Delhi Shines at European Film Market in Berlin

By Pickle February 16, 2026

From Chandni Chowk to Connaught Place, Delhi invites the world to shoot amidst its timeless scenery and modern flair.

Delhi took centre stage at the prestigious European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin this week, highlighting its rapidly evolving film facilitation framework and vibrant tourism ecosystem to an international audience of producers, studios, and industry stakeholders. Backed by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, Delhi’s presentation at Bharat Parv underscored the capital’s ambition to become a film-friendly global city.

The Delhi delegation, led by Kapil Mishra, Minister of Tourism and Art & Culture, alongside top officials from Delhi Tourism Cell and showcased Delhi’s unique blend of heritage, culture, and modern infrastructure. Their message was clear: Delhi is ready to welcome filmmakers with open arms and world-class support.

Delhi promoted the inaugural International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) at Berlinale and EFM, building global visibility ahead of its launch at Bharat Mandapam from March 25-31.

Film-Friendly Framework: E-Film Clearance and Exquisite Locales

At the heart of Delhi’s presentation was its reinvigorated film facilitation framework, designed to make shooting in the city easier than ever. A key highlight was the city’s robust Delhi Film Policy and the innovative “E-Film Clearance” system, designed to make shooting in Delhi fast, efficient, and filmmaker-centric. This single-window online portal allows for:

Quick and easy clearance for film shoots
A common application form
Seamless coordination across all nodal agencies
Time-bound approvals
24×7 accessibility for both Indian and international filmmakers

Delhi’s heritage-rich locales—ranging from historic monuments and bustling markets to verdant gardens and iconic government buildings—were showcased as “exquisite shooting locales.” The capital offers filmmakers a vibrant palette, blending Mughal-era grandeur with modern urban backdrops, making it an unmatched destination for cinematic storytelling.

With a strong focus on ease-of-doing-business, Delhi aims to become the preferred destination for filmmakers seeking diverse locations—from iconic heritage monuments and bustling markets to contemporary convention centres and lush gardens.

“Delhi is committed to creating a film-friendly environment that matches the best in the world,” said Kapil Mishra, Minister of Tourism and Art & Culture. “We are leveraging our city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and modern infrastructure, supported by proactive policies and institutional coordination, to make Delhi a top choice for large-scale film projects.”

Special Incentives and the Delhi Film Fund

Delhi is also rolling out special incentives for filmmakers, including financial support through the Delhi Film Fund. These incentives are aimed at encouraging productions that highlight the city’s heritage, culture, and dynamic spirit, further cementing Delhi’s status as a world-class film destination.

Boosting Film Tourism and Industry Networks

Tourism remains a major pillar in this strategy. In 2024 alone, Delhi welcomed more than 46 million domestic tourists, with tourism contributing nearly 5% to the city’s GDP. The city’s tourism leadership, represented at the Berlin event, positioned Delhi’s robust hospitality sector, accessibility, and support infrastructure as a natural fit for film tourism—a trend gaining traction worldwide.

“The government’s approach is holistic—supporting not just film shoots, but the entire ecosystem that surrounds them,” said Suneel Anchipaka, Managing Director and CEO, Delhi Tourism.

“With the single-window clearance and time-bound approvals, filmmakers can spend less time on paperwork and more time creating magic on screen.”

International Film Festival of Delhi Returns in March

Adding to the excitement, officials announced that the International Film Festival of Delhi will be held from March 25-31. This growing event is set to attract filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the globe, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and offering valuable exposure and networking opportunities for emerging talent.

A Step Forward on the Global Stage

Delhi’s presence at EFM Berlin marks a significant leap in advancing film tourism, expanding international collaborations, and positioning India’s capital as a dynamic hub for cinema. With streamlined facilitation, spectacular locales, and a growing festival circuit, Delhi is set to script a new chapter in its cinematic journey.