Dhaka Gears Up for Cinematic Carnival: 267 Films from 91 Countries Set for January Festival

As 2026 dawns, the capital of Bangladesh is preparing for an extraordinary celebration of global cinema. The upcoming 24th Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF 2026) will showcase 267 films from 91 countries, which is the largest lineup in the festival’s more than three-decade history. This year’s edition promises not just a showcase of movies, but a cultural exchange, creative dialogue, and renewed hope for Bangladeshi filmmakers.

Why DIFF 2026 Matters More Than Ever

DIFF has long been a beacon for thoughtful, artistic cinema that transcends national boundaries. But the 2026 edition stands out, the scale, the diversity, and the ambition have all been ramped up. That makes this festival not just a film event, but a symbol of Dhaka’s growing importance on the global cultural map.

• Unprecedented Volume & Diversity: 267 films from 91 countries. Even for experienced cinephiles, that’s a banquet.
• Strong Local Participation: For the first time in years, a significant number of Bangladeshi productions have secured slots, a sign that local cinema is gaining momentum.
• Creative Dialogue & Learning: The festival isn’t just about watching, it will feature masterclasses, screenplay labs, and an international Women in Cinema conference, offering real opportunities for young filmmakers to learn from seasoned global colleagues.

With this festival, Dhaka is positioning itself as a global crossroads of storytelling, artistry, and cinematic culture.

What’s on Offer: Films, Forums & Festivals

Nine Curated Sections Covering Varied Cinema

DIFF 2026 will divide its selection across nine thoughtfully curated sections, ensuring a wide spectrum of cinematic styles and themes:

• Asian Cinema
• Bangladesh Panorama
• Women Filmmakers
• Spiritual Films
• Short & Independent Films
• World Cinema
• Retrospective (classic gems)
• Wide Angle (documentaries, experimental works)
• Children’s Cinema

This structure means whether you’re passionate about hard-hitting social cinema, experimental visual art, documentary realism, or feel-good children’s films, DIFF has something for you.

A Boost for Bangladeshi Filmmakers

Eight local films have made it to the “Bangladesh Panorama.” Titles like Japita Jiban, Naya Manush, The Story of a Rock, and Ural mark a strong homegrown presence.

For many Bangladeshi directors, writers, and actors, it’s a rare opportunity to showcase their work among global competitors and get international attention.

More Than Movies — Events to Inspire

DIFF 2026 isn’t just film screenings. It includes:

• A Women in Cinema Conference, spotlighting female voices and gender dynamics in film.
• A “West Meets East” Screenplay Lab, bringing together writers from Asia and beyond to collaborate and learn.
• Masterclasses by global directors and industry experts, open to emerging filmmakers, students, and cinephiles.
• A curated Painting Exhibition, bridging visual arts and cinema, opening before the festival begins.

This holistic setup transforms DIFF from a film festival into a multi-disciplinary cultural event.

Where the Festival Comes Alive: Venues Across Dhaka & Universities

DIFF 2026 will transform Dhaka into a cinematic city. Screenings and events will be held across reputed cultural and academic venues:

• Bangladesh National Museum Auditorium
• Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy
• Alliance Française de Dhaka
• Leading universities like Stamford University Bangladesh and Jahangirnagar University

This geographical spread from museums to universities ensures that the festival reaches a diverse audience: culture-lovers, students, academics, and casual viewers alike.

Spotlight on Themes: Art, Identity, and Social Reflection

Cinema as Reflection of Society

With categories like “Women Filmmakers,” “Spiritual Films,” and “Wide Angle,” DIFF 2026 puts no boundaries on the kinds of stories it wants to tell. Whether highlighting underrepresented voices, exploring personal identity, or documenting pressing social issues, the festival encourages cinema that makes people think, question, and feel.

Bridging Global & Local

By combining international cinema with strong Bangladeshi representation, DIFF offers a rare exchange: global perspectives enriching local storytelling, and local stories reaching international viewers. For Bangladesh’s film community actors, directors, writers, and critics, this is a moment of growth, exchange, and opportunity.

Why This Matters for Dhaka and Bangladesh

Cultural Diplomacy & International Recognition

Hosting 267 films from 91 countries signals that Dhaka is ready to take its place on the global cultural stage. Festivals like DIFF build bridges between countries, artists, and audiences. They promote cultural diplomacy, showcase local talent, and bring international attention to Bangladesh’s creative potential.

Inspiration for Young Creators

For young filmmakers, students, writers, and artists in Bangladesh, DIFF 2026 can be a source of mentorship, inspiration, and learning. Masterclasses and screenplay labs especially open doors to new ideas, new collaborators, and global standards.

Reviving Artistic Integrity Over Commercial Obsession

In a world dominated by commercial blockbusters, DIFF acts as a reminder that cinema can be thoughtful  art that reflects society, provokes conversation, and transcends profit motives. The festival’s commitment to socially conscious, artistically rich films underscores the importance of cinema beyond box-office numbers.

What to Know Ahead of the Festival

• Dates: January 10–18, 2026
• Diversity: 267 films, 91 countries, the biggest line-up yet
• Local Hope: Strong Bangladeshi entries in the Bangladesh Panorama section
• Extended Program: Masterclasses, screenplay lab, art exhibitions, Women in Cinema conference
• Venue Spread: Film halls, cultural spaces, universities across Dhaka — making the festival accessible to many.

Final Thoughts: Dhaka’s Moment on the Global Film Map

With DIFF 2026, Dhaka is not just playing host, it is setting the stage. The city will transform into a melting pot of cultures, languages, and cinematic visions. For Bangladesh, it’s an opportunity to project its artistic identity, nurture its creative talents, and reimagine the power of cinema in shaping society.

This festival is more than a celebration, it’s a statement. A statement that Bangladesh is ready to engage with the world through art, storytelling, and meaningful cinema.

For cinephiles, students, artists, and every curious citizen, DIFF 2026 isn’t just a film festival. It’s an invitation: to see, to think, to connect, and to dream.