTOR IN AN INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

BEST ACTRESS IN AN INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Each award is selected through a rigorous jury review process, composed of esteemed figures from the fields of cinema, literature, journalism, and academia.

Social Impact Initiatives

Beyond entertainment, DPIFF takes responsibility for contributing to social change:

Go Green Campaign in partnership with the Indian Army for environmental sustainability
Cinema for a Cause to address themes like education, gender equality, and mental health
Workshops and Panel Discussions on filmmaking, digital distribution, women in cinema, and more
Youth Engagement Programs in schools and colleges to introduce students to the world of cinema and storytelling

DPIFF Short Film Release Program

One of the festival’s standout innovations is the Short Film Release Program, aimed at providing digital release and marketing support to independent filmmakers. The program enhances visibility, audience reach, and monetization opportunities for creators who are often overlooked in mainstream cinema circuits.

Recognitions and Milestones

Featured in Forbes, Times Now, NDTV, and major international media.
Messages and acknowledgments from Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Ministers, and Cabinet Ministers.
Associations with iconic brands such as State Bank of India, Adani Group, Senco Gold & Diamonds, and Incredible India.
Broadcast and digital presence in 100+ countries, making DPIFF one of India's most globally recognized film festivals.

What's Next for DPIFF?

DPIFF continues to evolve with several exciting new initiatives in the pipeline:

Cinema Tourism Campaigns with state governments to promote tourism through cinema.
DPIFF Global Film Forum – A collaborative platform for filmmakers, distributors, and investors.
Filmmaking Scholarships and Grants for aspiring talent from underrepresented regions.

Final Thoughts

Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival is not just a ceremony—it is a movement. It honors the past, celebrates the present, and nurtures the future of Indian and global cinema. Whether you're a filmmaker, cinephile, or someone passionate about culture, DPIFF offers something meaningful to engage with.